Grandee

Spanish nobles are classified either as Grandees (also called Peers) or as Titled Nobles. Formerly, Grandees were divided into the first, second and third classes, but now, all Grandees are of the first class. An individual is a Grandee if he or she holds a Grandeeship, regardless of possession of a title of Nobility. Normally, however, each Grandeeship is granted along with a title, though this was not always the case. Furthermore, a Grandeeship is normally awarded along with every ducal title. A peer of any rank outranks a non-peer, even if that non-peer is of a higher grade. Thus, a Baron-Peer would outrank a Marquess who is not a peer.

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Grandees are entitled to the style of Most Excellent Lord/ Lady or His/ Her Excellency.

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By extension the term can refer to any important person of high status, particularly one long resident in an area possessing both land and wealth.

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