Other Crap

Reader mail

Hi Scoop, A few words about the protocols of the Peerage.

If Lady Gaga was truly the unruly daughter of Lord Gaga, she would actually be 'The Honourable Stefani Gaga' if he was a baron or viscount, or 'The Lady Stefani Gaga' if he was an earl, marquess or duke. To be referred to as 'Lady Gaga' she would need to be either the Baroness or Viscountess Gaga in her own right, or be married to a knight with the surname Gaga, e.g. Sir Gregory Gaga. I have a sneaking suspicion, however, that she isn't actually a member of the UK peerage at all; these doubts extend to Sir Mixalot and, indeed, to Prince who, other than his small stature, bears very little resemblance to other members of the Royal Family.

I hope this helps!

A

Scoop's note: I don't remember Prince ever specifying which country's line of succession determined his title. I would not have guessed the UK, where the title of Prince is relatively rare and difficult to obtain. Perhaps he is a Nigerian prince. Based upon my e-mail inbox, almost every male human being in Nigeria is entitled to use that title.

But you know we have the title of Lady here in the States as well. The perennially well-groomed Lady Remington comes to mind, or the distinguished and athletic Lady Titleist. Perhaps Lady Gaga belongs to that particular strain of nobility.