Memory Monday (The Normandian Restoration and Investiture)

Good morning on this, our first Memory Monday for I think three weeks. Well, at least this serves to help us exercise our memories, which like our bodies become lazy and complacent when not kept in shape. To refresh those minds, the last time we discussed the Annual Knights Meeting  and its history. For today, I'd like to keep up the pace of "glorious" Royal events as I feel it necessary to push back the negative potential of the events that attempted to halt our celebration on this blog of all things Royal. My intention is to also keep within the theme of restoration and although I was planning on holding it back a little while longer, today we will view the photographic record and discuss the Investiture Ceremony of Queen Gloria I of Normandia that took place also on the 1st of May in 2011.

The event was far more subdued in publicity than the recent Syldavian counterpart. No less glorious however, it  boasted the same level of Royal guests in attendance but was not held in a religious setting but rather in one of the large government halls within the Normandian Parliament Building. What made this event very exciting was that it was the first ever restoration of a monarchical government and the very president it set was, albeit it tenuous, truly inspiring.

The Crown Princess Imperial joined the new Queen Gloria in Normandia months in advance for consultations with Madame Frumsetta about the Investiture dress.

The design was to be a combination of Medieval inspiration combined with national colours and Queen Gloria's flair for modern fashion. 

A few weeks before the Investiture, the Crown Prince Imperial hosted a private dinner in honour of Queen Gloria at her Palace in Normandia where His Imperial Highness gave his assent and pledged his support to the new Queen and her Kingdom.

The Duchess of Roswind, the Queen's cousin, took the responsibility for the arrangements and the preparation of the government hall upon her shoulders. 

Seen here the day before, the hall stands ready.

Then the glorious day arrived and guests started to arrive in all their finery at the Parliament Building. 

From Hispania, Infanta Isabella and her husband Don Miguel.

Representing Franconia's Royal house was Princess Antoinette D'Pont du Lac.

Wearing the spectacular Von Bismarck diamonds, the then Countess Von Bismarck, Princess Maxima represented her husband who has now become King of Syldavia.

In an overwhelmingly amazing gown and wearing the Youssopoff  "Comet" Tiara was Princess Kirsten and her husband, Prince Felix Youssopoff. 

After all the dignitaries arrived, Queen Gloria I and her fiance Count Szanguscko arrived in state while the National Anthem was played. She looked like a real Queen in her glorious dress and the Tiara and Necklace from the Crown Jewels of Normandia. 

Her Majesty, Queen Gloria I of the Kingdom of  Normandia and His Excellency, Count Reggius the Count Szanguscko. 

With the Crown of Normandia, just before the taking of the Oath of Rulership. 

The full list of guests include from left; the Baron and Baroness D'Rothchild, the Duchess of Roswind, the Baron Bagrazia, The Grand Duchess of Hanoveria, The Earl Cartwright, The Crown Princess Imperial, The Countess Von Bismarck (now Queen Maxima of Syldavia), Princess Antionette D'Pont du Lac, Queen Gloria and Count Szanguscko, the Duchess of Marlboro, Princess Augusta of Scot-Britania, the Grand Duchess of Serbieski, Prince Dillon of Swann, the Duke of Marlboro, the Prince and Princess Youssopoff, Don Miguel, Infanta Isabella of Hispania, the Dowager Baroness D' Rothchild.

Three close-ups of the guests. See if you recognize them and their jewellery. 

Long Live Queen Gloria I of Normandia!