Correct Titles

As I walked about Blackburn last week there were the usual public tributes to the late Queen, including a large electronic billboard and various posters. Some referred to ‘Her Majesty’, others, incorrectly, ‘Her Royal Highness’. In British regal etiquette, Majesty is given to Kings and Queens, Highness to their immediate relatives. It doesn’t make a lot of difference, and the Blackburn poster-maker doubtless meant well. Indeed, I have known magistrates addressed as “Your Majesty” and "Your Honour" (which refers only to judges) rather than the more correct ‘Your Worship’ (also addressed to mayors). Bishops and dukes are called ‘Your Grace’ while other betitled folk are called ‘My Lord’ or ‘My Lady’, while ambassadors are noted for ‘their Excellency’.

If the late Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor is now in heaven with the Saviour, which I believe she is, how is she addressed? Not, methinks, “Your Majesty”, for heaven entertains only the one Monarch. Although I think that there will be a diversity of reward in heaven, the most awesome and favourable dispensation of divine favour shall be to those who receive the glorious title “Faithful Servant”. Beyond such an accolade, the real believer has no ambition or aspiration.

His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ Matthew 25:23, NKJV.