Earl is a level of peered nobility above [[Viscount]] and below [[Marquess]]. The female equivalent is Countess. The title of Earl can be kept if it was held during life, can be gained by marriage or can be granted by the Prince. || [[Baron]] || [[Viscount]] ^^ [[Earl]] **[[Earl]]** || [[Marquess]] || [[Duke]] || ==== Style ==== An Earl uses the [[Style]] of Lord (or Lady). The formal title is His/Her Right Honourable Lordship/Ladyship the Earl/Countess of Territory, where Territory is replaced by the name of the title, traditionally the territory associated with it.