Altesse

Altesse is a French honorific, meaning "Highness". It is used as a style to address or refer to members of certain royal or noble families.

Usage:

• Royal Families: Altesse is typically used for members of reigning or formerly reigning princely families, often for those who do not hold the rank of king, queen, emperor, or empress. The specific rules governing its usage vary depending on the historical practices of each dynasty.
• Nobility: Some families with high nobility, particularly in continental Europe, have been granted the style of Altesse. This is less common than its usage within royal families.
• Forms of Address: When directly addressing someone with the style of Altesse, one would typically use a formal phrase such as "Votre Altesse" (Your Highness). When referring to them in the third person, one might use "Son Altesse" (His/Her Highness).
• Distinction from Majesté: It is important to distinguish Altesse from Majesté (Majesty), which is a higher style reserved for monarchs (kings, queens, emperors, empresses).
• Decline in Use: The usage of Altesse has generally declined in modern times, particularly in republics and in countries where monarchies have lost power.