What was the name of Cleopatra's older sister who ruled Egypt before her?

Cleopatra’s older sister who ruled Egypt before her was Berenice IV.

Berenice IV became ruler when her father, Ptolemy XII Auletes, was forced into exile in Rome after political unrest in Alexandria. She reigned from 58 to 55 BC, several years before Cleopatra VII returned to Egypt’s throne. Berenice was not merely a ceremonial figure: she acted as queen and pharaoh during a period of severe financial and political instability.

At first, Berenice shared power with a queen called Cleopatra Tryphaena, whose identity remains debated. Some historians identify that co-ruler as Cleopatra V, their mother; others treat her as Cleopatra VI, a separate older sister. After this co-regency, Berenice ruled alone and arranged royal marriages, including one to Archelaus of Comana.

Ptolemy XII eventually returned in 55 BC with Roman military support led by Aulus Gabinius. He defeated Berenice and had her executed. After reclaiming the throne, he named Cleopatra VII and Ptolemy XIII as his successors, setting the stage for Cleopatra’s later conflicts with Rome and her brother.