The table below shows you how to address wives of Peers, Baronets and Knights both verbally and in writing.
When writing to the wives of Peers, Baronets or Knights, the rule is that only the wife of a Peer receives "The" before the title, eg:
| Address (in correspondence) | Example | Dear... |
|---|---|---|
| The wife of a Peer receives "The" before her title. | Her Grace the Duchess of Marlborough | Duchess |
|
The Most Honourable the Marchioness of Milford Haven |
Lady Milford Haven | |
| The Countess of Halifax | Lady Halifax | |
| The Viscountess Caldecote | Lady Caldecote | |
| The Lady Doe | Lady Doe | |
|
"The" is never employed for the wife of a Baronet or a Knight. The forename of the Knight is never used. |
Lady Doe or Joan, Lady Doe |
Lady Doe |
| Wife of a judge with a title in her own right | Lady Joan Doe | Lady Joan |
| In husband's right |
Lady John Doe or Joan, Lady Doe |
Lady Doe |
Please note: A Knight or Dame should be addressed as such from the moment when The Queen's intention to grant the honour is officially announced (for example, in a published Honours List).