House of Lords’ Etiquette Ruling

 

A new Duchess of Norfolk was introduced in 1905 – LONDON, Jan. 19.-England's premier nobleman, the Duke of Norfolk, was today married to the Hon. Gwendolin Mary Maxwell, who thus takes her position at the head of English official society. her position being only one step below rovalty. The Duke of Norfolk is in his 57th year and is very wealthy. His first wife was a daughter of Baron Donington and died in 1887.

The latest pamphlet published by the commission of historical manuscripts in London contains the following interesting and curious travesty on etiquette: “The Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, having been summoned to appear before the House of Lords in 1692 in order to plead their suit for divorce, it was debated whether the Lord Chancellor, sitting as Chairman, should lower his dignity by bowing to the Duchess and speaking to her only with his cap in his hand. This question was argued for several days in the House of Lords until debate exhausted itself and several duels resulted. At length it was decided that the Lord Chancellor should first receive the bows of the Duke and Duchess and return them with uncovered head and after that he should replace his cap.” This rule was followed to the letter and is still adhered to today when similar contingencies arise. – Triplicate, Volume XVIII, 1897

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia