Wonderful Weekends (2015 State Portraits of the Princess of Wallachia and Abdication Commemoration Portraits of the Duke of Swann)

Two Royal cousins have released State Portraits at the same time. We will feature these two sets of portraits here today. First up, the Princess of Wallachia has released her official 2015 State Portraits and have timed the publication as part of the popular build up toward the Imperial Coronation. 

Her Serene Highness, the Princess of Wallachia and Baroness Bagrazia is seen here in red, wearing the Swann Dowry Tiara, the Order of the Ublient and the Wallachian Chain of Princely Office.

The Princess' spectacular dress was made by a Wallachian Couturier especially for this shoot. The photos were taken in the Royal Chapel of the Hunedoara Castle.

Next up we have our own Duke of Swann, cousin of the Princess of Wallachia. His Royal Highness wanted to commemorate his decision to abdicate with a set of symbolic State Portraits. Here follows the result.

The 1909 Rolls Royce that was made for the Duke's great grandfather has long been a favourite of the Duke and has never featured in a State Portrait. It may be seen as a powerful symbol of continuity carrying through for over 100 years down the line of ruling Dukes. It also may be seen that as a vehicle of being symbolic of taking a journey and as is the case with the Duke of Swann being appointed the successor of the Mithrandir, a new and unexpected future lays ahead of our famous Royal somewhere outside the Palace gates.

These portraits do have a very nostalgic feel almost like a farewell and that seems to have been the intent.

2015, "The year of change and new beginnings."

Breaking News (Swann Abdication Part 2 - Ceremony)

Following last week's announcement from the Principality of Swann we post the latest update in the abdication saga. In what has been called the most bittersweet moment of the century the "Hero of Europa" as he was informally named by his cousin the Emperor, the Duke of Swann, signed his Instrument of Abdication at Duke's Court Palace today in order to serve God in a more "spiritual" way. 

The Palace and old city of Swann was abuzz with the news which most citizens consider to be inspiring. The Duke of Swann invited a news crew to film the day's proceedings.

To start, His Royal Highness unveiled a new painting he had painted over the last few months as he wrestled with the Mithrandir's offer to succeed His Holiness. The painting symbolizes the Duke's decision to accept the offer and the consequences upon his own life.

The painting is of a flaming swan rising into the air from the pond upon which it rested. The symbol of the swan is representative of the Duke taking flight into his new future as Mithrandir. The fire represents the spiritual nature of the call to the office of the Mithrandir and the pond represents His Royal Highness' life up until now. It is poignant that the swan remains a swan even though it takes on a new supernatural form. This alludes to the Duke's identity and familial roots that will always remain the predominat flavour of personality even though his office may change.

After the unveiling of the painting, the press were treated to a mid-morning tea while the Duke got dressed for the formal ceremony. The ceremony saw His Royal Highness in uniform and regalia giving a short speech detailing the events and his intent.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Swann making his abdication speech as broadcast to the world. 

The Instrument of Abdication was then signed.

The Hereditary Prince of Swann, Prince Dillon was also in attendance to acknowledge him as the preeminent successor to the throne of Swann at this pivotal point. If the Mithrandir dies, then the Duke of Swann will succeed His Holiness and Prince Dillon would become the new Duke of Swann.

A photo opportunity was given to the press.

After the short ceremony and photos, the Duke of Swann and Hereditary Prince appeared on the palace balcony to acknowledge the crowd awaiting the finale of the morning's proceedings. 

A happy and still very popular Duke of Swann has now embarked on his new path while still remaining in office. He is expected to officially visit the Mithrandir in the near future to receive His Holiness' Blessing of Induction into the Office of Grey Cardinal. 

Prince Dillon looked remarkably elated on the balcony as he waved. He is the fresh face of the future of Swann and bring a colourful anticipation with a broad smile.

Breaking News (Swann Abdication Part 1 - Referendum and Imperial Consent)

An Official Report from the Principality of Swann: 

His Royal Highness, the Prince Daniel, by Grace of God, Sovereign Duke of Swann has declared that he will assume the Most Holy Honour of Grey Cardinal in Succession of the Mithrandir. 

Upon the passing of the Mithrandir, Prince Daniel will renounce all earthly obligations and become the next Mithrandir. He will then be succeeded by the Hereditary Prince of Swann, Prince Dillon who will then become the new Duke of Swann.

It is reported from Swann that, the Mithrandir made his desire for the Duke to become his successor known during last year's Arcwhite crisis when both His Holiness and the Duke worked closely to avert disaster. There was no obligation placed on the Duke to comply to the Mithrandir's request but the opportunity is of such a nature that finally the Duke chose in favour of it after months of thought and purported prayer. It is a very exciting yet bittersweet time for Swann and its beloved Duke as now His Royal Highness, after years as sovereign, may look forward to serve in an even higher call than that as ruler of Swann.

The Duke of Swann is seen above making the Royal Declaration this morning from Duke's Court Palace. It is officially viewed as a type of abdication but in stasis, where the Duke of Swann does not directly step down from the throne but has it on hold for the future event of the Mithrandir's death. The final announcement was made after an internet referendum run over the last two weeks. The results of the poll showed 89% of Swanobian citizens in favour of the Duke following his heart, especially in pursuit of this particular vocation of international self sacrificial service. The poll was run to gauge popular opinion as a courtesy to his people, as in the Principality of Swann, the Duke's autocratic power does not require a referendum to sanction his acts of state. It is now being written into law and after some ceremonials to follow, will be signed and enacted. Once done, the Duke will continue to rule as normal but will begin focussing more on being discipled by the Mithrandir. As such, His Royal Highness will gradually pass more Royal duties to Prince Dillon in order to teach him to become accustomed to his future role as ruler. The unmarried Duke will also officially then be committed to celibacy. He will also have the style Eminent Highness and title of Grey Cardinal added to his own.

His Royal Highness was officially visited earlier this week by his cousin the new Emperor and Empress of the United Empire. The visit was a friendly courtesy and show of familial support in this very special time. The Emperor was the first to know of the Duke's decision before today's official announcement and flew over to see his cousin in person on Sunday. These private photos of the visit was made available to this blog especially for our report. The Duke of Swann was also very happy to show his support  and excitement in return for the upcoming coronation of the Emperor on the  3rd of July.

Empress Odeliah looked radiant on what most consider to be a farewell of sorts as both the Duke of Swann and the former Crown Prince Imperial embark on entirely new life directions.

A poignant handshake was recorded on camera as the future Mithrandir is congratulated by the new Emperor. A new day dawns for Europa and indeed the world.

God save His Royal Highness, Prince Daniel, the Duke of Swann, Prince of the United Empire, Knight of the Order of the Diamond Star, Grand Master of the Order of the Purple Swann and Eminent Grey Cardinal.

What's Up Wednesday (Duke of Swann State Visit to Ophiri)

Today is the much awaited referendum on the issue of monarchy in Scotney and Britania. Will there be a restoration in one or both of these countries or not at all? We will hear the results tomorrow. But as these exciting developments surge in Europa some other important Royal news is happening in exotic Africania.

We have moved into the second quarter of the year and the end of the State Visit season but the Duke of Swann managed to squeeze in his last minute trip to Ophiri just before the Easter Weekend last week. This 3 day trip was the first for a Europan monarch since before the 1996 Revolution.

The old Kingdom of Ophiri traditionally shared close ties with the Principality of Swann all through the 20th Century. Recently the Democratic Republic of Greater Ophiri declared the old Royal Family of Ophiri the official representatives of the new democracy and in effect created a pseudo constitutional monarchy. Since then no State Visit has yet occurred to Ophiri until now. The Duke of Swann made an official trip to visit his close friend and now official diplomatic ally, Queen Ukulunghile. The trip received extensive media coverage on both the continents of Africania and Europa essentially boosting Ophiri's image worldwide. 

The Queen receives her official guests in full state dress code in the throne room of the Golden Lion Palace. She took the opportunity, yet again, to show off her immaculate sense of style. It must be said, that few can pull off an animal print like Queen Ukulunghile, and that in the context of an official event. 

The Queen chose to wear Yellow Diamonds, all indigenous mined, as a showcase of her country's natural wealth and jewellery craftsmanship skills. Not that the indigenous wood throne with sold gold lion statuettes did not already accomplish that. Ophiri is one of the world's largest exporters of Yellow Diamonds and Africanian top quality wood.

This spectacular photo shows the Queen's dress with train.

Her Majesty was joined by her brother Prince Shaka and his wife. The Prince is the Queen heir as she remains unmarried.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Swann arrived in state and bowed in respect towards his Royal hostess upon arrival in the throne room. This is a courtesy from one monarch to another as bowing between equals is not a protocol prerequisite.

A press photo-opp with all the assembled dignitaries.

The Queen then focused the Duke and the press' attention on a newly carved traditional bust of the Queen's Father, King Kozi. The artwork has been rendered from dolomite, another export of Ophiri.

Then Her Majesty showed the Duke a terracotta tile mural depicting most of the Ophiri wildlife. The mural is made from tiles cut out like puzzle pieces using the latest laser cutting technology. Ophiri aims to be the most technologically advanced nation on the Africanian continent by the year 2020.

The Duke of Swann's visit intended to negotiate better trade deals with some of Ophiri's major export companies and to also help focus international attention on its fast developing economy.

After the official welcome ceremony held in the throne room a State Banquet was arranged for the evening. Queen Ukulunghile wore a parure of rubies given to her as a gift from the Principality of Swann.

Her Majesty complimented the Duke's gift of rubies with a stunning red dress that was obviously held in store for an event of this importance.

Years ago a gift of large high quality diamonds was gifted to the Royal Family of Swann from Ophiri. Now, a generation later the kindness is reciprocated in this beautiful parure of rubies.

The Duke of Swann wore a uniform and chivalric orders.

We will have to wait till the end of this year to see another State Visit.

Wonderful Weekends (2015 State Portraits of the Duke of Swann)

The Duke of Swann has finally after many years released State Portraits taken in the beautiful memorial garden of Duke's Court Palace. They are His Royal Highness' official portraits for the year 2015.

The spectacular memorial garden, set out in honour of the Duke of Swann's late mother is the perfect compliment to His Royal Highness dressed in full regalia.

The Royal Crest, seen in the top right, is also in perfect harmony with the exuberant colours of the garden.

The garden, along with the Palace of Duke's Court is open to the public at certain set times during the year. 

The set of portraits are a perfect reflection of the happy Principality of Swann and its colourful ruler. 

What's Up Wednesday (Duke of Swann Photography Exhibition)

This past weekend saw the Duke of Swann open an exhibition of his famous photographic portraits. The photos have been covered in previous posts on our blog when they were first released but now will have their own physical exhibition in the Swann capital. Please follow the two links below for the two features on the photos by themselves.

http://daniel-s-world.blogspot.com/2014/10/wonderful-weekends-duke-of-swann-photo.html

http://daniel-s-world.blogspot.com/2012/10/wonderful-weekends-duke-of-swann-photo.html

The Swann Royal Art Gallery was the obvious choice for the Duke's second internationally acclaimed exhibit and also received much needed publicity of its own for it.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Swann, patron of the museum and the Swann Royal Society for Visual Arts was the guest of honour and host at the opening on Saturday evening.

First of the V.I P. guests to arrive was the world famous art collector and friend of the Duke of Swann, the Baron D'Rothchild and his wife.

The highest ranking Royal to be present at the exhibit and representing herself and her husband who couldn't make it was the Crown Princess Imperial. Both the Princess and her husband (the Duke of Swann's cousin) are featured in the photo series exhibition.

Inside the museum's main gallery the portraits are displayed in the format they were intended to be seen in, namely printed out very large and with no embellished frames.The clean cut lines and uncluttered design of the gallery lends itself perfectly for focusing all attention on the displayed art.

The photo portraits can do nothing but attract the viewers attention in sequence as they are set out in the gallery.

The full exhibit makes for a very impressive site of avant garde expression.

A media magnet, the "Punk Princess" the Princess Oktavia Von Hohen und Silberstein was also on the illustrious guest list and showed great interest in acquiring prints of the photo set.

Another featured Royal with a photo on the wall was the Princess of Wallachia, another cousin of the Duke of Swann. The photo series focused mainly on close family and intimate friends of the Duke.

As the guests and media filled the gallery the Duke of Swann wasted no time to begin mingling.

All present were clearly enthralled by the exhibit...

...and luxurious facilities allowed for respite amid the excitement.

The Duke of Swann is seen chatting to his cousin, Princess Kirsten Youssopoff who can be seen as the subject of the portrait on the wall behind them. The photos aim to capture the subjects personality and character as seen by the photographer who presumes to know the subject intimately. It also hopes to portray boldly the more unknown realities of the Royal persona in their duty as a Royal.

Here Princess Augusta is seen in front of her portrait. She opted to be immortalized wearing a tiara she was at that stage in the process of selling, ironically cementing her role in history, not just as a Princess but as a antique jewellery dealer.

The Duke of Swann also captured his sister and her husband in separate portraits.

The Duke has a very long and intimate friendship with his closest aide, Sir Charles Jennings. Descended from Royalty himself but now the personal secretary/chauffeur/bodyguard was given the honour of counting as one of the Duke's recognized inner circle with a portrait of his own.  Do you think the portrait captures the nature of Sir Charles, just from what we mentioned here?

The exhibit centers around three main female characters, representing three generations of Royalty and the Duke of Swann's own heritage. Here we see His Royal Highness next to the Crown Princess Imperial with her portrait. She represents the current generation of modern Royals marching boldly into the future. Another portrait of her husband, the pretender Emperor of the United Empire, is also on display at the gallery.

Each portrait is accompanied with a short poetic tribute to the subject. Here follows the one coupled to the Portrait of the Crown Princess Imperial: "Gently wild, humbly beautiful, naturally crowned. More of who she is inside than what she wears on the outside. This farm girl made princess will always beam an innocent smile outshining any of the grandest jewels at her disposal. Her Imperial Highness the Crown Princess Imperial will make a worthy Empress if the United Empire ever gets restored. Regardless she will never be anything other than an amazing woman."

The next portrait in the series of three central characters is that of the deceased Empress Crystobel, taken long before her tragic assassination. The portrait drew much and very emotive responses from the gallery guests, some of whom, close family members of the Duke of Swann's aunt.

A matriarch, loving mother, wise planner, resolute, hopeful, refined and graceful. All these qualities shine through regardless of the title borne by Empress Crystobel, former co-regent of the now fallen United Empire of Scot-Britania. 

The next and last portrait in the series of three is not one taken by the Duke of Swann but owned through inheritance by him. It is exhibited in homage to the Duke of Swann's father who was the photographer and original inspiration for the Duke of Swann's interest in photograpy. It is clear from this portrait where the Duke of Swann got his "eye" for photographic opportunities and composition from. One could say that it was this very portrait that directly led to the Duke of Swann, years later, to do the whole series and exhibit.

The photo is of Queen Crystobel I of Scotney, mother to Empress Crystobel and grandmother to the Duke of Swann. She stands as testament of an old world foundation that now three generations later we all still build on. The photo stands as testament of talents and vision being passed from father to son regardless of intellectual disagreements and emotional hurdles. The photo, a state portrait taken by the former Duke of Swann as a gift for the Queen and people of Scotney, stands as the permanence of the concept of Royalty. Ironically, the original gifted portrait was destroyed during the 96 Revolution but the Duke of Swann had another original copy in his archives which is the one on display. 

 The Duke of Swann has, in the spirit of the original portrait and the exhibition as a whole, decided to donated the portrait to the Scot-Britanian Government as an official historic State Portrait. 

We close with the words the Duke of Swann stated in his opening address; "Images are truly powerful and we hope that these inspire this generation and the next to greater heights."

 To see more on the entire exhibit with all the photo portraits accompanied by their descriptions please follow the links shared above.