altesse royale
The English phrase "royal highness" is translated into French as altesse royale.
altesse royale is a form of address. In French, the adjective royale follows the noun altesse to specify the level of royalty.
Meaning: form of address (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun altesse is feminine, which dictates the gender of the possessive adjectives used with it (son/sa). When referring to a male royal in the third person, use the masculine possessive pronoun Son.
Did you know?
- The word altesse shares a common ancestor with the English word 'height', as both stem from the Latin 'altitudo' meaning 'height'.
- In the strict hierarchy of French courtly language, using altesse royale for a reigning monarch instead of majesté would historically be seen as a significant demotion or a grave insult.
- In historical French protocol, one would never use the word 'tu' when addressing someone as altesse royale, even if they were a close family member.
Examples in context
- Kate Middleton est désormais Son Altesse Royale la princesse William Arthur Philip Louis, duchesse de Cambridge, comtesse de Strathearn, baronne de Carrickfergus, maître ès arts.Kate Middleton is now Her Royal Highness Princess William Arthur Philip Louis, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn, Baroness Carrickfergus, Master of Arts.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use altesse royale when providing a full formal title.Tatoeba #866012 by U2FS, translation #865548 by Scott
- Votre Altesse Royale, nous vous souhaitons la bienvenue.Your Royal Highness, we welcome you.
- Votre Altesse, permettez-moi de vous présenter mes respects.Your Highness, allow me to present my respects.
- Nous devons saluer Son Altesse royale.We must greet her royal highness.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are preparing for a formal ceremony at a palace.
- EmmaLucas, est-ce que tout est prêt ?Lucas, is everything ready?
- LucasOui, Emma, l'accueil pour Son Altesse royale est prêt.Yes, Emma, the reception for her royal highness is ready.
- EmmaParfait, elle arrive bientôt.Perfect, she is arriving soon.
- LucasJe vais vérifier le protocole une dernière fois.I will check the protocol one last time.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries altesse, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
