Highness

Highness is a style of address historically used for princes and princesses of minor nobility. As such it is much lower in terms of rank when compared to Royal Highness and Imperial Highness.

Highness is literally and, historically, the quality of being lofty or above. It is used as a term to evoke dignity or honour, and to acknowledge the importance or high rank of the person being addressed. The short way to write it is HH. However it is outranked by Grand Ducal Highness. The style was often used by low-level nobility of the Holy Roman Empire.

Historical examples
His Highness The Duke of Aosta. A future King of Sardinia who was known as the Duke of Aosta prior to succession. Known as this from 27 April 1701 – 22 March 1715. 
His Highness The Prince of Piedmont, Later used Royal Highness after his father was created a King. 

Related pages
Titles of European royal heirs

Category:Styles (manners of address)