Definitions of Prince

[lauren_silverwolf]

No: HPFGUIDX 103624

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Jospehine" <J.Z.Dench at u...> 
wrote:

> Very useful! I think we should also include someone who *considers* 
> themselves to be a prince, whether they are officially or not. I 
> mean, it hasn't been clarified that Voldemort was in fact entitled 
to 
> call himself a 'Lord', he may just have had the ego and self 
> importance to do so. I'm sure Draco would bestow a title as 
important 
> as 'prince' upon himself if he felt so inclined!

This whole subject has me pondering.

The only characters we have who have any kind of title are either 
ghosts (e.g. Sir Nicholas de Mimsy Porpington (Nearly Headless Nick), 
The Bloody Baron and Sir Patrick Delaney-Podmore (of the Headless 
Hunt)) or featured in Portraits (Sir Cadogan, and, perhaps the Fat 
Lady?)

There is a conspicuous lack of titles in the modern Wizarding World. 
Even in the *Noble* (my emphasis) and Most Ancient House of Black, 
Sirius' mother is refered to as Mrs Black (not Lady Black, or even 
Madam Black - Madam being frequently used in the WW - Madam Bones, 
Madam Rosmerta, etc.) and Harry addresses Lucius Malfoy as Mr Malfoy 
when he returns the Diary in Chamber of Secrets.

Up until now, the balance of power seems to lie with the Ministry of 
Magic - not with any particular wizarding family (although Lucius 
tries his hardest to influence it, through his considerable 
donations ;-) ). With the exception of the majority of OOTP, Fudge 
has always looked to Dumbledore for advice and leadship - which puts 
DD in a King-like role, which now I come to think of it only 
emphasises the fact that no such Wizarding King position exists.

So I don't think there are any official royal or noble positions or 
titles in the modern WW. And, so, theoretically anyone could call 
themselves "Lord" or be termed a "Prince" - particularly if they have 
*powerful* support. ;-)

Lauren.