A Petition for Honours has for centuries been a means of obtaining Ennoblement.
Traditionally, the Applicant may have had a powerful Noble sponsor, but this was not always the case. Reasons for seeking a Title are usually given and an Investiture or Passage Fee is required, either in token of loyalty or to defray the costs of Investiture – or both. The Fee is not a purchase of Honours.
Today, particularly in English speaking lands, many people assume that only the reigning Monarch of Great Britain may create and bestow Titles. However, there are numerous other Monarchies in the world - and both the Orthodox Churches and the Roman Catholic Church profess the Authority to bestow Titles.
In addition, there are legitimate heirs of Thrones which are now vacant, in countries where a republic has been established, who also retain the power to Ennoble. There are, as well, the Prince Grand Masters of the numerous Independent Orders of Chivalry - many of which have existed since the time of the Crusades, or even earlier.
All of the above sources of Titles are known as fons honorum – a Latin term, meaning ‘fonts of honour’ - due to their recognised Right and ability to bestow Noble Honours. Any of these fons honorum may grant a legitimate and authentic Title of Nobility.
His Excellency, The Prince Douglas, St. Michel de Clermont, is recognised by the International Protocols of Chivalry as a fons honorum and hence Petitions for Honours granted by His Grace are as valid as any.
The Title of Duke (Duchess) is the highest Noble Rank, except for non-Royal Princes. It’s origins are thought by many to be tracable to the Roman dux bellorum or ‘war leader’ of later Imperial times, when barbarian invasions were imminent.
A Marquis (Marchioness) was usually charged with responsibility for guarding the borders or ‘marches’ and was one of the Sovereign’s most trusted Nobles.
Count (Countess) the European equivalent of an English Earl, would have administrative responsibility for a ‘county’ – and be responsible to account to the Sovereign for such important stewardship.
In making these Titles available in his Principality, The Prince offers a choice of these three designations to persons of quality and Good Character, who desire a Noble Rank (or to nominate a worthy candidate for same).
The Prince invites those who Petition for Nobility to join him in promoting respect for the traditional values of Nobility and Chivalry, to act graciously and with consideration in their dealings with others.
In his capacity as Baron of Clermont, a Title he held before being elevated to Prince of St. Michel de Clermont in 1991, His Excellency may also grant the Title of Viscount.
In addition, as Prince Grand Master of both the Order of the Commonwealth and the Order of St. Andrew of Jerusalem, His Excellency may grant Life Perrages of Knight or Dame at various Ranks in either of these Orders of Chivalry.
Information and Applications for these Honours are found elsewhere on this Site.
Please e-mail all inquiries to the Prince's
GRAND SECRETARY
Include a Postal Address for further information
(all Postal Addresses are to be held in strict confidence
and will not be shared, sold or traded). Thank You.
Or Post to our Agents via Snail Mail
NOBILITAT REGALIA-CB
c/o The Chancellery, P.O. Box #1944,
Victoria, BC, Canada,
V8W 3A8
