Tiaras and Trinkets on Tuesday (Chains of Office)

Peace has seemingly now finally returned to our blog after Lady Arcwhite's victorious welcome back into her native country a month ago. As our regular Tuesday resumes, we deviate from the "tiara" aspect of our Tuesdays and focus on the "trinkets". Men of Rank at events of a the highest formality will often wear large chains upon their shoulders. These are known as "chains of office". However in some contexts they are also worn by women, normally those who hold specific titles in their own right. These chains as such are attached symbolically to the wearer's highest title, like King of Syldavia or Duke of Roswind. Let us take a look at some of these and what titles they represent. 

His Royal Highness the Duke of Swann is seen in this photo wearing the Sash of the Order of the Diamond Star, several badges of Knighthood and the Chain of Office of the Duke of Swann.

This old archive photo shows the Chain of Office of the Duke of Swann as well as the Badge of the Family Order of Swann. The design of both are purposely similar. The Chain form part of the Crown Jewels and is worn by the Duke of Swann in his capacity as ruler of the Principality at any formal event where he represents the country.

The King of Syldavia is an elected monarch hailing from the ranks of the five Electorate Noble Families. As such he will wear the chain of office of his personal title during his lifetime as king. Here we see the current King wearing the Chain of Office of the Count Von Bismarck. 

The Princess of Wallachia is seen here in her Investiture Robes wearing the "Chain of the Grand Prince". She chose to wear it, not around her neck but rather pinned it very stylishly onto the two edges of her bodice. The undulation of the chain gives it a very unique but also confident feel. Strictly speaking there are no rules as to "how"the chain should be worn so the Princess' boldness may be commended.

The Queen of Hispania chose to wear the "Hispanian Chain of the King" around her waste for this State Portrait. Although it also may be considered being a departure from the more tradtional consideration of wearing it on the shoulders around the neck, this manner of wearing a chain of office has actually been practiced by ladies quite often through the centuries,

The Baron D'Rothchild shows us an almost perfect rendition of the wearing of his chain of office in this official portrait from 2014. The chain hangs broadly on his shoulders and its pendant is clearly visible, complimented by the yellow sash of the Order of the Polar Star.

The Crown Prince Imperial, as pretender to no less than three historic thrones and bearer of several other titles, has the "burden"of sometimes being obliged to wear as many as three chains of office in tandem. In this photo we see him wearing two. The silver one with the chandelier style pendant acknowledges his title as Grand master of the Order of the Diamond Star in Britania and Scotney. The Golden Chain is for his titles as King of Scotney, King of Britania and Emperor of the United Empire.

The Chain of the Order of the Diamond Star is considered the private property of the Crown Prince Imperial but kept as part of the Imperial Crown Jewels.

The Golden Chain of  the United Empire of Scot Britania is set with diamonds and forms part of the Imperial Crown Jewels . 

We hope you enjoyed this departure from the standard Tiaras and Trinkets Tuesdays. Keep a lookout for these chains in future posts.

Fashionable Fridays (Dress Code)

Protocol demands certain dress codes when interacting with Royalty, especially at functions that are officially representative of the nations the Royals serve. Remember that the Royals themselves are bound by these rules even if the public are not, so when the interaction is by invitation, then the guest is obliged to adhere to the dress code themselves. For this purpose we will now list the levels of dress code from casual to formal and the differences in day wear and evening wear. 

Casual

Royalty, like all people have private lives and in most of these settings will merely wear casual clothes or clothes appropriate to the situation like bathing suits to the beach for example.

Business

In a standard corporate environment or diplomatic setting in the day, the appropriate dress would be what is required in most office settings, a neat and stylish suit and tie for the men or coordinated pencil skirt suit or pants for ladies. 

Cocktail Semi-Formal

For a slightly dressed up feel during an outside day party, the cocktail dress code applies. This would be a morning suit or sport jacket and trousers for men and a short skirt and hat for the ladies. This dress code normally applies at horse races and afternoon tea or cocktail parties. 

Day Formal with Hat

For officially formal events of state that happen during the day and for funerals a smart short length dress or skirt and hat along with morning suits or uniforms for men are required. In some cases even Knighthood Insignia may be required. This is sometimes the dress code for guests at a Noble wedding but for Royal weddings tiaras may be worn. 

Evening Cocktail Formal

Formal evening wear without tiaras normally pairs with short dresses and tuxedos for men. This is normally the dress code for an early evening party that is not considered a State event. 

Short Formal with Tiara

As mentioned earlier, for Royal weddings, the formal dress code with hats usually worn during the day time, may be upgraded to tiaras.

Evening Gown Formal with Tiara

A longer evening dress with tiara and tuxedos or uniforms for men is the standard for any titled person to wear to what one might refer a formal evening gala. These events, though formal, might not be a State affair but the particular event may require formal dress. Tiaras in this case are not always obligatory and sometimes entirely omitted like when the event is held at a hotel. 

Ball Gown non-State Formal

There is such an event among Royalty as the Royal Ball. These events though very similar to the above mentioned event are considered Royal but not necessarily a State function. To a Royal Ball, tuxedos or uniforms are worn by men and the ladies are required to wear long evening gowns or full ball gowns, with tiaras. Knighthood Insignia are optional. 

State Formal

A State Evening Function is the second most formal event possible. The dress code is similar to the two above mentioned but members of Orders of Knighthood are required to wear their insignia if they are members of an order. Sometimes Chains of Office may also be worn. 

Court Dress

An even more formal dress code is expected at certain State Evening Functions. Known as Court Dress, this is what is worn at State Banquets and for State Portraits. Uniforms, or traditional regional clothing is worn by men and ladies wear full length evening dresses. Normally symbolic tiaras and/or crowns may be worn along with Knighthood Insignia and Chains of Office. 

Full Regalia

There are only two events that require this dress code, they are a Coronation or Opening of Parliament. Here Court Dress applies with the addition of Robes of State. This dress code is also but rarely applied to State Portraits as well.