When it comes to royal families and their formal titles, things can get, well, complicated. Sure, we understand the way kings, queens, princes and princesses work, but what about all of the noble titles that fall below them?

Take barons and baronesses, for example. Perhaps you’ve heard these terms in passing or maybe you’ve never come across them at all. But, even as royal experts, it took us some time to figure out exactly what the titles mean. What is a baron? And how does one become a baron?

Keep reading for everything you need to know about the official title.

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What is a baron?

A baron is a title of nobility given to someone of status in Britain. It’s important to know that there are five possible titles for males in the peerage system (a legal system conferring titles of realms in the United Kingdom). Ranked from highest to lowest, they include duke, marquess, earl, viscount and baron. This means baron is the lowest title given on the title totem pole.

The rank was initially created to denote a tenant-in-chief to the monarch (someone who owned land and used it for feudal land tenure) who was allowed to attend Parliament, but now it doesn’t come with those bells and whistles. There are more barons (over 400, to be exact) than any other title in the peerage system. Throughout history, the title has existed in Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. However, it’s use has declined in a handful of countries aside from the U.K.

What is a baroness?

Simply stated, a barroness is the wife or widow of a baron or a woman who holds the title in her own right—by being given it or having it handed down (but more on that below).

How does someone become a Baron?

The titles can be passed down or bestowed. That’s right—you technically don’t have to be born into nobility, or inherit a peerage, to be a baroness or a baron. You can be named one by the Prime Minister, as long as Queen Elizabeth approves, of course. Not to mention, if you marry someone who holds the title, then you get one too.

How do you address a Baron?

Just because someone has the title of baron or baroness doesn’t mean that’s how you refer to them. In fact, barons, viscounts, earls and marquesses can all be referred to as “lord” or “lady” instead of their full official title.

ARE THERE ANY FAMOUS MODERN-DAY Barons?

1. Prince Charles, Baron Renfrew

Yup. Bet you didn’t know that one. Not only is he the official successor to the throne, but as it turns out, the Prince of Wales is also the Baron Renfrew (an area in Scotland). In fact, he holds many other noble titles, including the Earl of Chester, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Lord of the Isles and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland.

2. Prince William, Baron Carrickfergus

Like his father, the Duke of Cambridge also holds a baron title—the Baron Carrickfergu, referring to Carrickfergus in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The royal was given the title when he married Kate Middleton (making her a baroness) back in 2011. Often while visiting the country, he goes by Baron (or Lord) Carrickfergus.

3. Prince Andrew, Baron Killyleagh

Queen Elizabeth’s third born holds the title the Duke of York, the Earl of Inverness and the Baron Killyleagh. The prince was given his baron title when he married Sarah Ferguson back in 1986.

While we’re on the topic, what are the other important titles?

What is a duke?

A duke is the member of nobility that ranks directly below the monarch. It means the individual is a ruler of the “duchy” (a county, territory or domain). Similar to a baron, it can either be passed down by a parent (aka inherited) or given as a title. In the British royal family, dukes are formally addressed as “Your Grace.”

What is a count?

A count is another title of nobility, however it varies slightly in meaning depending on which country you’re in. When referring to a count, you’re likely speaking about someone who falls in the middle of the social hierarchy. Unlike a baron or a duke, a count is not part of the peerage system, because the British equivalent actually is called an earl. However, a countess is included in the system. Confusing, we know.

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