I recall someone--back when I was first in the fandom--pointing out that "your excellency" is mostly used these days for diplomats. I do know that all Dukes address the royal family as cousin, but IIRC, an Earl is the highest rank short of the King, and is above Duke.
Hrm, I think it goes (at least in mainland european countries):
baronet -- commoner given title, not land, addressed as 'sir' baron - lowest titled gentry, addressed as 'my lord' viscount - addressed as 'your excellency' count - addressed as 'your excellency' marquis - addressed as... I dunno. something. duke - your grace earl - ? those related to king - your highness king - your majesty
Crap, how do I know even a smidgen of this when I'm a born & bred American? *laughs*
no subject
Date: 18 Apr 2005 04:18 am (UTC)Hrm, I think it goes (at least in mainland european countries):
baronet -- commoner given title, not land, addressed as 'sir'
baron - lowest titled gentry, addressed as 'my lord'
viscount - addressed as 'your excellency'
count - addressed as 'your excellency'
marquis - addressed as... I dunno. something.
duke - your grace
earl - ?
those related to king - your highness
king - your majesty
Crap, how do I know even a smidgen of this when I'm a born & bred American? *laughs*