Highness

Highness (in address Your Highness and in reference His/Her Highnesses and Their Highnesses, the latter two abbreviated respectively H.H.) is a formal style used to address or refer to certain members of a reigning or formerly reigns dynasty.

History

The use of highness dates back to ancient times, with abstract appeals present in large numbers in the Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire. However, these titles were often rigidly regulated by imperial commands and were subject to inflation and devaluation over time. In Western Europe, the tradition of using highness continued through the Middle Ages, with titles such as "majesty" and "height" being used to address rulers.

Modern Usage

Today, highness is typically used to address members of royal families or other dynasties that have been recognized by law or custom. The use of highness is often reserved for specific individuals, such as the sons of living or dead rulers, male-line nieces, and the eldest son of the Prince of Wales.

### Imperial or Royal Dynasties

Imperial or royal dynasties are addressed as Imperial Highness or Royal Highness (French Altesse Impériale, Altes se Royale; German Kaiserliche Hoheit, Königliche Hoheet). This title is typically used for rulers of German duchies and sovereigns of cadet branches of higher-ranking dynasties.

### Modern Islamic World

In the modern Islamic world, the title Jalalat Mahab is used to address Sardars or Princes of the former Muhammadzai dynasty in Afghanistan. This title was also used by customary law and in light of the law of royal expenses, based on Articles 13 and 24 of the Royal Constitution.

### European Tradition

In Europe, the use of highness has been influenced by various traditions and customs. For example, in France, up to Louis XI, the ruler was also referred to as "excellence". In England, the terms "height", "grace" (non-exclusive use of the ruler), and "majesty" were all used as a treatment reserved for kings and queens until the period of James VI of Scotland.

### British Royal Family

The following members of the British royal family are normally entitled to the treatment of highness (abbreviated in "HRH" i.e. "His/Her Royal Highness"): the sons of living or dead rulers, male-line nieces, and the eldest son of the Prince of Wales.

Terminology

* **Highness**: a formal style used to address or refer to certain members of a reigning or formerly reigns dynasty.
* **Imperial Highness**: typically used for rulers of German duchies and sovereigns of cadet branches of higher-ranking dynasties.
* **Royal Highness**: typically used for members of royal families or other dynasties that have been recognized by law or custom.
* **Jalalat Mahab**: a title used in Afghanistan to address Sardars or Princes of the former Muhammadzai dynasty.

See Also

* Majesty
* Royal Highness
* Imperial Highness
* Jalalat Mahab