Of Kings & Queens & Knights & Things

      The structure which underlies the SCA organization is similar to that of feudal society of the Middle Ages regarding a hierarchy and rank system.  All titles which can be bestowed on a person in the SCA are earned through an individual's demonstration of knowledge, skill, and/or deed. Dignitaries are those who are currently reigning over a Kingdom. Royal Peers are those who have previously reigned over a Kingdom or Principality. Other members of the nobility are the members of the four Orders of the Society. Following is a list of the dignitaries and primary nobility and peers in a Kingdom.
 

King & Queen
	The King and Queen are the absolute rulers of a Kingdom. Their reign lasts six (6) months. They have the authority to create and implement SCA Kingdom Laws and to dispense awards. They are collectively known as the Crown. The Sovereign is chosen by combat at a Crown List Tournament which is held twice each year. The Consort is a person of opposite sex from the Sovereign for whose honor and favor the Sovereign fights.
Crown Prince & Princess
	The Crown Prince and Princess are the successors to The Crown. Upon expiration of the reign of the current King and Queen, the Crown Prince and Princess will assume reign over the Kingdom. They are the most recent winners of a Crown List tournament and function as representatives of The Crown for three (3) months prior to assuming reign.
Prince & Princess
	The Prince and Princess are the rulers of a Principality. They answer directly to the King and Queen. Their reign lasts six (6) months and are chosen by combat at a Coronet List Tournament which is held twice each year. They are collectively known as the Coronet.
Tanist & Tanista
	The Tanist and Tanista are the successors to the Coronet. Upon expiration of the reign of the current Prince and Princess, the Tanist and Tanista will assume reign over the Principality. They are the most recent winners of a Coronet List tournament and function as representatives of The Coronet for three (3) months prior to assuming reign.

Duke & Duchess
	The title of Duke and Duchess is a permanent rank title which indicates that a Lord or Lady has reigned two (2) or more times as King and/or Queen. They wear a coronet adorned with strawberry leaves.
Count & Countess
	The title of Count (or Earl) and Countess is a permanent rank title which indicates that a Lord or Lady has reigned one (1) time as King and/or Queen. They wear a coronet which is usually embattled.
Viscount & Viscountess
	The title of Viscount and Viscountess is a permanent rank title which indicates that a Lord or Lady has served as Prince or Princess of a Principality. They wear a coronet with six semi-circles equally spaced along the top edge.

Knights
	.Knights are the outstanding fighters in the Society who have achieved recognition for their fighting skills and their achievements off the field of battle. They are the epitome of Courtesy and Chivalry. They are permitted to wear a solid white belt, a plain gold chain, and gold spurs.
Laurels
	Laurels are the outstanding individuals in the Society who have achieved recognition for their quality and excellence in an art or science craft/trade and who share their knowledge by teaching their skill to others. They wear a laurel wreath medallion around their neck.
Pelicans
	Pelicans are candidates who have provided long-standing service in an administrative capacity to keep the Society functioning. Members of the Order of the Pelican wear a "pelican in her piety" medallion around their necks and have the right to wear a Chapeau (a fitted fur-trimmed cap).
Baron & Baroness
	Barons or Baronesses in fief (aka Landed or Territorial Baron/Baroness) hold a Barony in the Kingdom for the Crown and are in fealty to them. Court Barons or Baronesses hold no lands and are given that rank by the Crown. Both types of Barons 7 Baronesses wear a flat-topped coronet. Those in fief may wear a coronet with charges from the Baronial Arms upon it and may bear the Baronial Arms in canton upon their shield.