Were most Western kings and queens from the middle ages and the renaissance considered benevolent towards their people, or were they typically more self interest driven (Machiavellian)?

by PM_ME_SASS_AND_ZITS

With my limited knowledge, they almost seem ambivalent as a whole- not evil, but also not altruistic.

I'm sure that there's someone here with more knowledge about this.

goingtocalifornia_

Follow up: Was there a notable difference between the perceived benevolence of the monarchs from France and Britain compared to the rulers of Eastern Europe?