Sons of a Baron
All sons of a baron have the courtesy title of 'The Hon' before their forename and surname. The style of 'The Hon' is only used on the envelope in correspondence, in written descriptions (usually only on the first mention) or in formal documents. It is never used in conversation or on invitations or on visiting cards, when the correct style is 'Mr'.
These rules also apply to sons of a baroness in her own right and to sons of a life baroness.
If the baron is of the Peerage of Scotland please refer to Scottish Title of Master
How to address the Son of a Baron
The recommended (social) style of address is as follows:
Beginning of letter |
Dear Mr Hays |
End of letter |
Yours sincerely |
Envelope |
The Hon Dominic Hays |
Verbal communication |
Mr Hays (or appropriate rank if in the Services) |
Invitation* |
Mr Dominic Hays |
Description in conversation |
Mr Hays |
List of Directors or Patrons |
Dominic Hays |
Place card |
Mr Dominic Hays |
Legal document |
Dominic William Hays Esquire commonly called The Hon Dominic Hays |
*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 the Son of a Hereditary or Life Baron
The wife of a man with the courtesy style of 'The Hon' is known by her husband's forename and surname, with the addition of 'Mrs' as a prefix. Thus, the wife of 'The Hon Dominic Hays' is 'The Hon Mrs Dominic Hays'.
'The Hon' is never used in conversation or on invitations or on visiting cards.
How to address the Wife of the Son of a Baron
The recommended (social) style of address for a woman who has no title in her own right is as follows:
Beginning of letter |
Dear Mrs Hays |
End of letter |
Yours sincerely |
Envelope |
The Hon Mrs Dominic Hays |
Verbal communication |
Mrs Hays |
Invitation |
Mrs Dominic Hays |
Description in conversation |
Mrs Hays |
List of Directors or Patrons |
Mary Hays (or Mrs Dominic Hays) |
Place card |
Mrs Dominic Hays |
Legal document |
Mary Jane Hays commonly called The Hon Mrs Dominic Hays |
Exceptions
If she is the daughter of a duke, marquess or earl (ie with the style of 'Lady' followed by her forename), she continues to use her own style and name with her husband's surname, ie Lady Mary Hays.
If she is the daughter of a viscount or baron, with the style of The Hon, she does not use her husband's forename. For example if The Hon Jane White marries The Hon Dominic Hays, she is known as 'The Hon Mrs Hays'.
Widow or Former Wife of the Son of a Baron
There is no difference in the form of address in widowhood, or in the dissolution of her marriage. Should she remarry, however, she adopts her style from her new husband.