As sovereign of Madagascar, Ranavalona III became a pawn in the endgame of the maneuvering that had been taking place between the British and French since the beginning of the century.
Sebagai penguasa Madagaskar, Ranavalona III menjadi pion dalam persaingan antara Britania Raya dan Prancis yang telah berlangsung semenjak awal abad ke-19.