Style of A Head of State
After the fall of Rome, Majesty was used to describe a monarch of the very highest rank - indeed, it was generally applied to God.
Variations, such as "Catholic Majesty" (Spain) or "Britannic Majesty" (United Kingdom) are often used in diplomatic settings where there otherwise may be ambiguity (see a list).
Imperial heads (i.e., Emperors) may use Imperial Majesty.
Princely and ducal heads usually use "His Highness" or some variation thereof (e.g., His Serene Highness). In British practice, heads of princely states in the British Empire are referred to as Highness.
In monarchies that don't follow the European tradition, heads may be called Majesty whether or not they formally bear the title of King or Queen, as is the case in certain countries and amongst certain peoples in Africa and Asia.
Read more about this topic: Majesty
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