Emperor Christian Victor I

Emperor Christian Victor I
Showing posts with label Sorgenfrei Castle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sorgenfrei Castle. Show all posts

Thursday, 24 April 2014

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.

Saturday, 5 April 2014

Wedding Weekend (The Wedding Ceremony of Princess Marie-Elizabeth and Arch Duke Otto)



After long weeks of anticipation the much awaited wedding of Princess Marie-Elizabeth of Swann and Arch Duke Otto Von Fulco D'Este is happening today. 

Sorgenfrei Castle is host to this dynastic wedding of high profile. On the side of Swann, it is an official event with the Princess being a member of the reigning House of Swann. However, she is marrying "out" of the family and becoming a part of the Fulco D'Este dynasty who hold the seat in pretense to the former Arch Duchy of Fulco D'Este. In that capacity the wedding is strictly speaking a private affair and thus held in Sorgenfrei as Fulco D'Este have yet to welcome back their exiled Royal Family. 

A member of the public has just uploaded this photo to the internet of the convoy of dignitaries driving toward Sorgenfrei Castle.

The hosts of the ceremony, proprietors of Sorgenfrei Castle and cousins of the bride, the Crown Prince Imperial and Crown Princess Imperial, await their guests. The Crown Princess Imperial is wearing Barbie International Couture and what seems to be a new set of earrings and necklace paired with the D'Pont Du Lac Pearl Tiara.  

The man of the hour, the groom stands to military attention awaiting the arrival of the guests and of course his bride. He is seen at the altar here with the Silver Cardinal, Chaplain for the Royal House of Swann. 

First to arrive is Prince Dillon of Swann with his cousin Princess Kirsten Youssopoff. They were followed by the Royal Family of Hanoveria.

Next to arrive is Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna of Ruskiana, cousin of the bride and the Grand Duke of Reichenthal, cousin of the groom.  

The Royal Family of Wallachia attends in force and in support of their cousin, the bride.

Another relation of the groom is Queen Gloria of Normandia who also attended officially representing her country to this "State Wedding". 

Queen Maria of Hispania represented her country and is a distant cousin of the bride. 

With a gun salute firing from the ramparts of the castle, the arrival of the bride is announced.  The historic guns were entirely restored for use at this wedding and to henceforth serve as part of the castle's historic exhibit. They will thus also be fired at relevant times and events around the year. 

The Duke of Swann waited to welcome his sister and to walk her down the aisle. It is a poignant moment as the bride alights from her great grandfather's 1909 Rolls Royce, the first bride to officially use it as a wedding car. 

Princess Marie Elizabeth is attended by her cousin Queen Maxima of Syldavia, as Matron of Honour and by her friend the Duchess Di Giorgio, as Maid of Honour. She was driven to the wedding by Sir Charles Jennings, long standing family friend and High Stewart of Swann. 

The bride wearing a breathtaking beaded dress and her brother. Princess Marie-Elizabeth wears the same tiara her mother wore at her wedding. 

The bride enters the chapel....

....and is given to her dashing groom.

For the first time in Royal history, the actual vows are recorded on camera. This sets a new precedence for Royal weddings as this part, was according to tradition, never photographed. 

After the formalities the couple walk from the chapel to allow the press and public, gathered outside the castle, a photo opportunity on the balcony. 

A stunning view of the newly-weds from the Sorgenfrei Castle balcony.

The new Arch Duke and Arch Duchess of Fulco D'Este.

After the balcony official photos are posed for before the private banquet is served for the guests and dignitaries. Above we see the bridal party. 

The bride with her two aunts, at left the Dowager Grand Duchess of Hanoveria and at right the Dowager Princess of Wallachia.

The bride, her brother and all their cousins.

We wish them and their families all the best.

Wednesday, 2 October 2013

What's Up Wednesday (The Annual Birthday Celebration)

On Monday the 23rd of September the Crown Prince Imperial and the Duke of Swann celebrated their birthdays. This year, due to the recent passing of Empress Crystobel, it was decided to host a small private function at Sorgenfrei Castle for close family only. What made it a special occasion was that it was the Duke of Swann's 30th birthday and hence the celebrations weren't outright cancelled. 

The Crown Prince Imperial Couple played host and Sorgenfrei Castle is living up to its growing reputation as being a premiere function venue. 
The Crown Prince Imperial Couple prepare to welcome their guests in the garden Court of Sorgenfrei Castle. The toned down party was a "cocktails in the evening" theme with appropriate dress code. 

First to arrive was the Crown Prince Imperial's aunt, Princess Augusta. She was followed by the Crown Prince Imperial's cousin, Queen Maxima of Syldavia, who arrived without her husband. 

Other close cousins attending were; The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Hanoveria at far left and right and the Prince and Princess Youssopoff to the left of Princess Augusta.

The Duke of Swann's cousin Princess Xenia of Wallachia and her mother Princess Suzanna of Wallachia also attended. 

Finally we see the arrival of the newly engaged Princess Marie-Elizabeth of Swann with her fiance Arch Duke Otto Von Fulco D'Este and Prince Dillon of Swann all arriving at left of the picture. 

Then the guest of honour was welcomed by his host and co-birthday boy. The Duke of Swann is greeted by The Crown Prince Imperial Couple. 

The "cocktails in the evening" theme worked well in the Sorgenfrei Castle garden setting and served its purpose as a discreet Royal event. 

The full contingent of guests posed for the obligatory Family Photo and these pictures were granted press access. We wish our Royals all the best for the year to come and look forward to this years Christmas Ball apparently to be hosted in Scotney by special invitation of its President.

Sunday, 8 September 2013

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.