Irish Hereditary Knights
There are three Irish hereditary knights, feudal dignities which were conferred upon the FitzGerald family: The Knight of Kerry (the Green Knight), The Knight of Glin (the Black Knight), and The White Knight.
The last of these, whose surname became fixed as FitzGibbon, is dormant, though there is a claimant.
How to address an Irish Hereditary Knight
The recommended (social) style of address is as follows:
|
Beginning of letter |
Dear Knight |
|
End of letter |
Yours sincerely |
|
Envelope |
The Knight of Glin/Sir Adrian FitzGerald, Bt, The Knight |
|
Verbal communication |
Knight |
|
Invitation |
The Knight of Glin |
|
Joint invitation* & joint form of address |
The Knight of Glin and Madam FitzGerald |
|
Description in conversation |
The Knight of Glin |
|
List of Directors or Patrons |
The Knight of Glin |
|
Place card |
The Knight of Glin |
*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 an Irish Hereditary Knight
She is addressed as the wife of an Irish Chieftain, with 'Madam' before her surname.
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