What's Up Wednesday (2012 Birthday Ball)

As we know, the Crown Prince Imperial and the Duke of Swann share the same birthday. This is not only a cause for an annual celebration but manages to secure the largest gathering of Royalty and Nobility. This year's function, which took place a few weeks ago on the 24th of Sept (a public holiday in the Principality of Swann), was no exception. The Ball was a veritable feast for the eyes and Royal jewellery watchers and paparazzi had their pick of the glamour and glitz. 

This year's event did set one groundbreaking precedent. It was held, with special permission from the Scotney government, at the ancestral Castle of Glen Coe belonging to the Dysart family. Countess Dysart or Trish Coe as she is known in the Republic of Scotney, which does not recognized the titles of its former Nobility, played host to the two Princes. Scotney as a nation did oust their Royal and Imperial family in the 96 Revolution but the Nobility who weren't killed were spared to a certain degree by just losing titles and privileged  Some families did lose their wealth due to an inability to adjust to the new republic but others, like the Dysarts of Glen Coe managed quite well. Scotney has been courting its former Royal Family by hosting the Empress Crystobel earlier this year and apologizing for their part in the revolution. The unofficial hosting of this strictly private Birthday Ball has resulted in the largest gathering of Royalty on Scotney soil since 1996. 

Castle Glen Coe in Scotney, where this year's Birthday Ball took place.

Countess Dysart stands ready to welcome her guests. She wears a historic Lavender Amethyst tiara. 

The first to arrive was (from left), the Duchess of Lancaster, Madame Francine D'Bacquemme, Princess Salome of Ophiri, the Marchioness of Londonderry and the Margravine of Montrose. 

The Marchioness of Londonderry wears another famous family tiara which hasn't been seen since before the revolution. 

Princess Salome represents her niece, the Queen of Ophiri, at all international functions. it is the first time Ophiri is represented at a Birthday Ball. 

The Margravine of Montrose avoids public apprearances most of the time but does attend her friend, the Duke of Swann's birthdays periodically.

The Ruskian Imperial House is represented by it's current head, Grand Duchess Xenia (in purple) and by the Prince and Princess Youssopoff. 

The Baron D'Rothchild arrived with his wife (at right) and his mother (at left). 

The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Serbieski (at right) arrived along with the Grand Duchess's mother, the Countess Cartwright (in yellow).

Her Imperial Highness Princess Augusta of the United Empire of  Scot-Britania struck a dazzling figure in her Barbie Original dress and the Princess of the Blood Tiara.

The Princess of Wallachia was the first actual head of state to arrive. 

Next arrived the King and Queen of Syldavia flanking the Princess of Wallachia.

Queen Maxima wore her "new" emeralds. 

Lady Arcwhite wearing a black diamond necklace and earrings arrived with her niece Drealle. 

The Hispanian contingent consisted of (from left), the Princess of Cataljone, Queen Maria, Princess Isabella and the Duchess of Aragon.

The Queen of Hispania wore the rarely seen Crown Ruby Parure. 

Queen Gloria of Normandia arrived with her husband, the Prince of Northwold followed by the newly engaged Prince Valmont and Duchess of Roswind and the Arch Duke of Fulco De'Este with Mercedes Szanguscko. 

The Grand Duchess of Hanoveria and the Grand Duke of Hanoveria with the Dowager Grand Duchess are greeted by Countess Dysart. 

Princess Marie-Elizabeth of Swann arrived with her nephew Prince Dillon. 

Princess Marie-Elizabeth also wears a rarely seen tiara from the Swann collection. 

Finally the main guests arrived. Included in the group was the much awaited appearance of the Seeress of Muren. 

The Crown Prince Imperial and the Crown Princess Imperial looked the regal couple as expected is from the pretender to the Imperial Throne. The presence of the heir to the combined thrones of Scotney and Britania within Scotney borders could not take place without special concession lifting his exile officially. This event has set the stage for a new future and a possible restoration. 

From left we see the Seeress, the Crown Prince Imperial with his wife, Empress Crystobel and the Duke of Swann.

The full assembly of guests pose for an official portrait before the ball commences. 

The Crown Prince Imperial and his wife, along with the Duke of Swann and Lady Arcwhite open the dance floor. They are joined by the Hanoverians in the center.

Some obvious dance partners like the Duchess of Roswind and Prince Valmont are joined by potentially new relationships in the form of the Arch Duke of Fulco De'Este with Mercedes Szanguscko and the Vicount Hayz with the Princess of Cataljone. 

The party reached a peak just before twelve as some of the older guests readied themselves to depart. 

The Seeress of Muren is bid farewell with a curtsy from the Countess Dysart. 

A very successful and groundbreaking Royal event comes to a close in a historic castle in Scotney. We wish the Crown Prince Imperial and the Duke of Swann a very happy birthday and long life and all prosperity. We hope that our fans have enjoyed being able to share in this event. It is our pleasure to have the blog posts rolling out again.