Kaharagian Nobility

Overview

The Kaharagian Nobility comprises individuals who hold titles of nobility in the Principality of Kaharagia, whether bestowed or inherited, along with their families. These titles carry ceremonial privileges only—nobles are not considered more important than non-noble Kaharagians. The Sovereign serves as the fount of honour (fons honorum) and maintains exclusive authority to create and remove noble titles.

Noble Titles and Hierarchy

The Kaharagian Sovereign grants two noble titles:

  • Baron/Baroness
  • Count/Countess

Note: The titles of Prince and Princess are reserved exclusively for the Sovereign and members of the royal family and are personal titles.

Nature of Titles

Kaharagian nobility is titular rather than landed, meaning titles do not come with associated territories. By custom, newly ennobled individuals typically adopt their surname as their title (e.g., Eugene Lupro became Count Lupro). However, the Sovereign retains discretion to grant any title designation, particularly when surnames conflict with existing noble houses.

Forms of Address and Styles

For Title Holders

Counts and Countesses:

  • Style: “Your Grace”
  • Full style: “The Most Noble and Highborn”
  • Addressed as “Cousin” by the Sovereign

Barons and Baronesses:

  • Style: “Your Excellency”
  • Full style: “The Noble and Highborn”
  • Addressed as “Cousin” by the Sovereign
For Family Members
  • Spouses: Automatically ennobled through marriage and hold equivalent rank to other spouses of the same noble rank
  • Children: May use their noble parent’s title as a courtesy (e.g., children of Baron White are addressed as Baron/Baroness [Given Name] White)
  • Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren: Considered members of the noble house but do not hold titles; may use a noble coronet in their coat of arms

Succession and Inheritance

Kaharagian noble titles are hereditary and follow these principles:

  1. Primary Succession: The eldest child inherits, regardless of gender
  2. Line of Succession: If no direct heir exists, the title passes to the next eligible descendant of the original title holder
  3. Extinct Titles: Without eligible heirs, titles revert to the Crown
  4. Reinstatement: Individuals who can prove lineage to an extinct title may petition the Sovereign for reinstatement

Peers of the Realm

Only the actual title holders are considered “Peers of the Realm” (both male and female holders use this term). Peers enjoy several exclusive privileges:

  • Ex-officio membership in the Assembly of Notables
  • Crimson cap in their heraldic coronets
  • Right to carry a sword at court
  • Direct access to the Sovereign (within reason)

Citizenship Benefits

Ennoblement automatically confers Kaharagian citizenship upon:

  • The ennobled individual
  • Their spouse
  • Their minor children

This citizenship privilege extends to non-citizens who inherit titles, along with their spouses and minor children.

Heraldic Privileges

Titled nobles receive several heraldic honours:

  • Coat of Arms: With supporters (a privilege shared only with Knights and Ladies of the Order of Saint Michael and Knights and Dames Grand Cross of the Order of the Kaharagian Eagle)
  • Coronet: Appropriate to their rank
  • Personal Banner: May fly their banner of arms as a personal flag in Kaharagia
  • Monogram: Personal initials surmounted by their rank’s coronet
  • Free Registration: All heraldic fees are paid by the Sovereign

The Chief Herald works with nobles to create their arms according to their preferences.

Court Privileges

Nobles enjoy special privileges at court:

  • Guaranteed admission to court functions
  • Right to carry a sword at court (shared with Knights and Ladies of the Order of Saint Michael)
  • Direct access to petition the Sovereign
  • Ceremonial precedence in court protocols

Revocation of Nobility

The Sovereign alone possesses the authority to revoke noble titles and status. Key points:

  • Grounds for Revocation: Only treachery and treason can result in loss of nobility
  • Scope: Usually applies to individuals only; titles typically pass to heirs
  • Family Impact: Family members may lose noble status on a case-by-case basis
  • Historical Precedent: Two individuals have had their nobility revoked for treachery
  • Reinstatement: The Sovereign may restore previously revoked noble status
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