Daughters of a Viscount
A daughter of a viscount bears the courtesy style of 'The Honourable' (usually abbreviated to 'The Hon').
When she is unmarried this style is followed by her forename (eg The Hon Jane White). After marriage she drops the use of her forename and uses her surname only (eg The Hon Mrs Smith). The style of 'The Hon' is not used before 'Miss'.
The style of 'The Hon' is only used on the envelope in correspondence, in written descriptions (usually only on the first mention) and in formal documents. It is never used in conversation or on invitations or on visiting cards, when the correct style is 'Mrs', 'Miss'or 'Ms'.
How to address the Daughters of a Viscount
The recommended (social) style of address is as follows:
Beginning of letter | Dear Mrs Brown |
End of letter | Yours sincerely |
Envelope | The Hon Mrs Brown |
Joint form of address | Mr Benedict and the Hon Mrs Brown |
Verbal communication | Mrs Brown |
Invitation | Mrs Benedict Brown |
Description in conversation | Mrs Brown |
List of Directors or Patrons | Mary Brown (or Mrs Benedict Brown) |
Place card | Mrs Benedict Brown |
Legal document | Mary Jane Brown commonly called the Honourable Mrs Brown |
Exceptions
Should the daughter of a viscount marry the younger son of an earl, or the son of a viscount or baron, she should be addressed as The Hon Mrs Smith.