His / Her Excellency is an honorific title given to certain high-ranking political officials. When written, the title is place before someone's name and title, for example "His Excellency, President Chirac." In spoken address a holder of this title is usually referred to as Your Excellency or simply Excellency.
In many states, the title is granted to:
American usage
In the United States, the term "Excellency" was specifically denied to the president, with Mr./Madam President or the honorable being his/her only legal titles. In foreign countries, and in UN protocol, the President is usually referred to as His Excellency, however.
New England Governors have retained the title of excellency, though it is rarely used, following traditional British practice (see below).
Commonwealth usage
The Queen uses the qualitative title "Excellency" in some cases: e. g. "Be it enacted by the Queen's most Excellent Majesty..."
Otherwise in the Commonwealth the style "Excellency" is generally accorded to the following people only:
Other Countries
In most republican nations, the president is formally called "His/Her Excellency" and the initals "HE" are often presented in front of his name in formal documents. Following the American model, the simpler title of "Mr./Madam President" remains the most common title for day-to-day conversation however.
If a republic has a prime minister, he or she is often granted the title of "Excellency" as well. If the nation is a constitutional monarchy however, rules vary. Many European monarchies do not specifically give the title to their prime ministers, while most of the monarchies of Asia do.
In various international organizations "Excellency" is used as a genaric title for all heads of state and heads of government. It is often granted to the organization's head, as well.
See also
Last updated: 09-01-2005 20:55:20
