The Nobility of the Principality of Kaharagia comprises individuals who hold a Kaharagian title of nobility, either by grant or inheritance, together with their families. The Kaharagian Nobility is ceremonial in nature and does not confer legal privileges or superior status over non-noble citizens. In accordance with Kaharagian constitutional tradition, the Sovereign is the fons honorum and retains sole authority to create, alter, or revoke noble titles.
Titles and Styles of Address
There are two recognised noble titles in Kaharagia: Count and Baron. The titles Prince and Princess are classified as royal titles and are reserved exclusively for the Sovereign and members of the royal family.
Kaharagian noble titles are titular, meaning they are not attached to land or territorial jurisdiction. By custom, titles are typically based on the surname of the ennobled individual (e.g., Eugene Lupro became Count Lupro), though the Sovereign may designate any title as appropriate. If a surname is already in use by another noble house, an alternative title may be created at the Sovereign’s discretion.
Spouses
Spouses of nobles are considered ennobled by marriage and hold a rank equivalent to that of their partner. For example, the wife of a Baron is styled Baroness [Surname]. In the case of same-sex or female-led titles, titles are adjusted accordingly (e.g., the husband of a female Baroness may be styled Baron [Given Name] [Title]). All noble spouses are of equal rank, with seniority determined by the date of the title’s creation.
Inheritance and Courtesy Titles
Noble titles in Kaharagia are hereditary. The eldest child of a titleholder may inherit the title, regardless of gender. All legitimate children (biological or adopted) of a noble may use a courtesy title, e.g. Baron/Baroness [Given Name] White if their parent is Baron White.
Grandchildren and great-grandchildren of a noble are recognised as members of the noble house (e.g., House of White), but do not hold courtesy titles. They may, however, use a noble coronet on their coat of arms.
If a noble dies without a direct heir, succession may pass to the next eligible descendant of the original titleholder. If no eligible heirs remain, the title becomes extinct and reverts to the Crown. Individuals able to demonstrate descent from the original holder may petition the Sovereign to revive a dormant title.
Styles of Address
- Counts and their spouses: Your Grace, The Most Noble and Highborn
- Barons and their spouses: Your Excellency, The Noble and Highborn
- Children and descendants: No formal style of address is accorded.
Counts and Barons are traditionally addressed as Cousin by the Sovereign.
Peers of the Realm
A Peer of the Realm is the individual who holds a noble title. Spouses, children, and other descendants are considered part of the noble family but are not themselves Peers. The dignity of Peeress is not recognised; both men and women who hold titles are called Peers.
Peers and other senior dignitaries are ex officio members of the Assembly of Notables. In heraldry, Peers are entitled to a coronet with a crimson cap, a privilege not extended to their spouses or descendants.