BRITISH MONARCHS OF THE 20th CENTURY.

Edward VII, 1901 - 1910, the Peacemaker.

George V, 1910 - 1936, the Sailor King.

Edward VIII, Jan. 20, 1936 - Dec. 10, 1936, Our Smiling Prince, abdicated.

George VI, 1936 - 1952.

Elizabeth II, 1952 -

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British aristocracy - still based on birth and social position (blue-blooded, upper crust, toffs, the county set)

1. ROYAL FAMILY and HEREDITARY PEERAGE (Sir or Lady)

Hereditary peers/peeresses in order of rank:

1. royal duke/duchess - (Duke of Edinburgh, Duke of Cornwall, Duke of York, Duke of Gloucester, Duke of Kent)

2. duke/duchess

3. marquess/marchioness

4. earl/countess

5. viscount/viscountess

6. baron/baroness

2. BARONETS - like hereditary peers but cannot sit in the House of Lords

3. LIFE PEERAGE - (Life Peerage Act 1958 - life peerages in recognition for public service; Peerage Act 1963 - peerage must be renounced before being elected to the House of Commons), e.g.

1. Law Lords

2. Lords Spiritual

3. life peers - for public service

4. ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD (KNIGHTS) (Sir or Dame) - the title cannot be passed on children, e.g.

1. Order of the Garter - (the oldest in the world)

2. Order of Merit

3. Order of the Bath

4. Order of the British Empire

5. Order of St. George

6. Order of St. Patrick

7. Order of the Thistle

8. Distinguished Service Order

9. Royal Victorian Order

10. Order of the Companions of Honour

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