According to the Nobility Act implemented in the Meiji period, the Seiga Family was, in principle, entitled to the title of marquess; however, thanks to the achievements during the Meiji Restoration, the Sanjo Family was entitled to the title of duke, while the Saionji and Tokudaiji families, which were formerly entitled to the title of marquess, were later entitled to the title of duke by means of shosyaku (attaining higher rank based on achievement).
明治の華族令によって、原則的には侯爵に叙されることになったが、維新の功績によって三条家は公爵とされ、また一旦侯爵とされた西園寺家と徳大寺家も後に公爵に陞爵した。