Who is higher up, a duke or a marquis? Learn about the nobility from Bridgerton

Titles and power add iIntrigue to romantic entanglements

Interestingly, many of these ranks still exist today

What's the order of nobility in 'Bridgerton'?

Next in line are their heirs: Prince and Princess

The marquis in the third season of 'Bridgerton'

Viscounts and Viscountesses in 'Bridgerton'

Titles and power add iIntrigue to romantic entanglements

After the jaw-dropping ending of the third season, one thing still confuses us: the roles and ranks of nobility in that era. The titles, customs, and hierarchy play a huge part in the series.

Interestingly, many of these ranks still exist today

Our favorite characters, besides being incredibly charming, hold various titles: kings, counts, viscounts, marquises, and more, which are crucial to their stories. Here's a guide to understanding the hierarchical order of each title.

What's the order of nobility in 'Bridgerton'?

In this hit TV show, the ranking reflects that of the British nobility. King and Queen are the highest rank, represented by King George and Queen Charlotte, whose extraordinary (and real-life inspired) love story is further explored in the spin-off 'Queen Charlotte.'

Photo: Facebook - Bridgerton - Netflix

Next in line are their heirs: Prince and Princess

In 'Bridgerton,' this includes Prince Friedrich of Prussia, whom the Queen considered the perfect match for Daphne, her diamond, in the first season.

Followed by Duke and Duchess

A duke holds the highest rank of nobility below the royals. This title comes with significant estates and a small governing area called a "duchy." Titles are usually inherited but can also be granted by a King or Queen.

This tradition still holds today

For example, Prince William and Kate became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge upon marriage, while Prince Harry and Meghan became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Dukes and Duchesses in 'Bridgerton'

Simon Bassett, the Duke of Hastings, marries Daphne Bridgerton, making her the Duchess of Hastings. Daphne’s bold choice to marry a duke instead of the Queen's chosen prince was quite the scandal.

Photo: Facebook - Bridgerton - Netflix

Marquis and Marchioness

This is the second-highest rank of nobility. Traditionally, a marquis owned a "border district" and was responsible for its defense. Today, people like Rose Hanbury and her husband, David Cholmondeley, Marquess of Cholmondeley, hold this title.

The title of marquis can be inherited

Like other titles with territories, it can also be granted by the King or Queen. A count can be promoted to marquis, though a marquis can also be demoted to count.

The marquis in the third season of 'Bridgerton'

Lord Samadani is the suitor chosen by the Queen for her “diamond” of the third season, Francesca Bridgerton, who, as is typical for the Bridgertons, defies the Queen’s wishes.

Earl and Countess

Earls and countesses hold a significant rank. They once governed regions, and while the title may no longer be as prominent today, it was quite important in the 'Bridgerton' era.

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Earls and Countesses in 'Bridgerton'

Lady Danbury received the title of countess from the Queen as a mark of their friendship and her role as a confidant. John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin, marries Francesca, once again showing how the Bridgertons value love over titles.

Photo: Facebook - Bridgerton - Netflix

Viscount and Viscountess

The fourth rank of nobility is viscount. We know this well because the Bridgertons hold this title. Viscounts were once assistants to earls and could govern small areas.

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Viscounts and Viscountesses in 'Bridgerton'

The Bridgerton matriarch, Dowager Viscountess Violet Bridgerton, and her late husband, Edmund were of this rank. After his death, the title passed to their eldest son, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, who marries Viscountess Kathani, Kate Sharma. Anthony, like many Bridgertons, defies the Queen by choosing his true love over her chosen diamond.

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Baron and Baroness

Barons and baronesses hold the lowest rank of nobility. Below them are those without titles.

Photo: Facebook - Bridgerton - Netflix

Barons and Baronesses in 'Bridgerton'

Baron and Baroness Portia Featherington, parents of Penelope., hold this rank The baroness is thrilled as Penelope marries Colin Bridgerton, elevating her status, especially considering she was seen as a spinster at 24 years old.

Photo: Facebook - Bridgerton - Netflix