A countess is a noblewoman who holds a title of nobility that ranks below a marquess/marchioness in the British peerage system. She is equal in status to an earl or a count. A countess can either inherit the title when she is born or gain it by marrying a noble. The title of countess is the third of the five noble ranks. In terms of addressing, a countess is referred to as Lady.
In comparison to a duchess, a countess has a lower rank in the peerage system. A duchess is the highest rank below the monarch and refers to a widow or wife of a duke or a woman, in her own right, who holds a rank that is equal to a duke. A duchess is addressed as Your Grace.
It is important to note that the title of count or countess can also be purchased from certain organizations, such as the Principality of Sealand. However, these titles do not hold any legal recognition or status in the British peerage system.
