Talk:Excellency

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[edit] United States President

In the United States, the term "Excellency" was specifically denied to the president, with Mr./Madam President or the honorable being his/her only legal titles. In foreign countries, and in UN protocol, the President is usually referred to as His Excellency, however. New England Governors have retained the title of excellency, though it is rarely used, following traditional British practice (see below).

Really? Can someone please cite the relevant statute that specifically proscribes the use of the style "Excellency" for the President? If not, how is it "specifically denied?"

Washington was regularly referred to as "Excellency" by his officers, and some persons called him that after he was elected President. The article President of the United States says that Lincoln was referred to as "His Excellency" in funeral notices. It may not be officially sanctioned, but is it really officially banned? Is it only "denied" to a President wishing to style himself "Excellency," or is it also illegal for government workers & private citizens to do so? A Google search shows numerous instances of Presidents Bush, Reagan and Clinton being referred to as "His Excellency" by foreign dignitaries. Would a President be required to repudiate the "Excellency" greeting?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1400040310/103-0649201-6753455?v=glance His Excellency: George Washingon --- better stop the presses!

I actually thought that Washington was offered the style but denied it. Mac Domhnaill 21:52, 30 September 2005 (UTC)

Most likely, its not illegal, but simply discouraged owing to its vaguely aristocratic air. At any rate, it is not used in the US to refer to the President, who is usually refered to as "Mr./Madam President". RobLinwood 20:44, 2 January 2006 (UTC)

"Madam"? There has never been a female president of the United States; it would be more (historically) accurate to say that the President is always referred to as "Mr. President" and mention "Madam" as a possible title, should there ever be a female president.Leopold III 06:38, 22 April 2007 (UTC)Leopold III