Majesty

Majesty, a title of honour now usually bestowed on sovereigns. Among the Romans majestas was used to signify the power and dignity of the people, and after the overthrow of the republic became exclusively the attribute of the emperors. The majestas of the emperors of Rome was supposed to descend to those of Germany as their successors; but the adoption of the attribute by other European sovereigns is of comparatively late date. Its use began in England in the later part of the reign of Henry VIII., up to which time 'Your Grace' or 'Your Highness' had been the appropriate mode of addressing the sovereign. Henry II. was the first king of France who was styled 'Most Christian and Catholic Majesty,' the king of Spain came to be 'Catholic Majesty,' and of Hungary 'Apostolic Majesty.' All European emperors, kings, and queens are now generally addressed as 'Your Majesty.' The sovereign of the United Kingdom is personally addressed as 'Your Majesty;' and formal letters are addressed to 'The King's (or Queen's) Most Excellent Majesty.'