Sons of a Baron

All sons of a baron have the courtesy title of 'The Honourable' before their Christian name and surname. The style of 'The Honourable' (usually abbreviated to 'The Hon') is only used on the envelope in correspondence, in written descriptions (usually only on the first mention) or in formal documents. It is never used in conversation or on invitations or on visiting cards, when the correct style is 'Mr'.

These rules also apply to sons of a Baroness in her own Right and to sons of a Life Baroness.

If the Baron is of the Peerage of Scotland please refer to Scottish Title of Master

How to address the son of a baron

The recommended (social) style of address is as follows:

Beginning of letter	Dear Mr Brown
End of letter	Yours sincerely
Envelope	The Hon John Brown
Verbal communication	Mr Brown (or appropriate rank if in the Services)
Invitation*	Mr John Brown
Description in conversation	Mr Brown
List of Directors or Patrons	John Brown
Place card	Mr John Brown
Legal document	John William Brown Esquire commonly called The Hon John Brown

*Note that, traditionally, invitations to a married couple, when sent to their home address, are addressed to the wife alone, with both names being inscribed on the invitation card. It has become increasingly acceptable, however, to address the envelope with both names.

Wife of the Son of a Hereditary or Life Baron

The wife of a man with the courtesy style of 'The Hon' is known by her husband's forename and surname, with the addition of 'Mrs' as a prefix. Thus, the wife of 'The Hon John Brown' is 'The Hon Mrs John Brown'.

'The Hon' is never used in conversation or on invitations or on visiting cards.

how to address the wife of the son of a baron

The recommended (social) style of address for a woman who has no title in her own right is as follows:

Beginning of letter	Dear Mrs Brown
End of letter	Yours sincerely
Envelope	The Hon Mrs John Brown
Verbal communication	Mrs Brown
Invitation	Mrs John Brown
Description in conversation	Mrs Brown
List of Directors or Patrons	Mary Brown (or Mrs John Brown)
Place card	Mrs John Brown
Legal document	Mary Jane Brown commonly called The Hon Mrs John Brown

Exceptions

If she is the daughter of a Duke, Marquess or Earl (ie with the style of 'Lady' followed by her forename), she continues to use her own style and name with her husband's surname, ie Lady Mary Brown.

If she is the daughter of a Viscount or Baron, with the style of The Hon, she does not use her husband's forename. For example if The Hon Jane White marries The Hon John Brown, she is known as 'The Hon Mrs Brown'.

Widow or Former Wife of the Son of a Baron

There is no difference in the form of address in widowhood, or in the dissolution of her marriage. Should she remarry, however, she adopts her style from her new husband.