Yes, Your Majesty is capitalized. When addressing royalty directly, the honorific "Your Majesty" is always capitalized, recognizing its role as a formal title.
Understanding the proper capitalization of honorifics and titles of address is crucial for maintaining respect and formality in written communication. This rule applies broadly to direct forms of address for high-ranking individuals.
Rules for Capitalizing Honorifics and Titles
The capitalization of titles of address often depends on the specific form used, particularly whether it's a direct address, a possessive form, or a general reference.
"Your" and "His/Her" Forms
When addressing someone directly using a formal title that begins with "Your," or referring to someone using "His" or "Her" followed by a title, these forms are consistently capitalized. This practice elevates the title to a proper noun, acknowledging the individual's esteemed position.
- Direct Address: When you speak or write directly to the person.
- "Please tell Your Majesty the plans are ready."
- "We await Your Excellency's decision."
- Referring to the Person: When mentioning them formally.
- "His Majesty will review the proposal."
- "The decree was issued by Her Highness."
This rule ensures clarity and deference, marking the phrase as a specific, respectful address rather than a common noun. For more on honorifics, consult reputable style guides like The Chicago Manual of Style or AP Stylebook (placeholder link: Grammar Guide for Titles).
"My" Forms and Other Possessives
Conversely, when using less formal or possessive forms, such as "my" followed by a title, these are typically not capitalized. This distinction highlights the difference between a formal, elevated title and a more familiar or general reference.
- Less Formal Address:
- "Thank you, my lord."
- "I follow, my liege."
- "Is this acceptable, your grace?" (Note: While "Your Majesty" is always capitalized, "your grace" for non-royal nobility might be capitalized or not depending on specific context and style guides, but "Your Majesty" remains consistent).
This difference in capitalization reflects a nuanced approach to respect and formality, distinguishing between a specific, high-level honorific and a general term of address.
Examples of Capitalization in Titles of Address
To illustrate these rules, consider the following table:
| Form of Address | Capitalization Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Your Majesty | Always capitalized | "Long live Your Majesty!" |
| Your Excellency | Always capitalized | "We present this to Your Excellency." |
| His/Her Majesty | Always capitalized (when referring) | "His Majesty arrived at dawn." |
| His/Her Highness | Always capitalized (when referring) | "Her Highness will speak later." |
| My Lord/Lady | Generally not capitalized | "As you wish, my lord." |
| My Liege | Generally not capitalized | "I serve you, my liege." |
| Your Grace | Varies, often not capitalized unless part of formal name/title | "Thank you, your grace." |
Key Takeaways for Capitalization
- Direct "Your" forms for high-ranking individuals like "Your Majesty" and "Your Excellency" are always capitalized.
- Referring to royalty or high officials using "His/Her" forms such as "His Majesty" or "Her Highness" are also capitalized.
- Possessive "my" forms like "my lord" are generally not capitalized.
- Always refer to a reliable English grammar resource or a specific style guide if unsure about less common honorifics.
By adhering to these capitalization rules, you ensure that your written communication respects established protocols and reflects the dignity associated with such titles.
