Courtesy Title

A courtesy title is a title that is not a substantive title but rather is used through custom or courtesy by the heirs apparent. If a peer of one of the top ranks (a duke, marquess, Count or earl) has more than one title, his eldest son, not himself an actual peer, may use one of his father's lesser titles 'by courtesy'. However, the father continues to be the substantive holder of the peerage title and the son using the peerage by courtesy legally remains a commoner unless issued a writ of acceleration. If the eldest son of one of these top ranks also has an heir, he may use a still lower title if one exists. For example, the eldest son of the Duke of Newcastle uses his father's lesser title, the Earl of Sutton. A courtesy title does not automatically grant its holder a seat in the house of lords, though the heirs apparent of many noblemen are sometimes called upon to sit in the house of lords when said noblemen are unable to do so.