Royal and noble ranks of the Galactic Empire

A system of **royal and noble ranks** was existed in the Galactic Empire since its Beorthram Althmark established the noble class in 7 IC. The nobles had immense economic and political authority during the rule of the Althmark Dynasty.

## Official ranks

### Imperial family

Direct descendants of the Emperor's male line were given the rank of *prince*. They included Prince of the First Rank, Second Rank, and Third Rank.

Other male relatives of the Imperial family held the title of *grand duke*, and were also referred to as *duke*. The proper form of address for members of the Althmark Dyansty (other than the emperor) was *Your Imperial Highness*.

### Noble ranks

Regular nobility held the following titles:

* Duke / duchess
* Marquis / marquess
* Count / countess
* Viscount / viscountess
* Baron / baroness
* Knight / dame

## High nobility

The high nobility was the upper echelon of noble class in the Empire's social hierarchy. They were the representatives of some of the oldest and most powerful noble houses in the Empire, and the galaxy (also sometimes referred to as the "Ancient Houses"). They gained their positions not necessarily through merit, but by blood. The first Emperor, Beorthram Althmark, established the nobility by giving certain local noble houses higher status in the Imperial state. As a result, the high nobles were divided into two camps: those that originated in the Tapani sector (the Tapani clan) and those that originated in the Senex-Juvex region (Senex-Juvex clan).

Tapani clan:

* House Barnaba
* House Cadriaan
* House Calipsa
* House Mecetti
* House Melantha
* House Pelagia
* House Reena

Senex-Juvex clan:

* House Araba
* House Carbinol
* House Elegin
* House Garonnin
* House Halliikeenovich
* House Hax
* House Indupar
* House Kassido
* House Kellermin
* House Mekuun
* House Petro
* House Picutorion
* House Pilor
* House Sisemon
* House Sreethyn
* House Taneel
* House Vandron
* House Viholn

## Low nobility

Poor and destitute, the lower nobility were considered to be nobles in name only. They may have held titles but for whatever reason ended up losing their wealth and prestigious status. Some became lesser nobles after losing power struggles at court, while others were commoners who gained a low noble title for performing some deed. They were looked down on by the high nobility. Others were simply nobles from planets that did not have the opportunity to gain power, as it was monopolized by the Tapani and Senex-Juvex clans.

Known lower noble families:

* House Alde
* House Baliss
* House Borgin
* House Comprassi
* House Cortess
* House Demici
* House Frayus
* House Girard
* House Hanarist
* House Killesa
* House Lanar
* House Malvern
* House Metara
* House Nalju
* House Palerma
* House Panteer
* House Qel-Nosh
* House Renar
* House Rist
* House Serrus
* House Syrush
* House Teraan
* House Teral
* House Teramo
* House Thul
* House Ulgo

## Reformist nobility

The reformist nobles were those who supported General Field Marshal Maximilian Harmon and his coup against the Althmark Dynasty, as well as the subsequent liberal reforms that created the New Galactic Empire. They were willing to oppose the nobility and even the position of Emperor. In return for their loyalty, Harmon guaranteed their aristocratic titles and wealth.

Known reformist families:

* House Andrim
* House Depon
* House Knylenn
* House Kuhlvult
* House Purkis