How to address Lords, Ladies, Doctors and more – Your guide to proper etiquette

Have you ever wondered how to properly address a British lord, lady, or even a Right Honourable? Perhaps you’ve been invited to an exclusive event or need to send a formal thank-you note. As someone who is a little obsessed with etiquette and good old English manners, I believe that understanding the proper forms of address is part of what makes letter-writing so charming.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to address envelopes and start letters for titled individuals. Whether you’re writing to a member of the aristocracy, a military officer, or a doctor, you’ll be perfectly prepared to impress with your  correspondence.

Lords and Ladies – Traditional forms of address

When addressing members of the British aristocracy, it’s important to use the correct title. Here’s how to get it right:

For Barons and Baronesses

• Envelope: The Lord [Surname] or The Baroness [Surname]
  • Example: The Lord Smith or The Baroness Smith
• Salutation: Dear Lord Smith or Dear Baroness Smith

For Higher-Ranking Peers (Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, Viscounts)

Dukes and Duchesses

• Envelope: His Grace The Duke of [Place] or Her Grace The Duchess of [Place]
  • Example: His Grace The Duke of Norfolk
• Salutation: Dear Duke or Dear Duchess

Marquesses and Marchionesses

• Envelope: The Most Honourable The Marquess of [Place] or The Most Honourable The Marchioness of [Place]
  • Example: The Most Honourable The Marquess of Bath
• Salutation: Dear Lord Bath or Dear Lady Bath

Earls and Countesses

• Envelope: The Earl of [Place] or The Countess of [Place]
  • Example: The Earl of Pembroke
• Salutation: Dear Lord Pembroke or Dear Lady Pembroke

Viscounts and Viscountesses

• Envelope: The Viscount [Title] or The Viscountess [Title]
  • Example: The Viscount Althorp
• Salutation: Dear Lord Althorp or Dear Lady Althorp

How to Address a Right Honourable

The term The Right Honourable (often abbreviated to The Rt Hon) is used for members of the Privy Council, certain peers, and some MPs. Here’s how to address them:

• Peers: The Rt Hon The Lord [Title] or The Rt Hon The Lady [Title]
  • Example: The Rt Hon The Lord Williams
  • Salutation: Dear Lord Williams
• MPs Who Are Privy Councillors: The Rt Hon [First Name] [Surname], MP
  • Example: The Rt Hon Elizabeth Johnson, MP
  • Salutation: Dear Ms Johnson
• MPs Who Are Not Privy Councillors:
  • Address as Mr/Ms [Surname] with the salutation Dear Mr/Ms [Surname].

Proper Forms of Address for Knights and Dames

Knights and dames have special titles that must be used correctly in formal correspondence:

• For Knights:
  • Envelope: Sir [First Name] [Surname]
    • Example: Sir John Smith
  • Salutation: Dear Sir John
• For Married Couples: Sir John and Lady Smith
• For Dames:
  • Envelope: Dame [First Name] [Surname]
    • Example: Dame Alice Roberts
  • Salutation: Dear Dame Alice

Addressing Doctors and Medical Professionals

Doctors are addressed simply but with the appropriate level of formality:

• Envelope: Dr [First Name] [Surname]
  • Example: Dr Jane Taylor
• Salutation: Dear Dr Taylor

Military Ranks – Serving and Retired Officers

When addressing military officers, it’s essential to use their correct rank.

• Envelope: Rank [Surname]
  • Example: Major Collins or Colonel Foster
• Salutation: Dear Major Collins or Dear Colonel Foster

For retired officers, add “(Retd.)” after their rank on the envelope:

• Example: Colonel R.D. Foster (Retd.)

How to Address Clergy Members

When addressing clergy, the formality depends on the rank of the person and whether the communication is formal or personal.

Archbishops and Bishops

• Envelope: The Most Reverend [Full Name], Archbishop of [Place] (for archbishops)
  • Example: The Most Reverend John Smith, Archbishop of Canterbury
• Salutation: Your Grace
• Envelope: The Right Reverend [Full Name], Bishop of [Place] (for bishops)
  • Example: The Right Reverend Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London
• Salutation: My Lord Bishop or simply Dear Bishop

Priests and Deacons

• Envelope: The Reverend [Full Name]
  • Example: The Reverend John Peterson
• Salutation: Dear Mr Peterson, Dear Father Peterson, or Dear Reverend Peterson (depending on the tradition and preference).

There’s something undeniably special about receiving beautifully addressed correspondence. By taking the time to get these details right, you’re showing an extra level of care and consideration. And, of course, using luxury stationery makes your letter even more memorable.

At Pollyanna Harmsworth, I offer bespoke stationery designed to reflect your style while honouring tradition. Whether you’re sending a formal invitation, a thank-you note, or a heartfelt letter, make every word count—and every address perfect. I’m always here to help – so do get in touch if you have a question.

Happy writing!