Forms of Address for Different Noble Ranks Explained

Knowing the proper forms of address for nobility is an elegant social skill. This guide covers the traditional ways to address each noble rank in both speech and writing.

Duke and Duchess

First Address: "Your Grace"

Subsequent: "Duke" or "Duchess"

Written: "His Grace, The Duke of [Territory]"

Letter Opening: "My Lord Duke" or "Your Grace"

Earl and Countess

First Address: "My Lord" or "My Lady"

Subsequent: "Lord [Surname]" or "Lady [Surname]"

Written: "The Right Honourable The Earl of [Territory]"

Letter Opening: "My Lord"

Viscount and Viscountess

First Address: "My Lord" or "My Lady"

Subsequent: "Lord [Surname]" or "Lady [Surname]"

Written: "The Right Honourable The Viscount [Surname]"

Letter Opening: "My Lord"

Baron and Baroness

First Address: "My Lord" or "My Lady"

Subsequent: "Lord [Surname]" or "Lady [Surname]"

Written: "The Right Honourable The Lord [Surname]"

Letter Opening: "My Lord"

Learn Your Address

Choose your title and discover how others will address you.