Royal Titles & Forms of Address

how to address royaltyRoyalty & Forms of Address (Click to enlarge)
Which is higher, Count or Duke? Is it “Your Highness” or “Your Majesty”? What’s the difference between a King, Emir, Sultan, or Emperor? Read on…
 
I sometimes get emails asking these questions. I made a royal fool of myself, literally, when I first started working in the UHNW arena. I once asked someone what "HRH" meant because it was printed on a business card that was handed to me. The answer, he said with a grimace, “His Royal Highness.” I almost fainted from embarrassment. 
 
I am, by no means, an expert on this subject. There are literally hundreds of royal titles, and customs vary by country. Here is a basic breakdown:

Changes to British Royal Titles 

VIDEO: A Breakdown of the British Royal Family Tree

Royal Titles in Europe

European Ranking (Truncated)

  • King/Queen
  • Prince/Princess
  • Duke/Duchess
  • Count/Countess
  • Baron/Baroness
  • Knight – Lady – Dame – Lord
  • Lord of the Manor

Middle Eastern Royal Titles

The Middle East (Highest title)

 
Another very common title in the Middle East is Sheikh or Shaikh (pronounced shake)

Asian Royal Titles

Asia (Highest title)

  • Cambodia: King
  • Japan: Emperor

How to address nobility and royalty 

There is a bit of confusion when it comes to addressing nobility and royalty. Here are just some of the ways:
  • Your Majesty 
  • Your Royal Highness 
  • Your Grace 
  • His/Her Excellency

Addressing Nobility & Royalty in Europe

For a complete breakdown on these forms of address in Europe, visit Nobility Titles.

Addressing Nobility & Royalty around the World

For a complete breakdown on these forms of address worldwide, visit the Micronations Wiki. 

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