The King in French: Titles, Etiquette, and History

When discussing royalty in France, it's important to understand the correct usage of terms and titles. This article explores the different ways to refer to a king in French, the historical context, and the linguistic nuances associated with these terms.

King in French: Le Roi

The French word for 'king' is 'roi' (masculine) or in the old spelling, 'roy' (masculine). There are different titles and forms of address used for kings, depending on the context and the situation. Directly addressing a king, one would say:

Votre Majesté

This is the most formal and respectful way to address a king in French. It is used both in person and in written communication. Apart from this formal title, there are other ways to address a king, such as:

Sire est surname

Is your Majesty satisfied, Sire?

Title and Etiquette

Other than the direct address, it's important to know the appropriate form of address for other royal figures. For example, when addressing a prince or a sovereign who is not a king, you might say:

Votre Seigneurie

When referring to the Pope, you would use:

Votre Sainteté

In third-person references, you would use:

Sa Majesté

Historical Context andRoyal Titles in France

France has been through multiple republics and the last king, Louis-Philippe, abdicated the throne in 1848. However, the royal titles and forms of address have remained etched in the French language and culture. During the time of kings, the French monarchy used various forms to denote the authority and sovereignty of the king. For instance:

Le Roi (The King)

Le Roi de La France (King of France)

Le Roi d’Angleterre (King of England)

Le Royaume (Kingdom)

During treaties, the King of France was often addressed as:

YOUR Most Christian Majesty (Votre Majesté très chrétienne)

This title was likely used to emphasize the Catholic faith of the reigning monarch, in contrast to Protestant rulers. The King of Great Britain was known as:

Your British Majesty (Votre Majesté britannique)

Linguistic Nuances and Epitaph

In formal documents and contracts, the King would sign with his regnal name, without any numerical designation, e.g., just Louis. A notable example of the regnal name use is Louis XV's epitaph:

Here lies Louis, this poor king - They say he was good, but to what end?

This epitaph, although humorous, highlights the somber and reflective nature of royal history.

References and Further Reading

To delve deeper into the linguistics and history of royalty in French, the following works might be of interest:

Hervé Gomanne's works on royal etiquette

Digital archives of French historical documents

Research on French monarchs and their titles