Order of precedence in England and Wales

In today's article we are going to delve into the fascinating world of Order of precedence in England and Wales. We will examine its origins, its relevance today and its impact on different aspects of our society. Order of precedence in England and Wales has been the subject of study and debate for years, and in this article we will try to shed new light on this exciting topic. From its beginnings to its evolution today, we will explore all facets of Order of precedence in England and Wales and how it has influenced the way we think, live and relate to the world around us. Get ready to embark on this exciting adventure of discovery and knowledge!

The following is the order of precedence in England and Wales as of March 2024. Separate orders exist for men and women.

Names in italics indicate that these people rank elsewhere—either higher in that table of precedence or in the table for the other sex. Titles in italics indicate the same thing for their holders, or that they are vacant.

Peers and their families make up a large part of these tables. It is possible for a peer to hold more than one title of nobility, and these may belong to different ranks and peerages. A peer derives his precedence from his highest-ranking title; peeresses derive their precedence in the same way, whether they hold their highest-ranking title in their own right or by marriage. The ranks in the tables refer to peers rather than titles: if exceptions are named for a rank, these do not include peers of a higher rank (or any peers at all, in the case of baronets). No exceptions are named for most categories, owing to their large size.

Gentlemen

Royalty, archbishops, et al.

Royal family

Precedence is accorded to spouses, children and grandchildren of the reigning sovereign, as well as children and grandchildren of former sovereigns.

Position Holder Ref
The sovereign (regardless of gender) HM The King
Sons of the sovereign HRH The Prince of Wales
The Duke of Sussex
Grandsons of the sovereign HRH Prince George of Wales
HRH Prince Louis of Wales
Prince Archie of Sussex
Brothers of the sovereign The Duke of York
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
Uncles of the sovereign None at present
Nephews of the sovereign Earl of Wessex
Mr Peter Phillips
Grandsons of former
sovereigns who are dukes
HRH The Duke of Gloucester
HRH The Duke of Kent
Grandsons of former
sovereigns who are not dukes
The Rt Hon. The Earl of Snowdon
HRH Prince Michael of Kent

Archbishops, High Officers of State, et al.

Title Holder Ref
The Archbishop of Canterbury The Most Revd and Rt Hon. Justin Welby
The Lord High Steward None; ceremonial and only appointed for coronations
The Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain The Rt Hon. Alex Chalk, MP
The Archbishop of York The Most Revd and Rt Hon. Stephen Cottrell
The Prime Minister The Rt Hon. Rishi Sunak, MP
The Lord High Treasurer None; vacant since 1714
The Lord President of the Council The Rt Hon. Penny Mordaunt, MP Office held by a woman
The Speaker of the House of Commons The Rt Hon. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, MP
The Lord Speaker of the House of Lords The Rt Hon. The Lord McFall of Alcluith
The President of the Supreme Court The Rt Hon. The Lord Reed of Allermuir
The Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales The Rt Hon. The Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill Office held by a woman
The Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal The Rt Hon. The Lord True
The Ambassadors and High Commissioners to the United Kingdom in order of arrival
The Lord Great Chamberlain The Rt Hon. The Lord Carrington
The Lord High Constable None; ceremonial and only appointed for coronations
The Earl Marshal HG The Duke of Norfolk
The Lord High Admiral None; status debated
The Lord Steward of the Household The Rt Hon. The Earl of Rosslyn
The Lord Chamberlain of the Household The Rt Hon. The Lord Parker of Minsmere
The Master of the Horse The Rt Hon. The Lord de Mauley

Nobility, bishops, et al.

Dukes, et al.

Note Ref
Royal dukes not grandsons of former sovereigns None at present
Kingdom of England England Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Scotland Scotland Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Great Britain Great Britain Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Ireland Ireland HG The Duke of Leinster
United Kingdom United Kingdom Ordered according to date of creation
Eldest sons of royal dukes
who are not already ranked higher
Earl of Ulster (son of the Duke of Gloucester)
Earl of St Andrews (son of the Duke of Kent)
Ministers, envoys, and other very important visitors from foreign countries

Marquesses, et al.

Note Ref
Kingdom of England England The Most Hon. The Marquess of Winchester
Kingdom of Scotland Scotland Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Great Britain Great Britain Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Ireland Ireland Ordered according to date of creation
United Kingdom United Kingdom Ordered according to date of creation
Eldest sons of dukes according to the precedence of the peerage holders

Earls, et al.

Note Ref
Kingdom of England England Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Scotland Scotland Ordered according to the Decreet of Ranking of 1606 according to date of creation
Kingdom of Great Britain Great Britain Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Ireland Ireland Ordered according to date of creation
United Kingdom United Kingdom Ordered according to date of creation
Younger sons of royal dukes
who are not already ranked higher
Lord Nicholas Windsor (second son of the Duke of Kent)
Eldest sons of marquesses according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Eldest sons of eldest sons of dukes according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Younger sons of dukes according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Younger sons of eldest sons of dukes according to the precedence of the peerage holders

Viscounts, et al.

Note Ref
Kingdom of England England The Rt Hon. The Viscount Hereford
Kingdom of Scotland Scotland Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Great Britain Great Britain Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Ireland Ireland Ordered according to date of creation
United Kingdom United Kingdom Ordered according to date of creation
Eldest sons of earls according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Lord Frederick Windsor (only son of Prince Michael of Kent)
Eldest sons of eldest sons of marquesses ordered according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Younger sons of marquesses ordered according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Younger sons of eldest sons of marquesses ordered according to the precedence of the peerage holders

Bishops

Title Holder Ref
Diocesan bishops with seats in the House of Lords – ex officio The Bishop of London The Rt Revd and Rt Hon. Dame Sarah Mullally Office held by a woman
The Bishop of Durham The Rt Revd Paul Butler
The Bishop of Winchester The Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen
Other diocesan bishops with seats in the House of Lords ordered according to seniority of confirmation of election
Other diocesan bishops ordered according to seniority of confirmation of election
Suffragan bishops ordered according to seniority of consecration
Retired Church of England diocesan archbishops and bishops ordered according to original date of confirmation of election

Barons/Lords of Parliament

Order of precedence Notes
Secretaries of State
Being of the degree of a baron
The Rt Hon. The Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton
Kingdom of England England Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Scotland Scotland Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Great Britain Great Britain Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Ireland Ireland Ordered according to date of creation
United Kingdom United Kingdom Ordered according to date of creation

Gentry, et al.

Master of the Rolls and Supreme Court Justices

Title Holder Ref
The Master of the Rolls The Rt Hon. Sir Geoffrey Vos
The Deputy President of the Supreme Court The Rt Hon. Lord Hodge
Justices of the Supreme Court The Rt Hon. Lord Lloyd-Jones
The Rt Hon. Lord Briggs of Westbourne
The Rt Hon. Lord Sales
The Rt Hon. Lord Hamblen of Kersey
The Rt Hon. Lord Leggatt
The Rt Hon. Lord Burrows
The Rt Hon. Lord Stephens of Creevyloughgare
The Rt Hon. Lady Rose of Colmworth Office held by a woman
The Rt Hon. Lord Richards of Camberwell
The Rt Hon. Lady Simler Office held by a woman

Royal Household officials

Title Holder Ref
The Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal None; last appointed in 1850
The Treasurer of the Household The Rt Hon. Marcus Jones, MP
The Comptroller of the Household Rebecca Harris, MP Office held by a woman
The Vice-Chamberlain of the Household Stuart Anderson, MP

Cabinet, et al.

Title
Secretaries of State
Under the degree of a Baron
Eldest sons of viscounts according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Eldest sons of eldest sons of earls according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Younger sons of earls according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Younger sons of eldest sons of earls according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Eldest sons of barons according to the precedence of the peerage holders

The Prime Minister determines the order of precedence for Secretaries of State as part of the ministerial ranking (also known as the order of precedence in Cabinet).

Knights Companion of the Order of the Garter and Knights of the Order of the Thistle

Order Post-nominal letters Holder Ref
Knights Companion of the Order of the Garter KG The Rt Hon. Sir John Major
Sir Thomas Dunne
The Rt Hon. Sir Tony Blair
Knights of the Order of the Thistle KT Sir Ian Wood
The Rt Hon. Sir George Reid
Sir Geoff Palmer
Knights of the Order of St Patrick KP None; order dormant

Privy Counsellors, et al.

Privy Counsellors Holder Ref
Privy Counsellors (PC) Ordered according to date of oath-taking
The Chancellor of the Order of the Garter HG The Duke of Abercorn
The Chancellor of the Exchequer The Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster The Rt Hon. Oliver Dowden, MP

Senior judges, et al.

Holder Ref
The Senior Judges The President of the King's Bench Division The Rt Hon. Dame Victoria Sharp Office held by a woman
The President of the Family Division The Rt Hon. Sir Andrew McFarlane
The Chancellor of the High Court The Rt Hon. Sir Julian Flaux
The Lords Justices of Appeal Ordered according to seniority of appointment
The Judges of the High Court Ordered according to seniority of appointment
Eldest sons of eldest sons of viscounts according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Younger sons of viscounts according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Younger sons of eldest sons of viscounts according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Eldest sons of eldest sons of barons according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Younger sons of barons according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Younger sons of eldest sons of barons according to the precedence of the peerage holders
All sons of life peers according to the precedence of the peerage holders

Baronets

Post-nominal letters Ref
Baronets Bt

Knights

Level Order Post-nominal letters Ref
Knights Grand Cross Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath GCB
Knights Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India GCSI
Knights Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George GCMG
Knights Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire GCIE
Knights Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order GCVO
Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire GBE
Knights Commander Knights Commander of the Order of the Bath KCB
Knights Commander of the Order of the Star of India KCSI
Knights Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George KCMG
Knights Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire KCIE
Knights Commander of the Royal Victorian Order KCVO
Knights Commander of the Order of the British Empire KBE
Knights Bachelor (None)

Lower level judges, et al.

Title Holder Ref
The Vice-Chancellor of the County Palatine of Lancaster The Hon. Timothy Fancourt, KC
The Recorder of London Mark Lucraft
The Recorders of Liverpool and Manchester
The Recorder of Liverpool HH Andrew Menary, KC
The Recorder of Manchester HH Nicholas Dean, KC
The Common Serjeant of London HH Richard Marks, KC
The Circuit Judges

Other lower ranks, including esquires and gentlemen

Companions, commanders, lieutenants and officers of various orders

Order Post-nominal letters Ref
Companions of the Order of the Bath CB
Companions of the Order of the Star of India CSI
Companions of the Order of St Michael and St George CMG
Companions of the Order of the Indian Empire CIE
Commanders of the Royal Victorian Order CVO
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire CBE
Companions of the Distinguished Service Order DSO
Lieutenants of the Royal Victorian Order LVO
Officers of the Order of the British Empire OBE
Companions of the Imperial Service Order ISO

Eldest sons of various grades

Note Ref
Eldest sons of younger sons of hereditary peers in their own right Ordered according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Eldest sons of baronets Ordered according to the precedence of the baronets
Eldest sons of knights Ordered according to the precedence of the knights

Members of various orders

Order Post-nominal letters Ref
Members of the Royal Victorian Order MVO
Members of the Order of the British Empire MBE

Younger sons of various grades

Note Ref
Younger sons of baronets Ordered according to the precedence of the baronets
Younger sons of knights Ordered according to the precedence of the knights

Ladies

Royal Family

The order of precedence accorded to women of the royal family:

Position Holder
Consort of the sovereign HM The Queen
Daughters-in-law of the sovereign HRH The Princess of Wales
The Duchess of Sussex
Daughters of the sovereign None at present
Wives of grandsons of the sovereign None at present
Granddaughters of the sovereign HRH Princess Charlotte of Wales
Princess Lilibet of Sussex
Sisters-in-law of the sovereign HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh
Sisters of the sovereign HRH The Princess Royal
Wives of uncles of the sovereign None at present
Aunts of the sovereign None at present
Wives of nephews of the sovereign None at present
Nieces of the sovereign HRH Princess Beatrice, Mrs Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
HRH Princess Eugenie, Mrs Jack Brooksbank
Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor
Mrs Zara Tindall
Wives of grandsons of former
sovereigns who are dukes
HRH The Duchess of Gloucester
HRH The Duchess of Kent
Wives of grandsons of former
sovereigns who are not dukes
The Rt Hon. The Countess of Snowdon
HRH Princess Michael of Kent
Granddaughters of former sovereigns Lady Sarah Chatto
HRH Princess Alexandra, The Hon. Lady Ogilvy

High Officers of State, et al.

Title Holder Ref
The Lord President of the Council The Rt Hon. Penny Mordaunt, MP
The Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales The Rt Hon. The Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill
The Ambassadors and High Commissioners to the United Kingdom in order of arrival

Nobility and bishops

Duchesses, et al.

Note Ref
Kingdom of England England Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Scotland Scotland Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Great Britain Great Britain Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Ireland Ireland HG The Duchess of Leinster
United Kingdom United Kingdom Ordered according to date of creation
Wives of eldest sons of royal dukes Countess of Ulster (wife of Earl of Ulster)
Countess of St Andrews (wife of Earl of St Andrews)
Daughters of royal dukes Lady Davina Windsor (elder daughter of the Duke of Gloucester)
Lady Rose Gilman (younger daughter of the Duke of Gloucester)
Lady Helen Taylor (only daughter of the Duke of Kent)
Ministers, envoys, and other very important visitors from foreign countries

Marchionesses, et al.

Note Ref
Kingdom of England England The Most Hon. The Marchioness of Winchester
Kingdom of Scotland Scotland Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Great Britain Great Britain Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Ireland Ireland Ordered according to date of creation
United Kingdom United Kingdom Ordered according to date of creation
Wives of the eldest sons of dukes according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Daughters of dukes not married to peers

Countesses, et al.

Note Ref
Kingdom of England England Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Scotland Scotland Ordered according to the Decreet of Ranking of 1606 according to date of creation
Kingdom of Great Britain Great Britain Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Ireland Ireland Ordered according to date of creation
United Kingdom United Kingdom Ordered according to date of creation
Wives of younger sons of royal dukes
who are not already ranked higher
Lady Nicholas Windsor (wife of Lord Nicholas Windsor)
Wives of eldest sons of marquesses according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Lady Gabriella Kingston (only daughter of Prince Michael of Kent)
Daughters of marquesses not married to peers
Wives of younger sons of dukes according to the precedence of the peerage holders

Viscountesses, et al.

Note Ref
Kingdom of England England The Rt Hon. The Viscountess Hereford
Kingdom of Scotland Scotland Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Great Britain Great Britain Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Ireland Ireland Ordered according to date of creation
United Kingdom United Kingdom Ordered according to date of creation
Wives of eldest sons of earls according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Lady Frederick Windsor (wife of Lord Frederick Windsor)
Daughters of earls not married to peers
Wives of younger sons of marquesses ordered according to the precedence of the peerage holders

Female bishops

Title Holder Ref
Female diocesan bishops with seats in the House of Lords – ex officio The Bishop of London The Rt Revd and Rt Hon. Dame Sarah Mullally
Other female diocesan bishops with seats in the House of Lords ordered according to seniority of confirmation of election
Other female diocesan bishops ordered according to seniority of confirmation of election
Female suffragan bishops ordered according to seniority of consecration
Retired female Church of England diocesan archbishops and bishops
ordered according to original date of confirmation of election

Baronesses

Note Ref
Secretaries of State
Being of the degree of a baroness
None at present
Kingdom of England England Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Scotland Scotland Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Great Britain Great Britain Ordered according to date of creation
Kingdom of Ireland Ireland Ordered according to date of creation
United Kingdom United Kingdom Ordered according to date of creation

Gentry, et al.

Supreme Court Justices

Title Holder Ref
Justices of the Supreme Court The Rt Hon. Lady Rose of Colmworth
Justices of the Supreme Court The Rt Hon. Lady Simler

Royal Household officials

Title Holder Ref
The Comptroller of the Household Rebecca Harris, MP

Cabinet, et al.

Title
Secretaries of State
Under the degree of a Baroness
Wives of Viscounts' eldest sons
Daughters of Viscounts not married to peers
Wives of younger sons of Earls
Wives of eldest sons of Barons
Daughters of Barons not married to peers

The Prime Minister determines the order of precedence for Secretaries of State as part of the ministerial ranking (also known as the order of precedence in Cabinet).

Ladies and dames, et al.

Ladies Companion of the Order of the Garter and Ladies of the Order of the Thistle

Order Post-nominal letters Holder Ref
Ladies Companion of the Order of the Garter LG Lady Mary Fagan
Lady Mary Peters
Ladies of the Order of the Thistle LT The Rt Hon. Lady Elish Angiolini

Wives of Knights Companion of the Order of the Garter

Wife Husband who is/was member Ref
Lady (June) Hilary Sir Edmund Hillary
Lady (Jennifer) Acland Sir Antony Acland
Lady (Norma) Major The Rt Hon. Sir John Major
Lady (Henrietta) Dunne Sir Thomas Dunne
Lady (Tessa) Brewer Sir David Brewer
Lady (Cherie) Blair The Rt Hon. Sir Tony Blair

Wives of Knights of the Order of the Thistle

Wife Husband who is/was member Ref
Lady (Poppy) Anderson Sir Eric Anderson
Lady (Gillian) Morrison Sir Garth Morrison
Lady (Helen) Wood Sir Ian Wood
Lady (Daphne) Reid The Rt Hon. Sir George Reid
Lady (Margaret) Palmer Sir Geoff Palmer

Privy Counsellors, et al.

Privy Counsellors Holder Ref
Privy Counsellors (PC) Ordered according to date of oath-taking

Senior judges, et al.

Holder Ref
The President of the King's Bench Division The Rt Hon. Dame Victoria Sharp
The Lady Justices of Appeal Ordered according to seniority of appointment
The Judges of the High Court Ordered according to seniority of appointment
Wives of younger sons of viscounts according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Wives of younger sons of barons according to the precedence of the peerage holders
Baronetesses in their own right None at present
Wives of baronets

Dames

Level Order Post-nominal letters Ref
Dames Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath GCB
of the Order of St Michael and St George GCMG
of the Royal Victorian Order GCVO
of the Order of the British Empire GBE
Wives of Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath
of Knights Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India
of Knights Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George
of Knights Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire
of Knights Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order
of Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire
Dames Commander of the Order of the Bath DCB
of the Order of St Michael and St George DCMG
of the Royal Victorian Order DCVO
of the Order of the British Empire DBE
Wives of Knights Commander of the Order of the Bath
of the Order of the Star of India
of the Order of St Michael and St George
of the Order of the Indian Empire
of the Royal Victorian Order
of the Order of the British Empire
Wives of knights bachelor

Lower level judges

Title Holder Ref
The Circuit Judges

Members of orders, et al.

  • Members of the following orders:
    • Companions of the Order of the Bath
    • Companions of the Order of St Michael and St George
    • Commanders of the Royal Victorian Order
    • Commanders of the Order of the British Empire
  • Wives of Companions of the following orders:
    • Order of the Bath
    • Order of the Star of India
    • Order of St Michael and St George
    • Order of the Indian Empire
    • Royal Victorian Order
    • Order of the British Empire
  • Wives of Companions of the Distinguished Service Order
  • Lieutenants of the Royal Victorian Order
  • Officers of the Order of the British Empire
  • Wives of Lieutenants of the Royal Victorian Order
  • Wives of Officers of the Order of the British Empire
  • Companions of the Imperial Service Order
  • Wives of Companions of the Imperial Service Order

Wives and daughters of peers, baronets, and knights, et al.

  • Wives of the eldest sons of sons of peers or peeresses
  • Daughters of sons of peers or peeresses
  • Wives of the eldest sons of baronets
  • Daughters of baronets
  • Wives of eldest sons of knights:
    • Knights Companion of the Order of the Garter
    • Knights of the Order of the Thistle
    • Knights of the Order of St Patrick
    • Knights Grand Cross or Grand Commander
    • Knights Commander
  • Daughters of knights:
    • Daughters of Knights Companion of the Order of the Garter
    • Daughters of Knights of the Order of the Thistle
    • Daughters of Knights Grand Cross or Grand Commander
    • Daughters of Knights Commander
  • Members of the Royal Victorian Order
  • Members of the Order of the British Empire
  • Wives of members of the Royal Victorian Order
  • Wives of members of the Order of the British Empire

Wives of younger sons

  • Wives of younger sons of baronets
  • Wives of younger sons of knights:
    • Knights Companion of the Order of the Garter
    • Knights of the Order of the Thistle
    • Knights of the Order of St Patrick
    • Knights Grand Cross or Knights Grand Commander
    • Knights Commander

Notes

  1. ^ Ordered according to the rules of primogeniture.
  2. ^ "From onwards it has been the settled practice to place the male members of the Royal Family in the following order: the Sovereign's son, grandsons, brothers, uncles and nephews".
  3. ^ Legally HRH Prince James of Edinburgh according to the 1917 Letters Patent as a male-line grandchild of a monarch, but styled as the duke's son per his parents' wishes on their wedding day and the will of the Queen.
  4. ^ "in the outcome The Duke of Cambridge was not only placed in Garter's Roll above all the other dukes, but also above the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Lord Chancellor, despite his not falling within the ambit of s. 4 of the Act of 1539. This precedent has been followed in all subsequent similar cases."
  5. ^ Sir Gordon Messenger was the recent Lord High Steward in the 2023 Coronation.
  6. ^ The title of Prime Minister was used unofficially in the 18th and 19th centuries for the First Lord of the Treasury; it first received official recognition with a royal warrant of 2 December 1905, which assigned the Prime Minister precedence immediately after that of the Archbishop of York.
  7. ^ The Duke of Shrewsbury was the last person to hold the office of Lord High Treasurer until his resignation in 1714. Lords Commissioners of the Treasury do not exercise the office of Lord High Treasurer.
  8. ^ The speakership of the House of Lords was historically vested in the Lord Chancellor; following the creation of a separate office of Lord Speaker, its rank and precedence was established by a royal warrant dated 4 July 2006 as being immediately after that of the Speaker of the House of Commons.
  9. ^ When visiting the United Kingdom, cabinet ministers of foreign countries are given precedence immediately above that of their country's High Commissioner (if in the Commonwealth) or Ambassador (if not).
  10. ^ Sir Tony Radakin was the recent Lord High Constable in the 2023 Coronation.
  11. ^ It is unclear whether the office is vacant or vested in the Crown, since the death of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
  12. ^ If the Master of the Horse holds a rank lower than a duke in the peerage, then by royal warrant dated 6 May 1907, he ranks next after the Lord Chamberlain.
  13. ^ Excepting The Duke of Norfolk who ranks higher as the Earl Marshal.
  14. ^ The Dukedom of Abercorn was created after the Acts of Union 1800. It takes precedence after earlier Dukedoms of the United Kingdom.
  15. ^ The Marquess of Londonderry (Earl Vane and Viscount Seaham in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, Baron Stewart in the Peerage of the United Kingdom and The Marquess Conyngham (Baron Minster in the Peerage of the United Kingdom) was created after the Acts of Union 1800. They take precedence after earlier Marquessates of the United Kingdom.
  16. ^ Excepting The Earl of Snowdon, who rank higher as a member of the royal family.
  17. ^ Excepting The Earl of Rosslyn, who rank higher as Lord Steward of the Household.
  18. ^ The Earl of Limerick (The Baron Foxford in the Peerage of the United Kingdom), The Earl of Clancarty (The Viscount Clancarty in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, The Baron Trench in the Peerage of the United Kingdom), The Earl of Rosse, The Earl of Gosford (The Baron Worlington in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, The Baron Acheson in the Peerage of the United Kingdom), The Earl of Normanton (The Baron Mendip in the Peerage of Great Britain, The Baron Somerton in the Peerage of the United Kingdom), The Earl of Kilmorey, The Earl of Listowel (The Baron Hare in the Peerage of the United Kingdom), The Earl of Norbury and The Earl of Ranfurly (The Baron Ranfurly in the Peerage of the United Kingdom) was created after the Acts of Union 1800. It takes precedence after earlier Earldoms of the United Kingdom.
  19. ^ The Viscount Monck (The Baron Monck in the Peerage of the United Kingdom) and The Viscount Gort was created after the Acts of Union 1800. It takes precedence after earlier Viscountcies of the United Kingdom.
  20. ^ a b Excepting the Archbishops of Canterbury and York who rank higher as the Primate of All England and the Primate of England respectively.
  21. ^ a b The number of bishops entitled to sit in the House of Lords has been fixed at 21 since the 16th century; they were all male until 2015, when women who are bishops began to be introduced to the House of Lords under the terms of the Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015.
  22. ^ Excepting The Lord Carrington, who ranks higher as Lord Great Chamberlain.
  23. ^ a b Barons and baronesses for life created under the Appellate Jurisdiction Act 1876 and the Life Peerages Act 1958.
  24. ^ Excepting The Lord McFall of Alcluith, who ranks higher as Lord Speaker of the House of Lords.
  25. ^ Excepting The Lord Reed of Allermuir, who ranks higher as the President of the Supreme Court.
  26. ^ Excepting The Lord True who ranks higher as the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal.
  27. ^ Excepting The Lord Parker of Minsmere who ranks higher as the Lord Chamberlain of the Household.
  28. ^ Excepting The Lord de Mauley who ranks higher as the Master of the Horse.
  29. ^ The Baron Rendlesham, The Baron Castlemaine, The Baron Decies, The Baron Garvagh, The Baron Talbot of Malahide, The Baron Carew (The Baron Carew in the Peerage of the United Kingdom), The Baron Oranmore and Browne (The Baron Mereworth in the Peerage of the United Kingdom), The Baron Bellew, The Baron Fermoy and The Baron Rathdonnell was created after the Acts of Union 1800. They take precedence after earlier Barons of the United Kingdom.
  30. ^ Justices of the Supreme Court who are not peers have the right to the courtesy title of "Lord" or "Lady" for life by authority of royal warrant issued 10 December 2010.
  31. ^ a b c d Who are not already ranked higher in precedence as peers or royalty.
  32. ^ The last Knight, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, died in 1974.
  33. ^ a b Privy Counsellors who do not already rank higher are mostly current or former politicians, civil servants, royal household staff, clergy and judiciary.
  34. ^ He ranks higher as a non-royal duke.
  35. ^ a b c d e Ranks higher as a Privy Counsellor.
  36. ^ Ranks higher as a Secretary of State under the degree of a Baron
  37. ^ This office was historically held jointly with that of Lord Chief Justice; following their separation, a royal warrant dated 30 September 2005 declared that "the rank and precedence of the President of the Queen's Bench Division shall be so placed as to be in order immediately before the President of the Family Division".
  38. ^ Lords Justices of Appeal are customarily made Privy Counsellors, and thus rank accordingly.
  39. ^ a b Judges of the High Court are customarily made Knights Bachelor or Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire after having taken office and thus rank accordingly.
  40. ^ Rank and precedence set by royal warrant, dated 21 July 1958.
  41. ^ Baronetcies belong to any of five baronetages, namely the Baronetages of England (1611–1705), Nova Scotia (1625–1706), Ireland (1620–1799), Great Britain (1707–1800) and the United Kingdom (1801–present); this does not affect their precedence in relation to each other.
  42. ^ a b The last Knight Grand Commander, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, Maharaja of Travancore, died in 1991.
  43. ^ The last Knight Commander, Tej Singh Prabhakar, Maharaja of Alwar, died in 2009.
  44. ^ The last Knight Commander, Meghrajji III, Maharaja of Dhrangadhra-Halvad, died in 2010.
  45. ^ He ranks higher as a High Court judge; it is customary for a High Court judge to be named to this position.
  46. ^ In order of appointment.
  47. ^ The last Companion, Ronald Brockman, died in 1999.
  48. ^ The last Companion, Ian Dixon Scott, died in 2002.
  49. ^ Legally HRH Princess Louise of Edinburgh according to the 1917 Letters Patent as a male-line grandchild of a monarch, but styled as the duke's daughter per her parents' wishes on their wedding day and the will of the Queen.
  50. ^ Excepting The Baroness Carr of Walton-on-the-Hill who ranks higher as the Lady Chief Justice of England and Wales.
  51. ^ Widow of Sir Edmund Hillary who is a New Zealand Citizen may use this when visiting the United Kingdom.
  52. ^ Also titled Dame Norma Major, a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in her own right but with lower precedence.
  53. ^ Widow of Sir Garth Morrison.
  54. ^ The most recent, Anne Maxwell Macdonald, died in 2011.
  55. ^ Dame Norma Major DBE also has a higher precedence as the wife of Sir John Major KG.
  56. ^ Cherie Blair CBE also has a higher precedence as the wife of Sir Tony Blair KG.

References

  1. ^ a b c d House of Lords Precedence Act 1539House of Lords Precedence Act (31 Hen. 8. c. 10), Section 4
  2. ^ Squibb, G.D. (1981). "General Precedence among Men since 1534". Order of Precedence in England and Wales. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press. p. 28.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Order of Precedence in England and Wales". Heraldica. 2001. Retrieved 6 June 2013.
  4. ^ Squibb, G.D. (1981). "General Precedence among Men since 1534". Order of Precedence in England and Wales. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press. p. 29.
  5. ^ a b Squibb, G.D. (1981). "The Lord Chamberlain's Order of 1520, as amended in 1595". Order of Precedence in England and Wales. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press. pp. 99–101.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j House of Lords Precedence Act 1539House of Lords Precedence Act (31 Henry VIII C. 10), Section 10
  7. ^ Brazier, Rodney (1997). Ministers of the Crown. Oxford: Clarendon Press. pp. 5–6. ISBN 0-19-825988-3.
  8. ^ "No. 27860". The London Gazette. 5 December 1905. p. 8735.
  9. ^ "No. 31380". The London Gazette. 3 June 1919. p. 7059.
  10. ^ "The College of Arms Newsletter, No. 11". College of Arms. December 2006. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  11. ^ "No. 58050". The London Gazette. 21 July 2006. p. 9986.
  12. ^ a b c "No. 59201". The London Gazette. 1 October 2009.
  13. ^ "Appointment of Lord Chief Justice: 15 June 2023". www.gov.uk. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  14. ^ "No. 38487". The London Gazette. 24 December 1948. p. 6670.
  15. ^ "No. 28019". The London Gazette. 7 May 1907. pp. 3080–3081.
  16. ^ "No. 58529". The London Gazette. 30 November 2007. p. 17439.
  17. ^ "Press Notice – Courtesy titles for Justices of the Supreme Court" (PDF). Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. 13 December 2010. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  18. ^ "No. 59746". The London Gazette. 1 April 2011. pp. 6177–6178.
  19. ^ "Ministerial appointments: November 2023". GOV.UK. 14 November 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  20. ^ "No. 57794". The London Gazette. 24 October 2005. p. 13701.
  21. ^ "President of the King's Bench Division". www.judiciary.uk. Retrieved 11 November 2019.
  22. ^ "No. 41454". The London Gazette (Supplement). 22 July 1958. pp. 4641–4642.
  23. ^ "Orders and Medals". cabinetoffice.gov.uk. Cabinet Office. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  24. ^ "Resident Judge Appointment: HHJ Andrew Menary KC". www.judiciary.uk. Retrieved 11 November 2019.
  25. ^ "Senior Circuit Judge Appointment – Stockdale". www.judiciary.uk. Retrieved 11 November 2019.
  26. ^ "Common Serjeant Appointment: Marks". www.judiciary.uk. Retrieved 11 November 2019.