What's Up Wednesday (Christmas Ball 2014)

This year has come to a very relaxed end after some serious tensions that flared at some very controversial moments. Political fevers ran high during the Arcwhite Crisis and some eyebrows were raised during the execution of Empress Crystobel's assassin. We are truly happy that we can all kick back now and celebrate family and friends over this holiday season. As always the year-end brings a celebration but it was decided that this year should be toned down to family gatherings only. All the various Royal Families gathered for their own private events. Only the annual birthday ball will from 2015 be the single great royal gathering on the annual calender. 

Thus Royal Christmas Ball has come to an end but those private family gatherings that allow press coverage, will obviously be shared in depth on this blog. The Crown Prince Imperial and the Duke of Swann has allowed the cameras to document their 2014 family holiday dinner that took place yesterday evening. After lunch today the Royals will leave to spend Christmas Eve and Day in their respective homes. 

The Duke of Swann's private residence in Hanoveria, Schloss Scwhanstein, played host to the entire Imperial House of Aldarian which includes the Crown Prince Imperial, Duke of Swann, King of Syldavia, the Grand Duke of Hanoveria and their close family.

The Ball Room in the palace was sumptuously decorated for the event. The guests assembled here for cocktails and the press photo opportunity before entering the Banquet Hall for their private dinner that was not allowed press access. 

The Imperial Christmas Tree. 

The Duke of Swann and his cousin and heir, Prince Dillon awaited the arrival of their guests.

First to arrive was the Arch Duke and Arch Duchess of Fulco D'Este. The Arch Duchess, Princess Marie-Elizabeth, is the Duke of Swann's sister.

A rare moment as the Duke of Swann's brother, Prince Dennis, makes an appearance due to it not being a strictly official event.

The cousin of the Duke of Swann and the Crown Prince Imperial, Princess Kirsten and her husband the Prince Youssopoff arrived next.

Princess Augusta as usual, looked the part, for the event and her personality.

The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Hanoveria struck a decidedly festive yet regal tone. 

The King and Queen of Syldavia.

The Duke of Swann also specifically invited the close friend of the family, the Seeress of Muren who debuted her daughter onto the public stage. The statuesque Alice Richter is tall and beautiful enough to shatter any modeling contract.

Finally as protocol demands, the Crown Prince Imperial and his wife, Princess Odeliah, arrive last looking toned down but totally in character.

Dressed in black, the Crown Princess Imperial looked great.

The three cousins pose for a unique photo opp.

The family pose for a group photo. 

Chats and mingling before dinner saw Prince Dillon take a keen interest in speaking to the Seeress and her daughter. 

Alice Richter, a shining new star, stole the show at this decidedly private affair. We wish our Royals a restful holiday season and a very prosperous 2015. 

Wonderful Weekends (Portraits of the Seeress of Muren)

It stands to reason, that the first post in many weeks will be of the Duke of Swann's favourite namely Wonderful Weekends portraits. To top it, today's post is of the Duke of Swann's dear friend the Seeress of Muren, who also graced us with her first ever official portrait taken especially for this blog.

Waltraud Richter, the Venerable Seeress of Muren agreed to a series of photo portraits to be taken at her beautiful residence in the Switzer town of Mure where she lives and fulfills her official duties as Seeress and Headmistress of the Muren School for Girls. Here we see her posoing in the gardens in front of her house. 

The Seeress agreed to the photo shoot on condition that the Duke of Swann oversaw it personally, which he did as he jumps t the opportunity to visit his friend. The humble Seeress chose to be portrayed in wearing simple yet bold black day wear feeling it was her personality and surroundings that need to be captured, not fancy clothes and jewellery more akin to somebody of rank. 

The Seeress opted for portraits in her garden as she is a very keen and experienced gardener and finds being around plants lends her peace and fulfillment. She is quoted as saying: "When requiring trust, give a plant. The trustworthy person will care for it. Do not trust the person that neglects your gift." We hope that this set of portraits is enjoyed by all Europa and indeed the world as it captures a true bastion of stability in our age.

Memory Monday (Duke of Swann's Rolls Royce Tour Part 2 Seeress' Birthday 2013 and Arrival at Sorgenfrei Castle)

The last stop on the Duke of Swann's historic Rolls Royce road trip to Sorgenfrei Castle was in the small town of Muren. Here,only a few minutes away from the castle, resides the famous Seeress of Muren and long standing friend of the Duke of Swann.

 The Seeress' birthday was on the 19th of June. Prince Daniel was planning a surprise visit to coinicide with his Rolls Royce Tour, however he could not get there as he planned due to all the happenings around the tragedy of the Empress 'assassination. His Royal Highness did however finally arrive and made up for it with a spectacular gift.

Tea in the Seeress' gardens is a favourite of the Duke and his very good friend. The Seeress is quoted as candidly saying: "If I had to choose between sex and tea, I would rather have tea." The Duke's old car added a special "old world" ambiance as can be seen in this photo.

After a lengthy and deep chat it was time to present the Seeress with her gift, a set of Rubies and Black Pearls that coincidentally matched the Seeress' dress. She was very happy at receiving the thoughtful gift. 

It is clear that these friends truly appreciate one another but do not get enough time together. Prince Daniel spent the night with the Seeress and her husband and in the morning after breakfast it was time to leave with the intent on finally drop the Rolls Royce off at its new home, Sorgenfrei Castle. 

Driving up the hill, this is the view of the ancient fort that has now been renamed Sorgenfrei Castle. 

Very happy to see each other for the first time since Empress Crystobel's funeral, the Crown Prince Imperial couple greet the Duke of Swann upon his arrival in the gardens of Sorgenfrei Castle. This has been the first time, the Crown Prince Imperial has allowed the media to photograph him since the tragedy of his mother's death earlier in the year. 

A Royal handshake.

The 1909 Rolls Royce really seems to fit in very nicely with its new home. The look of the old car seems to be very complimented by the castle's architecture and green gardens. 

A beautiful family photo that links history with the present day. 

The Crown Prince Imperial was very happy to receive the car as a permanent display among all the other Royal and historic collections at the castle. It will also be available for weddings as the castle is quickly becoming the most prestigious wedding venue in the world. 

To thank his cousin for the grand contribution to Sorgenfrei, a private dinner was hosted in honour of the Duke of Swann. it was also announced that the Crown Prince Imperial will soon release a statement concerning his feelings about his mother's death and his plans for the future. It is clear from this that there will be no great celebration for his birthday this year as private mourning has not abated entirely. 

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 (The Crown Princess Imperial)

Odeliah Sorgenfrei was born In the Switzer town of Muren in 1988. She is the daughter of Fritz and Ulirica Sorgenfrei, cattle farmers and milk producers for the town of Muren. Their farm has been in the family for hundreds of years and Odeliah grew up herding and milking cows along with her father and brothers. At the age of 15 tragedy struck as a rock slide took the lives of her father and brothers while out looking for a stray calf. Her devastated mother was immediately supported by the Town's folk who pitched in to help with the farm and raising Odeliah. The Seeress of Muren became a surrogate mother and took the teenager into her finishing school. This was when the young Odeliah first took serious note of Chris, the Seeress' adopted son. She grew up with Chris in the town. They played together since they both could remember but teenage passion and the obvious gap in her life left by the death of her father and brothers sparked a new intimacy.

Teenage romance often fizzles but the Seeress noticed that this was not just a childhood crush. Odeliah was a sincere unassuming girl who loved from the heart. She was committed to keeping her word and pursued making the memory of her lost loved ones proud. So the relationship grew under the watchful eyes of her guardians but a shock lay in store for the young couple. In 2006 a woman arrived in Muren that upon setting her foot on the town's soil had the entire community abuzz. Odeliah's idyllic life was to change forever. The extremely well manicured lady dressed in very expensive clothes had come for a meeting with the Seeress and her young adopted son Chris. After hours behind closed doors Chris walked out first and straight to his room. The look on his face was of dumbfounded shock but strangely not of a negative nature. The well dressed lady walked out, stopped and locked eyes with Odeliah. A faint smile was followed by her getting into her chauffeured car and she drove off into the mountain pass.

The next few weeks saw Odeliah hardly even being greeted by Chris. He wasn't offish but told her that he wasn't ready to speak to her. Their relationship reverted back into a genuine friendship and Odeliah in wisdom and with some encouragement from the Seeress, let Chris be. Three years passed and Odeliah officially resumed ownership of her fathers farm. Chris had been off studying law in the Switzer Capital when in the late summer the black limousine of the well dressed lady pulled into Muren once again. This time she and Chris stepped out and was met by The Seeress at the door of the school. Odeliah was asked to join them and the story finally became clear. A simple girl from the farm was to see how a childhood friendship could affect the entire planet.

What was said that day was in private and nobody has ever spoken to the press. We know however today that the lady in question was Her Imperial Highness the Princess Augusta of the United Empire of Scot-Britania, the sister of the last Emperor of the fallen United Empire and that Chris was in fact, the Emperor's son and heir. If a restoration of the Empire was ever implemented he would become its ruler and the highest ranking man on earth but even if it never happened he was still the Crown Prince Imperial by courtesy and the heir to an incalculable financial fortune. The Seeress raised Prince Christian-Victor (his real name) in secrecy for his safety and a year later the secret of his mother, the Empress, still being alive was also revealed. A lavish Ball was held in Muren to celebrate his 21st Birthday but Odeliah not being Royal and to keep their relationship secret for her own safety, could not attend. Royalty as a concept and the survival of a legal heir to the Empire was ripe to explode back onto a hungry world stage. It did just that. Reigning monarchies like Hispania and Hanoveria joined the Principality of Swann in a resurgence of Royal pomp and ceremony and Odeliah was finally welcomed into the fold when her engagement and marriage to the Prince took place in 2010.

The engagement of Odeliah Sorgenfrei to the Crown Prince Imperial in 2010. She was allowed to wear ruby jewellery from the Imperial Collection. We will have a separate blog post on an upcoming Memory Monday just on the Imperial Wedding also held in 2010.

http://daniel-s-world.blogspot.com/2012/08/memory-monday-crown-prince-imperial.html

She was now Her Imperial Highness the Crown Princess Imperial of the United Empire of Scot-Britania. This was an unprecedented union and one of the few good things made possible by the 96 Revolution. If the Empire never fell the Crown Prince Imperial would probably never have met her but aside from that he couldn't marry her due to her being a commoner. Now they are married as no such restriction exists and if the monarchy is restored she would become Empress. As such see is seen by many monarchists as a symbol of new hope not just for Royals but also for commoners. It seems that bad things can often lead to otherwise impossibly good things to take place, for those would would choose to see, accept and take these opportunities. Odeliah certainly exemplifies how life can take twists and turns and end in a place of  "happily ever after" regardless of our perceptions and assumptions.

From left, Empress Crystobel, the Crown Prince Imperial and his wife. They are seen here at the anniversary Celebrations in Swann earlier this year.

Odeliah has slotted in seamlessly into her new family. She has taken every responsibility on with gusto and has retained her humility. Sometimes there has been a struggle with high fashion as the country girl cannot be  hidden behind couture but nobody seems to mind. "The look" however is also often perfectly hit right on the nail but everybody knows that the heart far outweighs the packaging. The family farm has been retained and  her mother's wishes to remain out of the media glare is one of Odeliah's highest priorities. She has gained the trust of her mother in law and has become her husband's unfaltering support. We look forward to seeing her star rise until it is fixed permanently in its place in history.