View source for Excellency

{{Short description|Honorific style}}
{{Redirect2|His Excellency|Her Excellency}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
[[File:Their Excellencies the Lords Justices of England, for the administration of the Government during the absence of the King by Robert White.jpg|thumb|Their Excellencies the Lords Justices of England, for the administration of the Government during the absence of the [[William III of England|King]] by [[Robert White (engraver)|Robert White]].]]

'''Excellency''' is an [[honorific]] [[style (manner of address)|style]] given to certain high-level officers of a [[sovereign state]], officials of an [[international organization]], or members of an [[aristocracy]]. Once entitled to the title "Excellency", the holder usually retains the right to that courtesy throughout their lifetime,<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 March 2017|title=Forms of Address|url=https://garzaprotocol.com/forms-of-address/|access-date=9 June 2021|website=Garza Protocol Associates|language=en-US}}</ref> although in some cases the title is attached to a particular office and is held only during tenure of that office.<ref>''Protocol - The Complete Handbook of Diplomatic, Official, and Social Usage'' (page 21), by [[Mary Jane McCaffree]] and Pauline Innes, published by Hepburn Books, Dallas, Texas [http://www.usaprotocol.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301195037/http://www.usaprotocol.com/|date=1 March 2012}}, 1977, 1985, 1989, 1997 {{ISBN|0-941402-04-5}}</ref>

Generally people addressed as ''Excellency'' are [[heads of state]], [[heads of government]], [[governor]]s, [[ambassador]]s, [[Roman Catholic bishops]], high-ranking ecclesiastics, and others holding equivalent rank, such as heads of international organizations.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 August 2016|website=Protocol and Liaison Service |publisher=United Nations |title=Heads of state, heads of government, ministers for foreign affairs |url=https://www.un.int/protocol/sites/www.un.int/files/Protocol%20and%20Liaison%20Service/hspmfm.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240905210531/https://www.un.int/protocol/sites/www.un.int/files/Protocol%20and%20Liaison%20Service/hspmfm.pdf |access-date=9 June 2021|archive-date=5 September 2024 }}</ref> Members of [[royal families]] generally have distinct addresses such as [[Majesty]], [[Highness]], etc..

While not a title of office itself, the honorific ''Excellency'' precedes various titles held by the holder, both in speech and in writing. In reference to such an official, it takes the form ''His'' or ''Her Excellency''; in direct address, ''Your Excellency'', or, less formally, ''Excellency''.
The abbreviation '''HE''' is often used instead of ''His/Her Excellency''; alternatively it may stand for ''[[His Eminence]]''.

== Government ==
=== Heads of state and government ===
In most [[republic]]an [[nation state]]s, the [[head of state]] is formally referred to as ''His'' or ''Her Excellency''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.pravda.com.ua/authors/leschenko/5047cb4f8f5fa/ |title=Три привітання для Януковича |trans-title=Three greetings for Yanukovych |publisher=Blogs.pravda.com.ua |date= 5 September 2012 |author=Сергій Лещенко |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419023005/https://blogs.pravda.com.ua/authors/leschenko/5047cb4f8f5fa/ |archive-date= Apr 19, 2023 }}</ref>

If a republic has a separate [[head of government]], that official is almost always addressed as ''Excellency'' as well. If the nation is a [[monarchy]], however, the customs may vary. For example, in the case of Australia, all ambassadors, high commissioners, state governors and the governor-general and their spouses are entitled to the use of Excellency.

Governors of colonies in the [[British Empire]] were entitled to be addressed as ''Excellency'' and this remains the position for the governors of what are now known as [[British Overseas Territories]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Running the Show: Governors of the British Empire|last1=Williams|first1=Stephanie|publisher=Viking|year=2011|isbn=978-0-670-91804-1}}<!--| access-date = 2011-09-30 --></ref>

=== International diplomacy ===
In various [[international organization]]s, notably the UN and its agencies, ''Excellency'' is used as a generic form of address for all republican [[heads of state]] and [[heads of government]]. It is often granted to the organization's head as well, and to those chiefs of UN diplomatic missions, such as [[Resident Coordinator]]s (who are the designated representatives of the secretary-general), who are accredited at the head of state level (like an ambassador), or at the lower head of government level.

=== International judiciary ===
Judges of the [[International Court of Justice]] also enjoy the style of ''Excellency''.

== Monarchy ==
=== Royalty ===
In some monarchies the [[husband]]s, [[wife|wives]], or children of a [[royal prince]] or princess, who do not possess a princely title themselves, may be entitled to the style. For example, in [[Spain]] spouses or children of a born ''[[infante]]'' or ''[[infanta]]'' are addressed as ''Excellency'', if not accorded a higher style.

Former members of a royal house or family, who have forfeited a royal title, may be awarded the style afterwards. Examples are former husbands or wives of a royal prince or princess, including [[Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg]], following her divorce from [[Prince Joachim of Denmark]]. Likewise, [[Count Carl Johan Bernadotte of Wisborg]], who lost his succession rights to the [[Monarch of Sweden|Swedish throne]] and discontinued use of his royal titles in 1946 when he married the commoner Elin Kerstin Margaretha Wijkmark, was accorded the style.

In some [[emirate]]s, such as [[Kuwait]] and [[Qatar]], the Emir, heir apparent and prime minister are called ''His Highness''. Their children are styled with ''His/Her Excellency'' unless they possess a higher honorific.

=== Nobility ===
In Spain members of the high nobility, holding the dignity of [[grandee]], are referred to as ''The Most Excellent Lord/Lady''.

In Denmark, some [[count]]s (''lensgrever''), historically those related by blood or marriage to the [[Monarchy of Denmark|Danish monarch]], who have entered a [[morganatic marriage]] or otherwise left the [[Danish royal family|Royal Family]] have the right to be styled as ''Your Excellency'', e.g., the Counts of [[Danneskiold-Samsøe]], some of the [[Count of Rosenborg|counts of Rosenborg]] and the [[Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg|Countess of Frederiksborg]] (''[[ad personam]]'').

In the subnational monarchy [[Sultanate of Sulu]], senior nobility and holders of royal offices that are granted the title of [[Datu Sadja]] are referred to as ''His/Her Excellency.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nobility of Sulu |url=https://sultanateofsulu.ecseachamber.org/nobility-of-sulu/index-1.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419084633/http://orderofthepearl.org/nobility-of-sulu/ |archive-date=19 April 2019 |access-date=19 April 2019 |website=ROYAL AND HASHEMITE ORDER OF THE PEARL |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Knights ===
''Excellency'' can also attach to a prestigious quality, notably in an order of knighthood. For example, in the [[Empire of Brazil]], it was attached to the highest classes, each time called ''[[Grand Cross]]'', of all three imperial orders: [[Order of Pedro I|Imperial Order of Pedro I]], [[Order of the Southern Cross|Imperial Order of the Southern Cross]] with the military honours of a [[Lieutenant general]] and [[Order of the Rose]].

Knights of the Collar and Knights Grand Cross of the Spanish Orders of Chivalry, such as the [[Order of Charles III]], [[Order of Isabella the Catholic]], [[Order of Civil Merit]], [[Civil Order of Alfonso X, the Wise|Order of Alfonso X the Wise]], [[Royal Order of Sports Merit]], [[Civil Order of Health]], as well as recipients of the Grand Cross of [[Crosses of Military Merit (Spain)|Military]], [[Crosses of Naval Merit (Spain)|Naval]], and [[Crosses of Aeronautical Merit (Spain)|Aeronautical Merit]] are addressed as such. Furthermore, Knights Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Holy Sepulchre (Catholic)|Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem]], [[Order of Saint Gregory the Great]], and the [[Order of St. Sylvester]] of the [[Holy See]], and Grand Cross of The Lion, Crested Crane, Crown, and The Drum of Rwanda, and Knights of the [[Order of the Golden Fleece]], and Knights Grand Cross of several other orders of high prestige, are often addressed as ''Excellency''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/guidetodiplomati00satouoft |title=Satow, Ernest Mason, Sir - A Guide to Diplomatic Practice |date=10 March 2001 |access-date=1 February 2013}}</ref>

== Ecclesiastical use ==
By a decree of the Sacred Congregation of Ceremonial of 31 December 1930<ref>''[[Acta Apostolicae Sedis]]'' 1931, p. 22; ''[[L'Osservatore Romano]]'' 24 January 1931.</ref> the [[Holy See]] granted bishops of the [[Catholic Church]] the title of ''Most Reverend Excellency''  or ''Excellentia Reverendissima'' in [[Latin]]. In the years following the [[First World War]], the ambassadorial title of ''Excellency'', previously given to [[nuncio]]s, had already begun to be used by other Catholic bishops. The adjective ''Most Reverend'' was intended to distinguish the religious title from that of ''Excellency'' given to civil officials.

The instruction ''Ut sive sollicite'' of the Holy See's [[Secretariat of State (Holy See)|Secretariat of State]], dated 28 March 1969, made the addition of ''Most Reverend'' optional,<ref>[http://catholicsites.org/clericaldress/utsivesollicite.html ''Ut sive sollicite''], 22</ref> sanctioning what had always been the practice, except possibly for the beginnings of letters and the like.

According to the letter of the decree of 31 December 1930, titular [[Patriarch#Roman Catholicism|patriarchs]] too were to be addressed with the title of ''(Most Reverend) Excellency'', but in practice the Holy See continued to address them with the title of ''Beatitude'', which was formally sanctioned for them with the motu proprio ''Cleri sanctitati'' of 2 June 1957.

[[Cardinal (Catholicism)|Cardinals]], even those who were bishops, continued to use the title of ''Eminence''.

[[Eastern Orthodox]] [[titular metropolitan]]s are addressed with the style of ''Excellency''.

In some English-speaking countries, the honorific of ''Excellency'' does not apply to bishops other than the nuncio. In English law, [[Anglican]] archbishops are granted the title of ''[[Grace (style)|His/Her Grace]]'', similar to a duke, and bishops are granted the title of ''Lord''. The same titles are extended by courtesy to their Catholic counterparts, and continue in use in most countries that are or have been members of the Commonwealth,{{citation needed|date=March 2022}} with the exception of the former British East African countries of [[Kenya]], [[Uganda]] of [[Tanzania]].

== By country ==
=== Afghanistan ===
In Afghanistan the title ''Jalalat Mahab'' is used for [[Sardar]]s, or Princes of the former [[Barakzai dynasty|Muhammadzai Dynasty]], who are descendants of the Afghan King [[Sultan Mohammad Khan|Sultan Mohammed Khan Telai]]. Although Jalalat Mahab is derived from the Arabic term ''Jalalat'' literally meaning ''His Majesty'', it is regarded as equal to ''His Excellency'' or ''His Royal Highness'' internationally.

The descendants of [[Mohammed Nadir Shah|King Nadir Shah]] held the title ''Alaa Hazrat'' in which context ''Hazrat'' is Turkish and means ''Majesty'' or ''Highness'' and thus literally translated means ''Higher Majesty'' or ''Higher Highness'' and is internationally also equal to ''His Royal Highness''. The King himself held the title ''Alaa Hazrat Humayoon'' which literally translated means ''His Most Noble Majesty'', and can be equalized with ''His Majesty'' internationally. [[Mohammed Daoud Khan|President Daoud Khan]], the Cousin of the last Afghan King [[Mohammed Zahir Shah|Zahir Shah]], who acted as prime minister under his cousin held the address ''Jalalat Mahab Aali Qadr Sardari Alaa'' during his term as [[Prime minister|Prime Minister]].

=== Albania ===
The [[President of Albania|president]], the [[Chairman of the Parliament of Albania|chairman of the Parliament]] and the [[Prime Minister of Albania|prime minister]] are referred to as ''His/Her Excellency''.

=== Armenia ===
The [[President of Armenia|president]], the [[Prime minister of Armenia|prime minister]], the [[Chairman of the Parliament of Armenia|chairman of the Parliament]], as well as ministers and ambassadors of [[Armenia]] are addressed as ''Excellency'', which in [[Armenian language|Armenian]] is ''Ձերդ գերազանցութիւն'', Romanized ''Dzerd gerazancutiwn''. The members of the traditional [[Armenian nobility]] are also addressed as ''Excellency'', which in [[Armenian language|Armenian]] it is ''Ձերդ պայծառութիւն'' Romanized as ''Dzerd paytzarrowtiwn'', literally ''Your Brightness''.

=== Bangladesh ===
In [[Bangladesh]] the [[President of Bangladesh|president]], [[Prime minister of Bangladesh|prime minister]], [[Chief Adviser (Bangladesh)|chief adviser]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Congratulatory Letter from Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to Chief Adviser of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Professor Muhammad Yunus |url=https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Newsroom/Press-Statements-Transcripts-and-Photos/2024/08/Congratulatory-Letter-to-Bangladesh_240815 |website=www.mfa.gov.sg |publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Singapore)]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920114744/https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Newsroom/Press-Statements-Transcripts-and-Photos/2024/08/Congratulatory-Letter-to-Bangladesh_240815 |archive-date=20 September 2024 |language=en|date=15 August 2024}}</ref> the [[Speaker of the Parliament of Bangladesh|speaker of the Parliament]] and international diplomats are styled with ''His/Her Excellency''.

===Barbados===
The [[President of Barbados|president]], is styled with ''His/Her Excellency'' formally while their informal title is "Mr./
Madam President". 

=== Belgium ===
Members of the [[Council of Ministers of Belgium]], consisting of the [[Prime Minister of Belgium|prime minister]], [[Deputy Prime Minister|deputy prime minister(s)]], other [[Federal Government of Belgium|ministers]], and [[Secretary of state#Belgium|Secretaries of state]], and also honorary [[Minister of State (Belgium)|ministers of state]], are entitled to the style of ''His/Her Excellency''.

The style is also used for the [[Governor#Benelux monarchies|governors of Belgium]], which are governors of the ten [[provinces of Belgium]], [[governor of Brussels]], governor of the [[national bank of Belgium]] and both foreign ambassadors in Belgium and Belgian ambassadors to other countries.

Moreover, within the [[Catholic Church in Belgium]], the ([[archbishop|arch-]])[[bishop]]s and [[Nuncio|(pro-)nuntia]] are referred to as ''His Excellency Monsignor'' or ''Zijne Excellentie Monseigneur'' in Dutch, ''Son Excellence Monseigneur'' in French  and ''Seine Exzellenz Monsignore'' in German .

=== Brazil ===
In 1991, the [[Brazil]]ian [[President of Brazil|Presidential Office]] issued a composition manual to establish the appropriate usage of the [[Portuguese language]] for all government agencies. The manual states that the title of ''Excelência'' (Excellency) is the proper form used to address the president and [[Vice-President of Brazil|vice president]], all [[Congresso Nacional|members of parliament]] and [[judge]]s, among other officials.<ref>[http://www4.planalto.gov.br/centrodeestudos/assuntos/manual-de-redacao-da-presidencia-da-republica/manual-de-redacao.pdf Manual de Redação da Presidência da República] {{in lang|pt}}</ref>

=== Cambodia ===
In the [[Kingdom of Cambodia]], deputy prime ministers, senior ministers, members of the [[Cabinet of Cambodia|Council of Ministers]], secretary of state, and members of [[Parliament of Cambodia|Parliament]] are referred to as "His/Her Excellency" ({{langx|km|ឯកឧត្ដម}}, {{transliteration|km|Êk Ŏtdâm}}/{{lang|km|លោកជំទាវ}}, {{transliteration|km|Loŭk Chumtéav}}).

=== Commonwealth of Nations ===
Within the Commonwealth of Nations, the following officials usually use the style ''His or Her Excellency'':
* The [[Commonwealth Secretary-General|Commonwealth secretary-general]];
* Presidents of Commonwealth republics;
* [[Governor]]s and [[governor-general|governors-general]], and the spouses of governors-general;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/index.php/policies/protocol/forms-of-address |title=General examples of addressing or referring in speech to titled and official persons |publisher=Victoria State Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet |access-date=21 November 2018}}</ref>
* Commonwealth [[high commissioner]]s (but ''not'' their spouses);
* Foreign ambassadors (but ''not'' their spouses);
* Foreign dignitaries who are entitled to the style in their own countries.

While reference may be made to the ''King's Most Excellent Majesty'', the style ''Excellency'' is not used with reference to the [[Monarchy of the United Kingdom|King]].

===Chile===
The [[president of Chile]] and the [[president of the Chamber of Deputies of Chile]] are referred to by the style "His/Her Excellency".

===Finland===
The [[president of Finland]] and [[prime minister of Finland]] are both referred to by the style "His/Her Excellency" in international diplomacy.

===Germany===
The [[president of Germany]] and [[chancellor of Germany]] are both referred to by the style "Excellency" in international diplomacy, albeit not domestically.

=== India ===
The [[president of India]] and [[governor]]s of Indian states are addressed as Rāshtrapati Mahoday/Rāshtrapati Mahodaya (if lady )(राष्ट्रपति महोदय/ राष्ट्रपति महोदया  (if lady), Honourable President) and Rājyapāl Mahoday/Rājyapāl Mahodaya (if lady) (राज्यपाल महोदय/राज्यपाल महोदया (if lady), Honourable Governor) respectively.

''His/Her Excellency'', a custom dating from the ancient times wherein the Samrāt and Sāmrājñi (सम्राट, साम्राज्ञी/Emperor, Empress), Generals, Kings, Ambassadors were addressed. A classic example is addressing Devvrat ([[Bhishma]]) as महामहिम भीष्म (His/Your Excellency Bhishma) in [[Mahabharata|Mahabharat]].

However the Constitution makers{{clarify|date=January 2022}} approved will discontinue "ancient era" styles of Mahāmahim. The same release states that in [[English language|English]] (which is the other language in which subsidiary official communications are released in the Central [[Government of India]] in its capacity of Sahāyak Rājabhāśhā: Subsidiary Officiating language) the style Honourable shall replace the erstwhile His/Her/Your Excellency. The newer style will be ''Honourable''.

The corresponding changes in releases from the President's Secretariat shall be from Mahāmahim to Rāshtrapatiji.<ref>{{cite web|title=President Approves New Protocol Practice|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=88279|publisher=Press Information Bureau, Government or India |date=3 October 2012 |access-date=31 January 2014|author=President's Secretariat}}</ref> The release also talks about the styles of other dignitaries, like [[governors]]. "Hon'ble" will be used before the titles "president" and "governor", while the traditional honorifics ''[[Sri|Shri]]'' or ''Smt.'' (''Shrimati'') should precede the name.

However, "Excellency" will continue to be used, only for interaction of leaders with foreign dignitaries and foreign dignitaries with Indian leaders as is customary international practice.

=== Ireland ===
The [[president of Ireland]] is addressed as ''Your Excellency'' or in the Irish language, ''a Shoilse'' (literally, "brightness ([[vocative case|{{sc|voc}}]])".<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EjqvDwAAQBAJ&dq=%22a+Shoilse.%22+brightness&pg=PA131|title=Raymond Queneau's Dubliners: Bewildered by Excess of Love|first=James Patrick|last=Gosling|date=12 September 2019|publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing|isbn=9781527539907 |via=Google Books}}</ref> Alternatively, one may address the president simply as ''President'' or in the Irish language ''a Uachtaráin''.

=== Italy ===
The [[president of Italy]] and the [[prime minister of Italy]] (officially called President of the Council of Ministers) are referred to as "His/Her Excellency" in international diplomacy. Furthermore, the terms "president" and "premier" are used as well. This latter is an informal and common address for the prime minister of Italy. For both institutional charges, the term "president" is usually exploited in formal and informal situations.

=== Jordan ===
Like many countries that once formed part of the Ottoman Empire, ''His/Her Excellency'' is used as the style for those with the title of [[Bey]] or [[Pasha]]. In Arabic the latter titles are often included between the first and last names of the holder, while in English the titles are not usually included and the style of ''His/Her Excellency'' is used on its own. Those styled this way include government ministers, senior military officers, and the husbands and children of Princesses.

=== Kenya ===
The [[president of Kenya]] is referred to as "His/Her Excellency".

The governors of the counties and diplomats are also referred to as "His/Her Excellency".

=== Malaysia ===
The [[Yang di-Pertua Negeri|governors]] ({{lang|ms|Yang di-Pertua Negeri}}) of [[Yang di-Pertua Negeri Melaka|Melaka]], [[Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang|Penang]], [[Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah|Sabah]], and [[Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak|Sarawak]] are referred to as "His Excellency" (Tuan Yang Terutama). High commissioners and ambassadors are also referred to as "His/Her Excellency" (Tuan/Puan Yang Terutama).

=== Myanmar ===
The [[president of Myanmar]], [[First Lady of Myanmar|first lady]], [[State Counsellor of Myanmar|state counsellor]], vice-presidents of Myanmar, [[Speaker of the Assembly of the Union of Myanmar|speaker of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw]], [[speaker of the House of Nationalities]], [[speaker of the House of Representatives of Myanmar]], governor of the [[Central Bank of Myanmar]], members of the [[Cabinet of Myanmar]], [[Chief Ministers of States and Regions of Myanmar|chief ministers of states and regions of Myanmar]], mayors and [[List of diplomatic missions of Myanmar|ambassadors]] are referred to as "His/Her Excellency" while justices of the [[Supreme Court of Myanmar]] are referred to as "The Honourable".

=== The Netherlands ===
Members of the [[cabinet of the Netherlands]] ([[Prime Minister of the Netherlands|prime minister]], [[Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands|deputy prime minister(s)]], other [[Ministries of the Netherlands|ministers]], and [[Undersecretary#Netherlands|state secretaries]]), but also honorary [[Minister of State (Netherlands)|ministers of state]], are entitled to the style of "His/Her Excellency".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://taaladvies.net/titels-en-titulatuur-in-nederland-algemeen/ |title=Titels en titulatuur in Nederland (algemeen) |date=12 May 2021 |trans-title=Titles in The Netherlands |publisher=taaladvies.net |access-date= 18 April 2024}}</ref>

The style is also used for the executive officers of the Dutch royal court (great officers of the Royal House, [[hofmarschall]], [[equerries]]), governors of the [[Kingdom of the Netherlands#Constituent countries|constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands]] ([[Governor of Aruba|Aruba]], [[Governor of Curaçao|Curaçao]], and [[Governor of Sint Maarten|Sint Maarten]]), ambassadors (both foreign ambassadors in the Netherlands and Dutch ambassadors to other countries), judges of the [[International Court of Justice]], and [[flag-officer|flag-]] and [[general officer]]s of three-star rank and above ([[general]]s, [[lieutenant-general]]s, [[lieutenant-admiral]]s, and [[vice-admiral]]s).

Moreover, within the [[Catholic Church in the Netherlands]], the ([[archbishop|arch-]])[[bishop]]s and [[Nuncio|(pro-)nuntia]] are referred to as "His Most Reverend Excellency" (i.e. in Dutch as ''Zijne Hoogwaardige Excellentie'').

=== Nigeria ===
The [[president of Nigeria]] and [[vice-president of Nigeria]] share the style "His/Her Excellency" with the various governors and their deputies of the country's regional states as well as their wives.

=== Pakistan ===
The [[Prime Minister of Pakistan|prime minister of Pakistan]] and the [[president of Pakistan]], are both referred to as "His/Her Excellency".

===Peru===
The [[president of Peru]] is referred to as "His/Her Excellency" (In [[Spanish language|Spanish]]: ''Su Excelencia'') if in diplomatic context.

=== Philippines ===
The [[President of the Philippines|president]] ([[Filipino language|Filipino]]: ''pangulo''; [[Spanish language in the Philippines|Spanish]] and colloquially: ''presidente'') is addressed in [[English language in the Philippines|English]] as "Your Excellency" and "Sir" or "Ma'am" thereafter, and is referred to "His/Her Excellency". The president can also less formally be addressed as "Mister/Madam President". In Filipino, the president may be referred to with the more formal title of "''Ang Mahál na Pangulo''", with "''mahál''" connoting greatness and high social importance.{{refn|group=nb|The [[Tagalog language|Tagalog]] word "mahál" is often translated as "love" and "expensive", but its original sense has a range of meanings from "treasured" to "the most valuable". It is often applied to royalty, roughly equivalent to the Western "[[Majesty]]" (e.g. ''Mahál na Harì'', "His Majesty, the King"; ''Kamahalan'', "Your Majesty"), and at times used for lower-ranking nobles in the manner of "[[Highness]]", which has the more exact translation of ''Kataás-taasan''. It is also found in religious contexts, such as referring to [[Catholicism in the Philippines|Catholic]] [[patron saints]], the [[Blessed Virgin Mary]] (e.g. ''Ang Mahál na Ina/Birhen''), or [[Christ]] (e.g., ''Ang Mahál na Poóng [[Black Nazarene|Nazareno]]'').}}

[[Populist]] president [[Rodrigo Duterte]] has expressed dislike for the traditional title. After assuming office in June 2016, he ordered that the title, along with all honorifics, be dropped from official communications, events, and materials but instead, he be addressed only as "Mayor" since people are already used to calling him as such due to Duterte being the longest-serving [[mayor of Davao City]] and that his cabinet officials only be addressed as "Secretary". Other government officials followed suit by abandoning use of "The Honorable".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Salaverria|first1=Leila B.|title=Don't call me 'Your Excellency'|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/798090/dont-call-me-your-excellency|access-date=19 January 2017|agency=The Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=22 July 2016|language=en}}</ref> However, despite the prior unofficial abandonment, the president continues to be addressed as "Excellency" in formal correspondences and petitions, either verbally or written.

All other local and national government officials are styled "[[The Honorable#Philippines|The Honorable]]"; both titles, however, may be glossed in Filipino as ''Ang Kagalang-galang''.

=== Portugal ===
In [[Portugal]], the proper style of the [[President of Portugal|president]] is "His/Her Excellency" ([[Portuguese language|Portuguese]]: Sua Excelência).

===Somalia===
The [[president of Somalia]] is referred to as "His/Her Excellency" or "Jaale". Jaale was also a title used by armed forces staff officers of all branches, especially in the Aden Adde-Shermarke Era, and the Barre Era but has now is rare and has become a title for civil servants and senior government secretaries.

=== South Africa ===
The [[president of South Africa]] (and historically the [[State President of the South African Republic|state president of the South African Republic]]), is (and was) referred to as "His/Her Excellency" if in a formal context.

=== South Korea ===
The [[president of South Korea]] is referred to as "His/Her Excellency" ({{langx|ko|각하|gagha}}) if in a formal context both inside and outside of [[South Korea]].

=== Spain ===
Spain uses the title "[[The Most Excellent]]" extensively as a formal address to high officers of the state. The following officials receive the treatment:
* The [[Prime Minister of Spain|prime minister]]<ref>Arts. 3 y 13 del RD 1051/2002</ref> and former prime ministers,<ref>Real Decreto 405/1992</ref> current and former deputy prime ministers of the central government, current and former government ministers,<ref>Real Decreto 5 de enero de 1786, estableciendo el tratamiento de ''Excelentísimo Señor'' en la correspondencia de oficio a los Secretarios del despacho universal (Novísima Recopilación, l. 2, t. 12, l. 6); Real Decreto de 16 de mayo de 1788: {{blockquote|"Para evitar la variedad con que se ha procedido por diversas personas y secretarías en quanto (''sic'') a tratamientos, después de vista y examinada la materia en mi Suprema Junta de Estado, he venido en declarar que el tratamiento de ''excelencia'' se dé enteramente poniendo encima de los escritos ''excelentísimo señor'' a los grandes y consejeros de Estado, o que tienen honores de tales, como hasta aquí se ha hecho [...]"}} Por su parte, el Decreto de las Cortes de Cádiz de 8 de junio de 1812 establece que los Secretarios de Estado y del Despacho, que lo fueren en propiedad, y mientras permanecieren en el empleo, tendrán el mismo tratamiento que los consejeros de Estado. Mediante Real Decreto de 19 de noviembre de 1823, se creó el Consejo de Ministros, formado por los Secretarios de Estado y del Despacho.</ref> current junior ministers (''secretaries of state'') and the undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry.
* [[Government Delegation (Spain)|Government delegates]].<ref>Artículo quinto del Real Decreto 3117/1980</ref>
* Ambassadors and ministers plenipotentiaries of first and second rank.<ref>Art. 38 del Reglamento Orgánico de la Carrera Diplomática de 15 de julio de 1955. No obstante, conforme a dicho precepto, a todos los Ministros Plenipotenciarios Jefes de Misión Diplomática (es decir, también a los que no sean de primera y segunda clase), mientras ejerzan sus funciones en el extranjero, se lea dará el tratamiento de Excelencia.</ref>
* Captain generals, generals of the army, admiral generals, generals of the Air, lieutenant generals, admirals, [[divisional general]]s, vice-admirals, brigadier generals, and [[counter admiral]]s.<ref name="RROO">Art. 302 de las Reales Ordenanzas del Ejército de Tierra, art. 491 de las Reales Ordenanzas de la Armada y art. 341 de las Reales Ordenanzas del Ejército del Aire.</ref>
* The president, councillors, and secretary general of the [[Spanish Council of State|Council of State]], as well as the chief counsels of the Council of State.<ref>Arts. 14, 23 y 56 del Real Decreto 1674/1980</ref>
* The president and former presidents of each of the [[autonomous communities]], as well as the sitting councillors (regional ministers).
* The president of the [[Congress of Deputies]], the president of the [[Senate]], all members of the {{Lang|es|Cortes Generales|italic=no}} (although the later are usually referred to as "His/Her Lordship" (sp. ''Su señoría'').
* The members of the [[General Council of the Judiciary]], the president and the judges of the [[Spanish Supreme Court]], the [[Spanish Attorney General]], and the members of the [[Spanish Constitutional Court]].
* The presidents and numeraries of the eight Royal Academies.
* The governor of the [[Bank of Spain]].
* The presidents of the three Foral Deputation (provincial governments) of the [[Basque Country (autonomous community)|Basque Country]], and the president of the Deputation of Barcelona.
* The [[rector (academia)|rector]]s of the Universities (usually referred to as His/Her Excellency and Magnificence).
* [[Grandees of Spain]] and their consort, as well the Heirs of Grandees and their consort
* Knights/Dames of the Collar and Knights/Dames Grand Cross of the Spanish [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Spain|military and civilian orders]]

The style "[[His Excellency]]", which has a higher connotation than "The Most Excellent", is instead reserved for the children of an Infante or Infanta, who have the rank (but not the title) of Grandees.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-1987-25284 |trans-title=Royal Decree 1368/1987, dated 6 November, regulating titles, forms of address and honours pertaining to the Royal Family and to the Regents |website=Boletín Oficial del Estado |title=Real Decreto 1368/1987, de 6 de noviembre, sobre régimen de títulos, tratamientos y honores de la Familia Real y de los Regentes. }}</ref>

=== Sri Lanka ===
The president of [[Sri Lanka]] was referred to as ''His/Her Excellency''. This was until 2022, when President Ranil Wickremesinghe banned the use. However, it is still used diplomatically.

=== Sweden ===
The [[Swedish language]] titles and forms of address are ''Hans/Hennes Excellens'' (His/Her Excellency) and ''Ers Excellens'' (Your Excellency).

During most of the 20th century in [[Sweden]], only three officials (other than foreign ambassadors [[Letter of credence|accredited]] in Sweden and Swedish ambassadors at their posts) were granted to the style of ''Excellency'': the [[Prime Minister of Sweden|prime minister]], the [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Sweden)|minister for foreign affairs]] and the [[Marshal of the Realm (Sweden)|marshal of the realm]] (the highest ranking [[courtier]]). They were collectively referred to as "the three excellencies" ({{langx|sv|de tre excellenserna}}).<ref>[https://runeberg.org/statskal/1915/0066.html "Sveriges statskalender", 1915], [[Project Runeberg]]. Retrieved on 8 June 2013. {{in lang|sv}}</ref><ref>[https://runeberg.org/statskal/1964/0057.html "Sveriges statskalender", 1964], [[Project Runeberg]]. Retrieved on 8 June 2013. {{in lang|sv}}</ref> In the 1970s it fell out of custom in Sweden to address the prime minister and the minister of foreign affairs as such, although they continue to be addressed as such in [[United Nations]] protocol and in other diplomatic writing.<ref>{{cite web |url-status=dead |url=http://www.un.int/protocol/documents/Hspmfm.pdf |title=Heads of state, heads of government, ministers for foreign affairs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927014351/http://www.un.int/protocol/documents/Hspmfm.pdf |archive-date=27 September 2012 |publisher= Protocol and Liaison Service, [[United Nations]] |access-date= 8 June 2013 |date=Sep 22, 2012 }}</ref> Since then only the Marshal of the Realm uses the style regularly.

Prior to the 19th century, a [[Lord of the Realm]] ({{langx|sv|En af Rikets Herrar}}) and a member of the [[Privy Council of Sweden|Council of the Realm]] were also entitled to the style of Excellency.

=== Thailand ===
The [[prime Minister of Thailand]], deputy prime ministers, other cabinet members, governors and ambassadors are referred to as "His/Her Excellency".<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 May 2019|title=His Excellency Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand congratulated His Excellency Mr. Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia on his reelection victory on 17 April 2019|url=http://www.thaiembassyjakarta.com/en/his-excellency-gen-prayut-chan-o-cha-prime-minister-of-the-kingdom-of-thailand-congratulated-his-excellency-mr-joko-widodo-president-of-the-republic-of-indonesia-on-his-reelection-victory-on-17-ap/|access-date=9 June 2021|website=สถานเอกอัครราชทูต ณ กรุงจาการ์ตา|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Turkey===
In the English language, the [[president of Turkey|president]] and the [[Vice President of Turkey|vice-president]], [[Cabinet of Turkey|cabinet ministers]], [[List of diplomatic missions of Turkey|ambassadors]], and some other high-ranking bureaucrats are addressed as ''Excellency''.

In the Turkish language, honorific titles are no longer used since the 1923 modernisation of the language; under [[Atatürk's reforms|Atatürk's Reforms]]. Instead of ''Excellency'', dignitaries are addressed using the Turkish word for ''Honorable (Turkish: Sayın)'' followed by their office.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Unvanlar / T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı |url=https://www.mfa.gov.tr/unvanlar.tr.mfa |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=www.mfa.gov.tr}}</ref> For example, an ambassador of Turkey would be addressed simply as ''Honorable Ambassador (Turkish: Sayın Büyükelçi).'' It is important to emphasise that this distinction only applies when speaking in the Turkish language, not in English. Additionally, in very rare [[Ceremony|ceremonial]] circumstances, the word ''Excellency'' is used in Turkish. An example would be the formal [[accreditation]] of a Turkish ambassador, wherein the letter of confidence authored by the [[President of Turkey|Turkish president]] would address the ambassador as ''Excellency (Turkish: Ekselansları)''.

=== United States ===
In the [[United States]], the form ''Excellency'' was commonly used for [[George Washington]] during his service as commander-in-chief of the [[Continental Army]] and later when [[president of the United States]], but it began to fall out of use with his successor [[John Adams]], and today is sometimes replaced in direct address with the simple ''[[Mr. President (title)|Mr. President]]'' or ''the [[The Honourable#United States |Honorable]]''.

Nevertheless, in the protocol of many foreign countries and [[United Nations]], the president and the [[United States Secretary of State|secretary of state]] are usually referred to as ''Excellency''. Diplomatic correspondence to President [[Abraham Lincoln]] during the [[American Civil War]], as during the [[Trent Affair|''Trent'' Affair]], for instance, frequently addressed him as ''Your Excellency''.

The form ''Excellency'' was used for the [[Governor (United States)|governors]] of most of the original [[Thirteen Colonies]], and the practice formally continued after [[American Revolution|independence]]. For example, the term was formerly used in [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] on the [[Governor of Georgia|state governor]]'s letterhead, the text of [[executive order]]s, any document that required the governor's signature, and informal settings. However, in most states the practice fell out of use (or was never introduced) and the title ''[[The Honourable#United States of America|Honorable]]'' is now used instead.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.georgia.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Georgia-Protocol-guide-.pdf|title=Georgia Protocol Guide|author=Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD)|website=Georgia Department of Economic Development (Georgia.org)}}</ref>

Though the U.S. president and U.S. ambassadors are traditionally accorded the style elsewhere, the U.S. government does not usually use ''Excellency'' for its own chiefs of missions, preferring ''Honorable'' instead.

== See also ==
{{Wiktionary|Excellence|Excellency|excellency}}
* [[Canadian honorifics]]
* [[Ecclesiastical titles and styles]]
* ''[[His Excellency (opera)|His Excellency]]'' (opera)
* [[Style (manner of address)]]

== Notes ==
{{Reflist|group=nb}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== Further reading ==
{{Wiktionary|Excellency}}
* {{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Excellency | volume= 10 |last=Phillips|first=Walter Alison |author-link=Walter Alison Phillips| pages = 49&ndash;50 |short= 1}}

{{Ecclestiastical styles}}

{{Royal styles}}

[[Category:Styles (forms of address)]]
[[Category:Royal styles]]
[[Category:Ecclesiastical styles]]