Questions on Precedence

If a person has many titles from diverse escapades, what
is the correct order of precedence. If someone has become, in
a varied life; a Captain in the Army; a doctor; a vicar; a member
of parliament; and was subsequently knighted for these
achievements, how would we address such a person. Would 'The
Honourable and Reverend Captain Sir John Smith, MD' be
appropriate? Is there a general rule that should be applied?
DC
Generally speaking when there are three or more styles of address
it is considered too cumbersome to include more than the two senior
ones. As a rule of thumb, ecclesiastical titles take precedence
over temporal, and this includes peerage and academic titles.
However, you should note that when a clergyman receives an order of
knighthood, he does not receive the accolade, nor does he use the
title of 'Sir', although he may use the customary post-nominal
letters.
A retired officer of the armed forces who enters holy orders is not
addressed by his service rank, either in the body of the letter or
on an envelope. (This is not the case in Australia or
Canada.)
A baronet who takes holy orders may retain his title, thus The
Reverend Sir Thomas Smith, Bt, would be correct; the ecclesiastical
title taking precedence over the temporal.
These variations and others too numerous to mention may be found
on our website.
See
Hierarchies: Letters after the Name
I am putting together a function for next week to launch
the opening of a new exhibition. It is being hosted by the Earl and
Countess of Carnarvon and they will open the exhibition alongside
the Egyptian Ambassador.
We also have quite a few VIPs coming
including the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Chairman of Hampshire
County Council, the High Sheriffs of Hampshire and Berkshire,
several Mayors and the MP for North-West Hampshire!
When
referring to the above in a speech in which order should they be
mentioned and how should they be introduced? NT
I suggest that a preamble to a speech, with reference to your
question, would start with Lord and Lady Carnarvon, followed by
Lord Lieutenant, Your Worships, Mr Chairman, High Sheriffs, Your
Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen.
This is only a suggestion. If Lord Carnarvon feels the Ambassador should be given greater precedence, I see no reason why this should not be implemented. See Preamble Precedence
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