E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Majesty.
Henry VIII. was the first English sovereign who was styled “His Majesty.” Henry IV. was “His Grace;” Henry VI., “His Excellent Grace;” Edward IV., “High and Mighty Prince;” Henry VII., “His Grace,” and “His Highness;” Henry VIII., in the earlier part of his reign, was styled “His Highness.” “His Sacred Majesty” was a title assumed by subsequent sovereigns, but was afterwards changed to “Most Excellent Majesty.”
