Wife of a Knight

The wife of a knight is known as 'Lady', followed by her surname, and she is addressed as for the wife of a baronet. The old-fashioned style of 'Dame', followed by forename and surname, eg Dame Edith Brown, is no longer in general use, but is retained for legal documents.

If there is possible confusion between two ladies of the same surname it is permissible in correspondence for the lady's forename to be inserted in brackets between title and surname. This form is often used in publications and in newspaper announcements.

A knight's wife should never be addressed as Lady Barbara Brown unless she is the daughter of a duke, marquess or earl.

If a knight's wife bears the courtesy title of 'The Hon', this style precedes 'Lady Smith', eg The Hon Lady Smith.

The wife of a Church of England clergyman who receives a knighthood, but is not eligible to receive the accolade, continues to be addressed as Mrs John Smith, but she has the precedence of a knight's wife. The wife of an honorary knight is also addressed as Mrs John Smith.

How to address the Wife of a Knight

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

Beginning of letter	Dear Lady Brown
End of letter	Yours sincerely
Envelope	Lady Brown
Verbal communication	Lady Brown
Invitation/Joint invitation*	Lady Brown/Sir John and Lady Brown
Description in conversation	Lady Brown
List of Directors or Patrons	Lady Brown or Lady (Mary) Brown if required for purposes of identification
Place card	Lady Brown or Lady (Mary) Brown if required for identification
Legal document	Dame Mary Joan Brown, or Mary Joan Lady 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.