Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel
Both ranks are referred to as Colonel, except on the envelope, or in a formal description - such as a list - when the exact rank is given.
How to Address a Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel
The recommended style of address is as follows:
| Beginning of letter | Dear Colonel Robinson |
| End of letter | Yours sincerely |
| Envelope | Colonel Richard Robinson, MC (the rank should not be abbreviated). The Regiment or Corps (or abbreviations) may be added after the name on a new line |
| Verbal communication | Colonel Robinson* |
| Invitation | Colonel Richard Robinson |
| Joint invitation+ | Colonel Richard and Mrs Robinson |
| Description in conversation | Colonel Robinson (or The Colonel) |
| List of Directors or Patrons | Colonel Richard Robinson |
| Place card | Colonel Richard Robinson |
*A younger person, or a more junior officer in any of the Armed Forces, addresses him or her as 'Sir' or 'Ma'am'.
+ Note: 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.
