When thinking about developing your persona one easy way to slip into character is to use language. For instance when I say “Hello” it is a much different feel than when I say “Buongiorno“. To help those of the Italian persuasion I have compiled a list of titles for use in persona below. Prego!
From the 12th to the 15th centuries the kings of France, England, Castile, Portugal and Aragon used the style Highness (Fr: Altesse, Ger: Hoheit, It: Altezza, Sp: Alteza) as their title among others such as Excellency. In 1519 Emperor Charles V began using the term Majesty for his elevated status. France followed suit, as did other Sovereigns. Once kings moved to using Majesty, princes and princesses appropriated Highness. Later, only the crown prince was considered Royal Highness, and his siblings or children called simply Highness, following the Venetian and Genoese tradition of using Altezza Serenissma, or Most Serene Highness.
List of SCA-Related Italian Titles:
- Sua Maesta Reale (His/Her Royal Majesty)
- Sua Altezza Reale (His/Her Royal Highness)
- Sua Altezza Serenissima (His/Her Most Serene Highness)
- Sua Eccellenza (His/Her Excellency or Grace)
- Maestro/Maestra (Master/Mistress)
- Lordship/Ladyship (Onorato Signore/ Onorata Signora)
- Lord/Lady (Signore/Signora)
- Lady-in-waiting (Dama di corte)
References:
Enciclopedia Italiana
Pine, L.G. Titles: How the King became His Majesty, 1907.
Saint-Simon. Mémoires, 1709.
Other Sources on Italian Noble Titles:
http://www.regalis.com/nobletitles.htm
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0691008000/ref=nosim/theworldofroyalt
La Bella Donna 