What are Your Rights as a Peer?

        Well, when it comes down to it, there aren't a lot of 'rights'.
        • In theory there is respect, however, many people have noticed this -- a person must earn respect. A peer should have already earned it in order to be asked to become a peer. However, sometimes it's very difficult to retain that respect. So, is it a right? To an extent, all peers are entitled respect. I certainly don't feel that any peer should attempt to demand it, though. Either you have earned it, and people around you (fellow peers, and non-peers alike) respect you, or you haven't. How do you earn that respect? Be peer-like without being a snob, be approachable, be worthy of respect. Look at those you respect, and try to emulate them.
          Note: I will respect any member of the peerage unless I have been given reason not to. This includes the royal peers as well as the polling orders. It's not easy to be recognized as a peer (in the polling orders, anyway - for the royal peers, sitting a throne is not usually an easy task - not if you take it seriously ...), and therefore, they have earned my respect, unless as noted, they have done something to cause my opinion to change.
        • You have the right to the title(s) granted to the Order(s) of Peerage to which you belong. (Master/ Mistress/ Sir/ Dame/ Royal peerage titles, and other language equivalents)

        • You have the right to wear the regalia that belongs to your Order(s). (Medallions, chain/belt/spurs/baldric, cloaks, collars, coronets ...)

        • You have the right to swear fealty to the Crown and Kingdom when you are made a peer, but with that fealty comes the responsibilities of fealty. If you decide not to swear fealty to the Crown when you are made a peer, you have the option of swearing fealty later, but in my opinion this has some problems attached to it.

        • You have the right (and the responsibility!) to advise the Crown in all matters that concern the Kingdom. Note that a Peer does not have to advise the Crown only in the peerage meetings. A peer may always talk to the Crown about any issue that they feel needs discussing. Remember, however, you are simply advising the Crown -- the Crown may not agree with you -- there is nothing you can do about it. If you are in fealty see the bits about "to speak and to be silent"!

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