The British system of titles and privilege may be flawed, but for the moment we’re stuck with it. At this year’s coronation there will no doubt be some media confusion over who exactly is a Lord or a Lady, and what it all means. The crowns and coronets (seen opposite with mitres), which signify status, were defined by Charles II in 1661 and are now mostly seen on Coats of Arms, but the real ones may get an outing at the coronation. Here I endeavour to explain all…
WHAT IS A LORD OR LADY?
At its simplest, Lord or Lady means having a Peerage title. There is a hierarchy down from Duke/Duchess, Marquess/Marchioness, Earl/Countess, Viscount/Viscountess to Baron/Baroness. Confusingly, the Scottish equivalent of a Baron or Baroness is called Lord or Lady of Parliament, a throwback to the days
