Widow of a Marquess
The widow of a marquess is officially known as The Dowager Marchioness of …….(unless there is already a dowager marchioness in that family still living in which case the widow of the junior marquess is known by her forename e.g Kathleen, Marquess of Audley).
In practice, many widows prefer to use their forename in place of 'Dowager'. If in doubt, use of the forename is recommended.
How to address the Widow of a Marquess
The recommended (social) style of address is as follows:
| Beginning of letter | Dear Lady Audley |
| End of letter | Yours sincerely |
| Envelope | The Dowager (or Kathleen) Marchioness of Audley |
| Verbal communication | Lady Audley |
| Invitation | The Dowager (or Kathleen) Lady Audley |
| Description in conversation | The Marchioness of Audley |
| List of Directors or Patrons | The Dowager (or Kathleen) Marchioness of Audley |
| Place card | The Dowager (or Kathleen) Marchioness of Audley |
| Legal document | The Most Honourable Kathleen Marchioness of Audley |
If the present holder of the marquessate is unmarried, the widow of the previous marquess does not use the term of either The Dowager Marchioness of Audley, or Kathleen, Marchioness of Aberdeen, but continues to be known as The Marchioness of Audley.
Widow of a Marquess by Courtesy
The same rules apply to the widow, as to the wife, of a marquess by courtesy.
