Substantive title facts for kids

A substantive title is a special kind of title, like being a Duke or a Princess. You get it either because a King or Queen gives it to you, or because you inherit it from your family. It's different from titles that are just for show or shared among many relatives.

What Are Substantive Titles?

A substantive title is a real, official title of nobility or royalty. Think of it as a permanent name that comes with a certain rank or position. These titles are usually passed down through families, or they can be given directly by a ruler.

How Do People Get These Titles?

There are two main ways to get a substantive title:

• By Grant: A king, queen, or other ruler can decide to give someone a title. This often happens to reward someone for great service to the country, like a brave general or a clever diplomat. For example, a king might make someone a Duke or an Earl.
• By Inheritance: Most substantive titles are passed down from parent to child. This is called a hereditary title. If your father was a Duke, you might become a Duke when he passes away. This is how many royal families keep their titles for generations.

Real Titles vs. Other Titles

It's important to know that not all titles are "substantive." Here's how they are different:

• Courtesy Titles: Sometimes, relatives of a noble person use a "courtesy title." This means they use the title out of politeness, but they don't actually hold the official rank themselves. For example, the oldest son of a Duke might be called "Lord," but he isn't a Duke until he inherits the main title.
• Titles by Marriage: If someone marries a Duke, they might become a Duchess. This title comes from their marriage, not from being granted it directly or inheriting it from their own family line.
• Cadet Titles: In some noble families, younger sons or other relatives (called "cadets") might use a version of the family title. These are usually not the main, official title of the head of the family.

Examples of Substantive Titles

Substantive titles are found in many countries with royal families or historical nobility. They often come with specific duties, lands, or traditions.

Titles of Royalty

These are titles held by members of a royal family, like:

• King/Queen: The ruler of a country.
• Prince/Princess: Children or close relatives of a King or Queen.
• Emperor/Empress: A ruler of an empire, often with many different lands.

Titles of Nobility

These titles are usually below royalty but still very important. They often come with historical lands or special privileges. Examples include:

• Duke/Duchess: A very high rank, often ruling a large area called a "Duchy."
• Marquess/Marchioness: A rank often associated with borderlands.
• Earl/Countess: A noble rank, similar to a "Count" in other countries.
• Viscount/Viscountess: A rank below an Earl.
• Baron/Baroness: The lowest rank of nobility, but still very important.

Why Are These Titles Important?

Historically, substantive titles were very important for power, land, and influence. People with these titles often played a big role in politics and society. Even today, in countries with monarchies, these titles represent a connection to history and tradition. They help us understand how societies were organized in the past and how some traditions continue today.