Nefertari was the wife of Ramesses II and is sometimes called Nefertari-Mery-Mut. She is shown on a stela that dates to the first years of Ramesses reign. It is believed that she was the daughter of Bakenkhons who was a prominent official. She held the position of great wife or consort. The mayor of Thebes at that time was her brother, Amenmose. She had two sons, Prince Prehirwonmef and Prince Amonhirwonmef. Princess Mertatum and Princess Merytamon were her daughters.

Her tomb that was found in the Valley of the Queens, is one of the most beautiful and largest ever found. There was a temple built at Abu Simbel that was dedicated to both Nefertari and to the goddess Hathor. She disappeared from any further mention after the dedication of the temple. It is not known whether she died or retired to the harem complex at Fayoum.