Memory Monday (Prince Dillon of Swann's 2011-2012 Military Service)

In 2011 Prince Dillon of Swann, cousin and heir to the Duke of Swann, entered compulsory military service. It is also tradition in the Royal Family of Swann aside from conscription, that male members of the Royal Family serve at least a one year term in the armed forces. This is considered a duty of service to their country and a sacrifice aside from their life long commitment to serve as a Royal. His Royal Highness joined the Swann Royal Infantry and was treated like any other rookie serviceman during his training. 

After graduating from basic training, Corporal Swann, saw service and action in the Perlistan mountains where several separatist groups threaten the current Perlistan Government who have a mutual protection treaty with the Principality of Swann. In the above photo we see the Prince as part of the Swanobian Military Presence in Perlistan. He is pictured with some other members from his motorized platoon camping around an abandoned building in Karachi, a largely bombed mountain town near the conflict zone. 

Prince Dillon enjoys the life of a normal soldier and is quoted as appreciating being free from the less positive aspects of being Royal. Apart from our agreed upon feature, the Prince did not have to face off a single camera lens. In this photo we see the young Corporal with his tent mate and friend, Gunnery Sergeant Ruwan Els. 

This poignant photo alludes strongly to a State Portrait and with good reason, as even war cannot diminish the Prince's Royal bearing. 

His Royal Highness Prince Dillon completed his tour of service having also acquired his flight wings at the end of 2012. The Prince has admitted that he feels very close to the armed forces and will continue an intimate bond with them.

Wonderful Weekends (Prince Dillon Graduates from Military Academy)

For today's post we celebrate with the Royal Family of Swann. His Royal Highness the Hereditary Duke of Swann, Prince Dillon, graduated from his two years in the Duke's Air Force Academy yesterday and received his "wings". It is tradition for members of the Princely House of Swann to serve in the military as soon as they have come of age. Prince Dillon was no exception. Even though the young Prince insisted on being treated like any other soldier, he did however have special concession for his personal security as the heir to the throne. As the Duke of Swann's cousin and only first born son within the Royal House, he is heir to the throne of Swann. Prince Dillon graduated from training with "exemplary conduct" and with the rank of staff sergeant. The ceremony was attended by the Duke of Swann himself who also handed out the highest awards to the now ex-cadets. Princess Marie-Elizabeth was also present wearing the Swann Family Tiara. 

The Duke of Swann and Princess Marie-Elizabeth proudly flank their nephew, Staff Sergeant Prince Dillon Swann, on his turning-out parade day in the Swann capital.

To commemorate the event a special photograph was taken at the turning out parade that will also serve as Prince Dillon's first official State Portrait as heir to the throne. This is done in light of the fact that the Duke of Swann has indicated that marriage and the producing of a direct line heir was not on the cards indefinitely. This means that Prince Dillon will now begin serving officially as a member of the Princely House and may represent the country on relevant state occasions. We look forward on seeing him on the red carpet and to an eventual future as a married man and Duke of Swann. 

The two official portraits released to commemorate Prince Dillon's graduation and induction as a representative member of the House of Swann.