Nobility of the Kingdom of Kirkland
The Nobility of Kirkland are those who have been awarded titles by the Emperor. The Nobility also has the sole right to elect the Parliament. The Nobility is arranged in a hierarchy.
Hierarchy of Nobles
Nobles are organized into a hierarchy based on their title. Since most nobles hold more than one title the title that they hold that is highest in the order is considered their official position. The hierarchy is as follows:
- Emperor/Empress
- King/Queen
- Prince/Empress Consort
- Prince/Princess
- Grand Duke/Duchess
- Duke/Duchess
- Marquess/Marchioness
- Earl/Countess
- Viscount/Viscountess
- Hereditary Baron/Baroness
- Life Baron/Baroness
- Knight
Emperor/Empress
The Emperor (or Empress whichever is officially ruling) is the highest rank in Kirkish peerage. The Emperor/Empress is the sovereign of Kirkland. In the event that there is both a Emperor and Empress, the Emperor always takes precedence over the Empress in taking over the official title of Sovereign of Kirkland.
Forms of Address
- His/Her Imperial & Most Serene Majesty
- His/Her Majesty
- Emperor/Empress
King/Queen
The King or Queen is simply an historical title. After the granting of the title of Emperor to Emperor Brayden I the title of King was no long the highest office in Kirkland. The title was retained for ceremonial and historical purposes but has ceased to be used as a practical title. The current Emperor and/or Empress retains the title of King and/or Queen simply for ceremonial purposes.
Forms of Address
- His/Her Royal & Most Serene Majesty
- His/Her Majesty
- King/Queen
Prince/Empress Consort
The Prince or Empress Consort are the consort, otherwise known as husband or wife, of the Sovereign. This person is not on the same level as the Sovereign since they do not hold the high title of Emperor or Empress.
An instance where this is most commonly used is during the rule of an Empress. The Empress' husband, out of respect of the lofty position the Empress holds, does not take the full title of Emperor, thereby denying their dominance in the relationship both legally and practically. This in effect ensures that all throughout the nation understand that the Empress is the Sovereign and their husband is not in charge.
This title, while recognised, is not an official part of the noble hierarchy.
Forms of Address
- His/Her Imperial Majesty
- His/Her Majesty
- Prince/Empress Consort
Prince/Princess
A Prince of Princess is second in rank in Kirkland. A Prince or Princess must be a member of the Kirkish royal family and can trace their ancestry to King Brayden I.
Princes and Princess are divided into two groups, Prince/Princess Imperial and Prince/Princess Royal. A Prince or Princess Imperial is a child of the current sovereign and thus in at the highest part of the royal succession. A Prince or Princess Royal is a member of the royal family but is not in the direct line of succession (example: the brother of the current Monarch and his children would be Princes and Princess Royal).
Forms of Address
- His/Her Royal Highness (for Princes and Princesses Imperial)
- His/Her Highness (for Princes and Princesses Royal
- Prince/Princess
Grand Duke/Duchess
A Grand Duke or Duchess is third in rank in Kirkish peerage. A Grand Duke rules over a Grand Duchy which is the primary internal division of territory in Kirkland and contains many duchies, counties, and baronies.
Forms of Address
- His/Her Grace
- Grand Duke/Duchess
Duke/Duchess
Dukes and Duchesses are fourth in rank in Kirkland. Dukes rule over a Duchy which contains counties and baronies. This places a Duke directly above a Earl or Baron in a master-vassal relationship.
- His/Her Grace
- Duke/Duchess
Marquess/Marchioness
Marquess and Marchioness are fifth in rank in Kirkish Nobility. Like a Grand Duke a Marquess is mostly a symbolic title. It is a title given only to children of Grand Dukes/Duchesses or Dukes/Duchesses.
Forms of Address
- The Most Honorable
- Lordship/Ladyship
- Marquess/Marchioness
Earl/Countess
An Earl and Countess is sixth in rank of Kirkish Nobility. Earls rule over counties and are subjects to Dukes.
Forms of Address
- The Right Honorable
- Lordship/Ladyship
- Earl/Countess
Viscount/Viscountess
Viscounts and Viscountesses are seventh in rank. Viscounts are only the children of Earls or Countesses and as such is simply a temporary title.
Forms of Address
- The Right Honorable
- Lordship/Ladyship
- Viscount/Viscountess
Hereditary Baron/Baroness
Hereditary Barons and Baronesses are eighth in rank in Kirkish peerage. Hereditary Barons control a barony and is a subject to an Earl.
Forms of Address
- The Right Honorable
- Lordship/Ladyship
- Baron/Baroness
Life Baron/Baroness
Life Barons and Baronesses are ninth in rank in Kirkish Peerage. Life Barons rule over no land. Life Barons are also one of only two ranks in Kirkish peerage that is not hereditary. This title is usually given to citizens who perform extraordinary acts for Kirkland.
Forms of Address
- The Much Honoured
- Lordship/Ladyship
Knights
Knights are lowest in rank in Kirkish peerage. Knights are citizens who perform some brave act, contribute significantly to Kirkish culture, or have offered extensive time in service to the Kirkish government or Monarchy. There are many Knightly Orders to which a Knight may belong. These orders are in a hierarchy based on certain criteria as assigned by the King.
Forms of Address
- Sir/Dame