Use of Excellency

Question

I have a confusing matter. How do you, native English speakers, think when someone in a letter use Excellency without his/her/your before it ?

For example:

Excellency,

I have an urgent matter to discuss with you.....
......
......
Please, accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Fivejedjon · Accepted Answer

The majority of native speakers are never addressed as (Your) Excellency, and do not have cause to use that term of address to others. If they were in such a position, some expert on protocol would advise them.

Rau Muống Xào Tỏi · Answer

This is a letter sent to an ambassador of a country. That's why Excellency was used. How do you feel when someone use Excellency like this ?

Fivejedjon · Answer

I, personally, would not address an ambassador as 'Excellency' or 'Your Excellency'. I would address him/her by name if we had been introduced; otherwise I'd probably use 'Ambassador".

Rau Muống Xào Tỏi · Answer

Thank you for your great input. Although I have seen many state-to-state letters using Excellency, I think it's way too formal in native English speakers' world. Is it right ?

Clive · Answer

Here is how the British officially handle this.
http://www.debretts.com/forms-address/professions/diplomatic-service/foreign-ambassador-accredited-united-kingdom

Other countries may have different approaches.

Rau Muống Xào Tỏi · Answer

Thanks for your input. I think it's unusual to use Excellency without his/her/your before it.

Use of Excellency

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