These definitions are based on how the terms are used in today’s monarchies, especially in Europe. Some of these terms have slightly different meanings in historical, or non-royal contexts or in monarchies outside to Europe.
A
Abdication
The formal act of stepping down as Monarch, and giving up the throne. (See renounced for giving up one’s place in the line of succession.)
Amir
Link to Emir
B
Baron/ess
The lowest rank of nobility.
Baroness is usually only used by female holders. The Wife of a Baron is
C
Consort
The spouse of a monarch. A wife of a King is usually the Queen Consort, while the husband of a Queen is usually a Prince Consort.
Count/ess
A title of nobility, generally of middle rank used in several European Monarchies. The title is equal to the British title, Earl.
Countess is the female version of both Count and Earl. Countess is is used by both female title holders and spouses of.
Crown Prince/ss
One of the terms used to denote the heir apparent to the throne. Alternatively, some monarchies will use Hereditary Prince/ss, which means the same thing.
A wife of Crown Prince is often styled as Crown Princess. A husband of a Crown Princess is usually styled as “Prince.”
Photo: Linda Broström/kungahuset
Some Monarchies don’t use this term, instead, they have a specific title that denotes the heir apparent:
- Duke/Duchess of Cornwall (England and Wales)
- Duke/Duchess of Rothesay (Scotland)
- Prince/ss of Asturias (Spain)
- Prince/ss of Orange (Netherlands)
- etc.
D
Dame
Dame is a style used by a woman who has been given certain knighthoods. And is also used by a woman who holds a Baroness in her own right. It is the female equivalent of “Sir.”
The “Dame” honorific style is mainly used the United Kingdom. In the UK, women are give the style Dame if you are appointed to the rank of “Dame Grand Cross” or “Dame Commander” of one of the following orders:
- Order of Bath
- St Michael and St George
- Royal Victorian
- British Empire
(Clergy and foreign nationals may receive a knighthood, but are not allowed to use the style “Sir” or “Dame.”)
Deposed
Removed from office suddenly and forcefully.
Diet
A term used by some legislative assemblies. For example:
- Japan’s parliamentary assembly is called the National Diet.
- Sweden’s parliament Riksdag, translates as “Diet of the Realm”
Dowager
A widow who retains a title from their deceased spouse. The “word” Dowager is added to title to make clear she is not the spouse of the current title holder.
Historically, this is a woman, whose title comes from her former husband.
Duke
The highest title of peerage/nobility.
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