Origin of ‘Highness’
In Saudi Arabia, all princes are addressed as ‘Highness’ since Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, the founder of the country, made the decision to award the title of ‘Highness’ to members of the royal family. This establishes the family’s influence and power in the kingdom and is seen as a representation of the strength of the dynasty. Prince Abdulaziz was responsible for creating a royal court system and introducing the use of the titles ‘Highness’, ‘Majesty’ and ‘Esteemed Highness’ for family members. The use of the term ‘Highness’ is also closely associated with the honorific ‘His Highness’, which indicates a high ranking status for a particular prince.
Princesses Use ‘Her Highness’
Women in the royal family are not addressed as ‘His Highness’, instead, they use the term ‘Her Highness’. This is because in traditional ways, royal females maintain a lower status than males in Saudi Arabia and are expected to play a lesser role in public life. For instance, whilst the King can make political decisions, Queen Rania – the wife of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud – is more likely to be found out and about, engaging in international activities and philanthropy.
Advancement in Women’s Rights
Due to the advancement in women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, royal female members have gained greater recognition and increased responsibilities over the years. This has been accelerated by the accession of King Salman as the new monarch of Saudi Arabia in 2015. He has allowed for the introduction of positive changes in the status of women and granted them greater access to public education and the labour market. This has allowed many royal women to be appointed to government and diplomatic positions and be honoured with honorary titles.
Titles are Not Awarded Automatically
Although all princes in Saudi Arabia are addressed as ‘His Highness’, the award of specific titles in not automatic and has to be granted. This process begins with the Monarch deciding who should be given the honorary title of ‘Highness’. The Monarch will consult with members of the royal family to decide on the best candidates as only those displaying good behaviour, loyalty to the family and the kingdom, and openness to change and willingness to contribute to the development of Saudi Arabia, are likely to be favoured.
Modern Day Use of ‘Highness’
Today, the use of ‘Highness’ is still common among members of the royal family and is a sign of respect. This title is used to address members of the family in person or when referred to in public and even appears on the official documents of royal family members. It is also regularly used in conversations with high profile people from outside the dynasty, indicating the power, respect and importance held by the family in the kingdom.
Importance of Respectful Greetings
It is important to show respect when addressing a prince in Saudi Arabia. Hence when greeting members of the royal family, it is customary to show respect by calling them ‘His Highness’. This is done by bowing and making appropriate language in honor of the prince. It is seen as a sign of respect and politeness, even for non-royal visitors to the kingdom.>
Duties and Responsibilities of a Prince
Being a prince in Saudi Arabia requires a certain sense of responsibility and commitment to the kingdom. All princes are expected to make a contribution to the country in some way, whether this is through military service, running businesses, representing the kingdom on diplomatic and business trips abroad or carrying out philanthropic activities. It is only natural for the family to be honoured for their commitments with the use of the title ‘His Highness’.
Standing Out in the Community
The use of ‘Highness’ is also an indication to the people of the kingdom that members of the royal family are not ordinary citizens, but rather, are people of high rank and importance and expected to stand out in the community. As such, when a prince is presented with the title of ‘Highness’, it is taken as a sign of honour from the Monarch and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Protocols for Interactions with a Prince
When interacting with a prince, it is important to adhere to the prescribed protocols of the Kingdom. This includes extending the appropriate respect and addressing them using the appropriate title, depending on their level of importance and rank. A prince is usually greeted with ‘May Allah Bless Your Highness’ or ‘May his Highness be Glorified’, both of which are expressions of respect. Similarly, when leaving the room of a prince, a common phrase used is ‘May His Highness have a pleasant departure’. These greetings demonstrate the level of respect expected from the people towards members of the royal family.
Significance of the Monarchy
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ‘Highness’ is a sign of recognition of the monarchy and their importance in the kingdom. It is a recognition of the family’s dedication to serving the people and contributing to the development and prosperity of the nation. As the family is the symbolic representation of the Kingdom, it is only natural for them to be respected and honoured through the use of titles such as ‘Highness’.
Role of the Media
The media is an important source of information in Saudi Arabia and as such, it plays an important role in maintaining the status of the royal family. Media outlets are expected to show respect towards members of the monarchy and their contribution to the development of the kingdom. News organisations must call royals by their titles such as ‘His Highness’ and ‘Her Highness’ and refrain from using any terms that may be seen as insulting to the royal family.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that all princes in Saudi Arabia are addressed as ‘His Highness’. This title is used to express respect and recognition for the family’s dedication in serving the kingdom over the years. It also highlights the power and influence the family held in the kingdom, as well as serves as an indication of the importance of the monarchy in Saudi Arabia.
