Financial Friday (Royalty in Business)

In former centuries being Royal was the only occupation of Royalty as their class afforded them the responsibility of "ruling". All that meant was that they had to make all the decisions concerning their country's internal and foreign affairs. These days not even the reigning monarchs really rule and when they do it is very similar to the very real job of directing a massive corporation. As such many monarchs and especially their extended family members have grown accustomed to actually running a business or working in some form or another. Thus the role of "being Royal" has almost become a ceremonial icing on the cake of an actual job. 

Let us take a look at some of the business ventures Royal are involved with these days.

The International powerhouse Arc International has become a household name due to its global influence and outright financial force. It is wholly owned and managed by Lady Arcwhite in her private capacity. This however remains a technical reality as she obviously works with a board of directors and international branch managers. She also has to juggle the many responsibilities with her ceremonial role as ruler of the islands of Arcwhite. 

Arc International has many diverse holdings of which the three main branches are; media in the form of MINE Magazine, computers in the form of Hayz International and state of the art power plants.

The first natural gas power plant owned by Arc International was erected in the province of Serbieski in Syldavia and was the cause for a still raging controversy. 

Hayz Computers is a household name. The company reached its apex under the direction of the very young computer whizz Viscount Hayz who also holds a title of Nobility. He amalgamted his holding with that of Arc International a few years ago and has also taken up the role of official spokesperson for the international conglomerate. 

Lady Arcwhite will mostly let Lord Hayz do the talking while she makes the decisions and signs the cheques. 

The Duke of Swann is one of the richest people in the world and this is not due to his Royal status but rather to business. As reining Duke, His Royal Highness is obviously into agriculture, mining, tourism and city property development but has seen the gap to boost business in these fields to benefit his country and his profit margins. 

Swann International is the parent company that owns all the Duke's various business interests and has served to only boost the Principality of Swann's gross national profit. One of the many branches of Swann International deals with the media as Europa's most circulated newspaper, The Proclaimer is owned by the company.

Art and art trading is somewhat of a hobby of the Duke who is also an accomplished artist himself. He not only funds the arts where possible but makes an effort to exhibit his own work and then funnels the money into national art development programs. Jewellery design and manufacture is another such field of interest that also receives effort from Swann International especially in 3rd world countries like South Africa.

Often considered a frivolity, the Duke of Swann is also a co-owner of the nightclub Dark Star in the Swann Capital.

Sorgenfrei Castle was recently acquired by the Crown Prince Imperial. It is situated high on a mountain top in the city of Muren, the Crown Prince Imperial's wife's hometown. This Castle does not just serve as a royal residence but also as a museum and a wedding/conference venue and guest house. In that capacity the castle is a very lucrative business. Sorgenfrei's large property also includes the Crown Princess Imperial's family farm.

Odelia Sorgenfrei, now the Crown Princess Imperial of the United Empire of Scot-Britania grew up on a diary farm that she still owns and forms part of the Sorgenfrei Castle Estate. The dairy farm has been operating successfully and profitably for more than five generations and the Princess insists on managing her inheritance properly.

Princess Augusta is a world famous historic jewellery trader. She specializes in dealing with historic antiques, restorations and auctions.

Princess Augusta has played a major role in restoring old Royal jewellery that has been worn over centuries. This job has done much for historic preservation. She has also served as curator/consultant to many International History Museums.

Princess Augusta's special expertise and close Royal Familial ties had her presiding over several majorly historic jewellery auctions like the famous D'Pont Du Lac Sapphire sale pictured above.

Madame Frumsetta may be considered at the forefront of contemporary fashion and couture design. her world wide renowned style has become a veritable household name and a red carpet can almost not be counted unless one of her designs are featured. As an entitled Royal she eschews the traditional privileges it comes with but prefers to pursue her artistic drive through hard work. This has proven to be a very successful formula.

Madame Frumsetta however uses her close links to Royalty to serve her Royal clients with the sensitivity of somebody on the "inside". She does not however lose her head in the castles in the sky but prefers backstage to the red carpet in her private capacity.

Gloria Van DerBilt, was once a wealthy media, movies production, magazine, education and transport heiress. She never lost that privilege but has gained the title of Queen of Normandia. She has amalgamated her family business obligations with that of head of state to the benefit of both. Her international business empire  has boosted the economy and skills development of her adopted kingdom and it in turn has welcomed her with equally accepting fervor and hard work. It seems that when Royalty and business combine it can lead to new heights of prosperity and harmony. 

One of the greatest of these synergistic successes is that of the Youssopoff Princely Family and their relationship within the former Empire of Ruskiana. Although the country ousted its monarchy and discontinued the use of titles, the Youssopoffs were invited back after generations to manage their former holdings, with momentous results.

Prince Felix Youssopoff is the managing director of the company that is responsible for all the mining, timber and sheep farming associated with the Youssopoff family. He also manages vast tracks of land that includes entire towns and tourism. As such he strictly speaking does not own anything of what originally was his family's property but has turned such a profit that he has become one of the wealthiest business men in the world. Due to this he has been able to buy significant shares in the company and through that now owns some property linked with his heritage. 

The small Grand Duchy of Reichenthal has always been associated with carpenters, artisans and wine farming. The reigning Grand Duke has his finger in every pie and is considered a very hands-on Royal. He serves on all major boards that regulate and manage the practical affairs of his region's world renowned produce. His people see him as setting the pace and benchmark for Reichenthalian quality especially in the field of wine making, that he himself also greatly enjoys doing.

Yes, Royalty can and indeed do also actually work. As if their duties as a national symbols are not enough they can also turn a successful buck.

Fascinating Fridays (Royal Birthdays and Coming-of-Age Celebrations)

For most people commemorating birthdays mean times of celebration with family and friends and it is no different for our Royal. It is actually no better for most of them than for us. They celebrate their birthdays with loved ones and these events are no more grandiose than a tea and cake afternoon get-together or evening dinner. However due to their relationship with the public, whether in reigning monarchies or deposed, these annual events afford a great opportunity for some public relations or even public holidays in the case of Heads of State. Also special birthdays like the coming-of-age 21st birthday is regarded as very special and may afford opportunity for very special events that may garner lots of good publicity. 

What's better than a celebration with red carpet and tiaras to boost publicity or forward political agendas? Nothing attracts crowds, especially those starved of  glamour than a birthday ball. These Royal events have served over many centuries to boost morale and to replace the glitter in the eyes of the public. 

The Royal Ball may serve as a political showcases of prosperity in the face of other nations bolstering prestige. It may also serve to win back popularity after a season of dissatisfaction in the eyes of the masses. In the case of the Imperial Birthday Ball pictured above, it was to celebrate the coming-of-age, the miraculous survival of the Crown Prince Imperial, to reignite the popularity of the fallen Imperial monarchy and to launch a publicity wave that has not ceased to increase in momentum since its inception in 2009. 

As in the case of most people, gifts are often a big part of a Royal birthday. These presents however may come with historical provenance affording intrinsic as well as antique value and may have come down the inherited lines for centuries. The most well know of these types of gifts are obviously jewellery but may be property or art. The set above, made from amethysts and diamonds was a gift to Princess Augusta on her 18th birthday. 

Gifts of affection often take on a more personal form as was the case in 2011 for Princess Odeliah's first birthday whilst married. The Princess, a lover of animals and especially horses, received this thorough bred from her husband. 

Birthday celebrations may take a far more down toned quality in times of austerity. These intrinsically private and family affairs will become more private when a family is in mourning for example. The birthday will still serve as an excuse to convene but festivities would be kept humble. Such was the case in 2013 for those related to the late Empress Crystobel when celebrating the birthday of her son in September.

When a birthday is seen as an official event, politically motivated or a coming-of age of a high ranking member of the Royal family. then the obligatory balcony appearance will feature as part of the interaction with the public. This cements the involvement of the people with their monarchy and shares the happy day in a more direct manner. Such balcony appearances often gather large crowds especially when a public holiday has been declared. Above we see the Reichenthalian Royal family celebrating the birthday of the Crown Princess.

We hope this post was informative and also whetted the appetite for upcoming birthdays as they are publicized on the blog.

What's Up Wednesday (Youssopoff Jewellery Auction)

Last weekend saw a glittering auction organized by Princess Kirsten Youssopoff in aid of Ruskiana orphanages. The Princess, a passionate defender of widows and orphans, decided to put her wealth behind supporting children who have been adversely affected by the mining in the regions surrounding the Youssopoff traditional holdings in Ruskiana. The Prince and Princess own a spectacular Sapphire Parure made from sapphires mined from the Youssopoff mines especially for Princess Kirsten in 2012. They are considered to be some of the best quality gems in the world. The Princess, who originally accepted the jewelry to market Ruskian mining and craftsmanship, decided to take it a step further two years later by auctioning the jewels off to raise funds and awareness towards the plight of orphans.

The Princely couple was enthusiastically supported by the local mining community and the red carpet event went off with a bang last week Saturday evening seeing many of the world's big business tycoons joining the Royal couple. 

The Youssopoff Palace Ball Room was the venue chosen to host the glittering soiret. 

The arrival of the stylish couple proved once again that wealth and charity can make for a spectacular collaboration.

The uncontested star of the evening was the Youssopoff Sapphire Parure to which the Ruskian Mining Corporation added a brand new pair of earrings as their contribution to the fund raiser. The set of sapphires eventually sold after a 20 minute bidding war to a wealthy philanthropist from Romagna who chose to remain anonymous.

Here we see Princess Kirsten in 2012 as she wore the sapphires for the only time in her life to the Investiture of the King of Syldavia. Her wearing of the jewelry to this internationally important political event thrust Ruskian mining and sapphire jewelry onto the world stage.

The Mine Magazine added to the publicity surrounding the sale of the jewels.

What's Up Wednesday (Castle Sorgenfrei Roof Wetting Party and Surprise Unveiling)

This past weekend saw the slightly belated "Roof Wetting Party" held in Muren to inaugurate the new private residence of the Crown Prince Imperial couple. The Crown Prince Imperial announced his formal moving from the United States of Americania to Sorgenfrei Castle in Muren last month. 

The Imperial couple want to start a family and thought the picturesque natural surroundings and slower pace of rural Muren would be ideal. Princess Odeliah has extended family who live in the Muren Municipality and the Crown Prince Imperial has strong links with the Seeress of Muren

The former Fort of Muren will now be called Sorgenfrei Castle after The Princess Odeliah's family, the Sorgenfrei dairy farmers of Muren. The fort was abandoned several decades ago but has been restored by special agreement with the Muren Municipality to serve as a Royal residence, historic landmark and museum. Prince Christian-Victor hopes to not just create a home but also to give back to society by managing a museum featuring the history of the region. The museum will be open to the public whenever the couple are not in residence and the specially created conference and party facilities will be available for booking of weddings and other events. The old chapel was meticulously restored and converted to serve as ball room slash wedding venue with the intent and generating more business in order to maintain the vast property. 

First to arrive at the "new" castle for the party was the Duke of Swann, accompanied by his family and the Seeress of Muren. The Duke had been visiting the Seeress for the Easter holiday season and the party at the castle matched both their schedules perfectly, not to mention that the castle is a mere 20minutes drive from the Town of Muren itself. 

The Seeress, a close family friend and a surrogate mother for many from the Imperial Family leans forward to embrace Princess Odeliah. 

Princess Marie Elizabeth of Swann wore the remaining emeralds from the stolen Syldavian Emerald Parure. She wore what seems to be a brand new tiara made from some of the emeralds that were broken out of the original set during the theft. 

The Crown Prince Imperial's aunt, Princess Augusta, arrived looking stunning in a glitzy purple Barbie International original. 

Next to arrive The Crown Prince Imperial's cousin, Queen Maxima and her husband King Nikolas III of Syldavia.

Queen Maximas's sister, Princess Kirsten, arrived on the arm of her husband, Prince Felix Youssopoff. 

Then their brother the Grand Duke of Hanoveria, his wife and mother. The Grand Duke's mother, Princess Beatrice (in green) has been ill of late but felt it important enough to attend this great family affair. 

The arrival of Empress Crystobel, the Crown Prince Imperial's mother, was heralded to everybody's initial surprise with an actual fanfare. It was performed by the Muren Police Band. 

When a family gathering includes, three Heads of State, three of the wealthiest people on earth and someone who reputedly can see the future then it makes for a very influential gathering albeit merely a family getting together to party like any other. It is rare that the extended Imperial Family gets together privately so family photos was at the order of the day.

The Imperial Family itself. 

The Royal Family of Swann.

The Royal Family of Hanoveria.

The extended Royal Family of Hanoveria includes the King of Syldavia and Prince Youssopoff by marriage. 

The Seeress of Muren with her host the Crown Prince Imperial, Christian-Victor.

A surprise however was in store even for the close family. A strange covered dome had been looming in the centre of the new ballroom all night and at the right moment was unveiled as the main attraction to the Museum of Sorgenfrei. It was the Imperial Crown Jewels of the United Empire of Scot-Britania. The historical jewels are to reside in Sorgenfrei Castle permanently as its main drawing card. This will generate publicity, tourism and boost not only the popularity of the new museum and wedding venue but indeed the entire economy of Muren itself. The Crown Jewels haven't been seen or used since the wedding of the Crown Prince Imperial in 2010. Security around the priceless display will be, as expected, of the highest standard. 

The Crown Jewel display is unveiled. 

We will feature the Crown Jewels of the United Empire of Scot-Britania in a feature of their own. So watch out for that particular "Tiaras and trinkets on Tuesday" instalment.

This family portrait sums up the evening's events and we look forward to many more functions and weddings to be held at this new and centrally located Royal residence. 

The Mine magazine was granted exclusive coverage of the otherwise entirely private affair.

"To be or not to be" Thursday (Esther Mormaer the Lady Arcwhite)

The mysterious Ladies Archwhite have ruled their icy islands for hundreds of years. Their history is steeped in legend, rumour and superstitions. To add to the mystery, the personal identities and histories of the women seated on the throne have been disregarded in comparison to the almost avatar-likeness of the office they occupy. In their enthronement oath the Lady Arcwhite has to deny herself with the following words: "...as I take this seat, who I was has never been and who I am now is all that will be..."

We live in an era of technology and information and even ancient traditions bow if not just bend before it. The mysteries of the Ladies Arcwhite are therefore far more accessible than ever before. In today's post we will discuss the private person of Esther Mormaer, the current holder of the title Lady Archwhite but we will also flesh out a bit of the history around the impersonal office which almost has an identity of its own stretching through time. 

In the year 666 after suffering tireless raids from pirates and defending against invasion from the Kingdom of Britania without any assistance from their liege lord, the King of Scotney, the nuns from the Convent of the White Veil felt neglected and abused. They began working towards taking their governance into their own hands. Amidst politics ruled over by men the women from the isolated  convent decided to declare their "realm" independent from Scotney. The Mother Superior, born a peasant orphan named Barbara Haelström broke her 33 year vow of silence in order to dictate the Decree of the Veil declaring their sovereignty that was delivered to King Bruce of Scotney. The King replied by sending his response written in the blood of the young nun who brought the message to him. The bloody Royal Decree accusing Barbara of witchcraft and the King's immediate declaration of war, was shot into The Convent of the Veil by one of the governor of Scotney's catapults whilst attached to the rotting corpse of the nun. The bereaved and now bitter Mother Superior cursed him stating that the governor and "his" King of Scotney will not only lose their power over Arcwhite but that the King will lose everything he holds dear.

This rare medieval engraving depicts Barbara Haelström, the first Lady Archwhite recognized officially by historic record. It shows her signing the Declaration of the Veil. Very few artistic representations of the historic people occupying the office exist as tradition was to keep the identity and even the person completely secret from the public. 

The full scale invasion of the King of Scotney was stalled by the winter season which made travelling by boat in the arctic waters around Arcwhite impossible, so the islanders had more than nine months to prepare for the invasion. By the time the Scotney fleet arrived under the command of the Duke of Stirling, the entire island chain and its original Scotney armaments were under control of the Order of the Veil and the peasant farmers who owed no loyalty except to the kind ladies of God who served them for years. The invasion was a total failure and the Kingdom of Scotney had to reluctantly concede to Arcwhite's independence now also forced by the capture of the Duke of Stirling who was the heir to the throne of Scotney. The hostage Prince who commanded the invasion was released but committed suicide a few months later after accidentally killing his younger brother in a hunting accident. Foul play was suspected but remains unproven to this day. The bereft King died without an heir and the crown passed to a distant cousin. Many legends surround the story of how the sin of the King in conjunction with dark spells cast by the Mother Superior led to the young Prince's demon possession and murder of his brother. Some say it was God's judgement in defense of the betrayed nuns, others say the nuns themselves made a pact with the Devil. 

The photo above shows the original and now ruined Convent of the White Veil. It is considered the holiest shrine in Arcwhite and also of their separate branch of religion. It is still used for very specific and secret religious rituals on rare feast days. 

For their violent act the Mithrandir, Head of the Church of Europa, excommunicated the Order of the Veil saying: "...what they gained in governance they lost in conscience..." The Order of the Veil has never renounced their act and has never been accepted back into communion with the church. They instead formed their own off-shoot of religion and declared their autonomy from any church upon the recognition of their independent sovereignty. This was immediately celebrated with the investiture of the Mother Superior as the first Lady Arcwhite. She was now, Head of State and Church within the sovereign territory of Arcwhite and over all its legal citizens wherever they were in the world.

This now sets the foundation for the modern Nation of Arcwhite still ruled over by a current Lady Arcwhite. A figure, traditionally shrouded in secrecy, citizens of Arcwhite at times couldn't even vouch for certain that the person of the Lady really existed. The Order of the Veil, which is the de facto governing body, however was visible and occupied almost all administrative offices. Even the army of Arcwhite is presided over by a Lady of the Veil. Historically it was common for people to never see the Lady but she would interact with the outside world through official envoys sent out from the Order of the White Veil and blood relatives of the lady would even marry Royalty and Nobility from other nations.

Where in other monarchies the ruler is often referred to as Your majesty, Arcwhite employs no styles of address for their ruler or Nobility. Lady Arcwhite is just commonly referred to as My Lady and the same goes for all Nobility. The office of the Lady Arcwhite was given the style Your Illustrious Highness by common consensus of all the other monarchies in 1786 but it was refused and was never used by a Lady Arcwhite. The current Lady Arcwhite is reputed to hate it and apparently finds it demeaning as it implies a generic collective Royal authority that she believes does not exist. 

In 2010 all precedence was broken when the current Lady Arcwhite decided to leave her realm and to attend, diplomatically, the Annual Royal Christmas Ball. Even though her official status was an invited one, she was not expected to attend and shocked the guests with her arrival. To compound matters, her time of arrival was in breach of protocol. Diplomatic immunity denied any and all correcting measures and the faux pas was turned into a media spectacular by the Duke of Swann who welcomed her and placated the atmosphere of shock by opening the dance floor with her. The current Lady Arcwhite has seemingly made it her aim to set new precedents for public appearances and acting directly in representing her office and nation abroad. Be that as it may, in accordance with the secret workings of her office, very little is known of the current holder of the title. It is however on a lighter side considered that her fashion sense, ruling of her country and the managing of her private business enterprises have been of such a high standard as is rarely seen in the world today or its entire history. She has definitely even set herself far above any other Lady Arcwhite that preceded her. 

Shortly after the Mithrandir excommunicated the Order in the year 668 it was agreed by the nuns that the Mother Superior may and should take a husband to perpetuate the newly established "Royal House". It was from this moment that the title of Lady Arcwhite was officially established as the Head of State of the small island nation. The remaining members of the Order of the Veil remained celibate and devoted to God and to the responsibilities of government and ministry. The husband of the Lady Arcwhite, who is given the title Lord Skeksis, may be anybody she chooses as long as the Order of the Veil sanctions the union. Girls born from the marriage are immediately taken into the Order from where new Ladies Arcwhite are elected. Other members of the Veil are sourced through voluntary new recruits and the daughters of the sons of Ladies Arcwhite who are encouraged to "marry well". 

The only photo that exists of the former Lady Arcwhite, taken in 1952 after a press conference that did not allow photography. A reporter "stole" this opportunity and only released the photo after her death. 

The current Lady Esther Mormaer was born the daughter of the former Lady Arcwhite. Although extremely gifted she struggled her way through the training and the ranks of the Order like any other member as none are given favour above the others. The strict education and physical and martial training within the Order of the Veil is kept partially secret but is known to be of an unequaled standard. The highest rank in the Order below the Mother Superior/ Lady Arcwhite, is that of the Sister of the Silver Cuffs. Currently this rank is held by Esther Mormaer's niece Drealle. This office is seen as the Lady Arcwhites right hand and personal assistant, it does not however secure succession to the throne. Esther Mormaer also remains unmarried and might remain so as enough blood relatives exist within the Order of the Veil from which a successor may be gleaned. 

Drealle Mormaer is the niece and the current protege Sister of the Silver Cuffs to her aunt. She is the most obvious choice at this stage to succeed her aunt. She is the daughter of the former lady Arcwhite's brother James Mormaer and his wife Brenda Van Der Bilt a distant cousin of Queen Gloria of Normandia. 

Esther Mormaer has a flair for business on a scale of the D'Rothchilds and Van der Bilts. Her company Arc Investments, a company solely owned by Lady Arcwhite in her personal capacity, controls several international brands like Mine Magazine. The takeover of the magazine by her corporate gobbling machine made headline news in 2008 and sparked huge controversy. Arc Investments employs an aggressive technological policy where automation and digitisation takes precedence over human employment. As such the takeover of Mine Magazine boosted the magazine as a profitable international company but caused the loss of almost 10000 jobs. It is a two way street which helps in both directions to own a global business and to be a Head of State. Some might question the ethics but it works in favour of her country and her own pocket. 

Esther Mormaer is a successful business mogul and amongst others owns the Mine Magazine in her private capacity.

In 2012 another break with precedent and feather in the cap of the current lady Arcwhite, came when the nations of Arcwhite and Swann settled a centuries old contention. For more than fifty years in the early 1300's, skirmishes raged between the two countries partially sparked by renegade pirates seeking to pick off both sides of a larger vendetta. After this devastating period during the early 14th century AD, known as the Hundred Year Raids, King James of Scotney stepped in forcing a peace between the two nations in 1346. The King saw this as an attempt to make amends for the sins of his distant predecessor but also shared in the financial benefits of not having to play referee any more. The Treaty of Avalon was signed on the small island of Avalon bringing an end to the petty wars once and for all. One of the strange stipulations of the Treaty of Avalon stated that neither of the respective Heads of State of the two countries might set foot on the others sovereign territory. Even though tensions subsided in the centuries since then, it never completely abated and the Treaty of Avalon itself has caused tensions between the countries as it strained trade and immigration procedures between Swann and Arcwhite. 

For more than 600 years the Principality of Swann and the Island Realm of Arcwhite have had a cold relationship at best. This contention came to rest in 2012 with the signing of a new treaty and the Duke of Swann's State Visit over Christmas attending the Ball in his honour. Scotney again played host in assisting the peace, again bearing responsibility for its share in Arcwhite's troubled history. 

The Lady Arcwhite is required to always wear white when operating in an official capacity whilst upon "sacred ground" blessed by the Order of the Veil. It is thus easy to spot when she is within these holy spaces as often she will wear colour when operating outside them or in other countries. In this photo we see the Lady Arcwhite as she appeared wearing an official headpiece at the 2012 Christmas Ball. 

As we said little is known of her personal history and she rarely shares her own opinions. It is clear however that the title bears its own personality and is currently exhibited in such a way that has strengthened the Island Nation of Arcwhite and pushed it to its highest height. Whether it is Esther Mormaer or the Lady Arcwhite seems to have lost all relevance, The Icy Islands and their ruler have become a noteworthy force to be reckoned with.