Former Wife of Duke

If a marriage between a duke and duchess has been dissolved, the former wife (although no longer a peeress) may continue to use her title as a duke's wife, preceded by her forename (unless she remarries*).

How to address the Former Wife of a Duke:

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

Beginning of letter

Dear Duchess

End of letter

Yours sincerely

Envelope

Jillian, Duchess of Hamilton

Verbal communication

Duchess

Invitation

Jillian, Duchess of Hamilton

Description in conversation

The Duchess of Hamilton

List of Directors or Patrons

Jillian, Duchess of Hamilton

Place card

Jillian, Duchess of Hamilton

Legal document

Jillian Duchess of Hamilton

 
*If the former wife of a duke subsequently remarries she adopts her style of address from her present husband. Thus if Jillian, Duchess of Hamilton, marries Mr Cuthbert Robinson she becomes Mrs Cuthbert Robinson.
SHARE THIS:
the debrett's 500

the debrett's 500

the Debrett's 500

the Debrett's 500

Celebrating Britons that are inspiring, achieving and making a difference.

Search now
CORRECT FORM

CORRECT FORM

Royal Portraits

Royal Portraits