Daughters of a Baron
A daughter of a baron bears the courtesy style of 'The Hon' .
When she is unmarried this style is followed by her forename (eg The Hon Rose Hays). After marriage she drops the use of her forename and uses her surname only (eg The Hon Mrs Smythe). 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 Baron
The recommended (social) style of address is as follows:
|
Beginning of letter |
Dear Miss Hays |
|
End of letter |
Yours sincerely |
|
Envelope |
The Hon Miss Hays/Hon Mrs Smythe |
|
Joint form of address |
Mr Damian and the Hon Mrs Smythe |
|
Verbal communication |
Miss Hays/Mrs Smythe |
|
Invitation |
Miss Rose Hays/Mrs Damian Smythe |
|
Description in conversation |
Miss Hays/Mrs Smythe |
|
List of Directors or Patrons |
Rose Hays (or Mrs Damian Smythe) |
|
Place card |
Miss Rose Hays/Mrs Damian Smythe |
|
Legal document |
Rose Jane Hays commonly called the Honourable Rose Hays |
Exceptions
Should the daughter of a baron marry the younger son of an earl, or the son of a viscount or baron, she would also be addressed as The Hon Mrs Browne.
In this case, the joint form of address would be 'The Hon Benedict and Mrs Browne'
