Tiaras and Trinkets on Tuesday (The Szanguscko Jewellery Collection)

The recent engagement of the Count Szanguscko to Princess Antoinette D'Pont Du Lac has brought to our attention the jewellery collection of the Comital House of Szanguscko. The Counts of Szanguscko have for centuries been considered the premiere Noble House in Normandia and as such own some historic jewels. With the restoration of the monarchy in Normandia, the Szangusckos played a pivotal role in cementing the rebirth of historic Royalty. The then head of the Noble House married the new Queen of Normandia and gave up his title in favour of his younger brother. 

Queen Gloria of Normandia has since not worn any jewellery that may be considered from the Szanguscko collection due to the fact that her officie as Queen has many official jewels expected to be worn and she also owns a vast collection of her own. As such, submitting her title to the lower title of her husband's family by the wearing of a Szanguscko Family Tiara, may be seen as strangely inappropriate. Yet it is appropriate for a wife to receive jewellery of a personal nature from her husband and to wear it publicly. Queen Gloria has done so in the form of a bracelet especially made for her as a gift from her husband the now Prince of Northwold. 

In 2011,Queen Gloria wore what has become known as the Szanguscko Bracelet on her right arm. This very personal piece of jewellery is seen as her personal property and the only part of what may considered a Szanguscko jewel in Royal possession.

This photo shows the bracelet in detail.

The unique circumstances surrounding the Szanguscko Family has led to a younger brother being head of the dynasty. The public haven't seen much of the family jewels for the same reason but upon the Count's engagement in 2014 the spectacular Szanguscko Tiara saw the light for the first time in decades. 

In the photo above, taken to commemorate the engagement of his Excellency the Count Szanguscko and Her Highness Princess Antoinette D'Pont Du Lac, we can see the Szanguscko Family Parure. It is made from rare grey pearls and set with diamonds and grey smokey quartz.

In this detailed archive photo we can thee the parure close-up and appreciate the subtle colour differences of the materials used. This tiara dates back from the early 1900's and was made in a mock medieval style. It is, due to its size and age considered to be the official Szanguscko Family Tiara worn by the Countess Consort.

Over the last few years the most often seen tiara from the Szanguscko Collection has been worn by the Count's younger sister Mercedes. She has at times accompanied other members of her family to important State Events and then worn a small diamond bandeau tiara very suitable to her age and rank. Not much is know of this piece except that its design helps us to guess its age. It may have been made in the 1920's for the then Countess.

Countess Mercedes Szanguscko can be seen very successfully wearing the small diamond tiara in 2011.

This detailed photo shows the small tiara with its matching earrings and a strand of quality pearls.

Most of the Szanguscko Collection seems to date from the early 1900's as is just the case of this flapper style coronet tiara. It also employs grey pearls and diamonds and is designed to sit A-symmetrically on the head. This "cheeky" design was typical of aigrette style tiaras from the flapper era.

The A-symmetrical Coronet Tiara is complimented by a two-tone necklace. This set was obviously designed to be used as swapping components fro the Szanguscko Family Parure as parts from both sets may be readily mixed and matched for variety.

It is very thrifty to design elements of new jewellery to be worn alone or to be mixed in with existing historic jewels. This necklace and earrings is made from pearls but includes diamonds and grey smokey quartz. It can thus be matched to any other parts of the Szanguscko Collection. We look forward to seeing it on the red carpet as to our knowledge it has never been worn but with the advent of a new Countess who also brings her own dowry to the Comital Family we may be in for a future feast.

Memory Monday (The Count Szanguscko's Engagement)

We resume posting today after last week's very somber moment on our blog. On a far more joyous note we want to post our belated announcement of the engagement of the Normandian Count Szanguscko to Princess Antoinette D'Pont Du Lac. The couple were officially engaged in July this year. Princess Antoinette will be the second Franconian Royal to marry into Normandian Nobility, her brother Prince Valmont married Queen Gloria's cousin the Duchess of Roswind last year. The Count Szanguscko is the highest ranking Noble in Normandia after his brother passed the title to him in order to marry Queen Gloria. Princess Antoinette's Franconian titles in pretence are recognised in Normandia and as such, she will be known as Her Highness, the Princess Antoinette Countess Szanguscko while her husband will be referred to as His Excellency, the Count Szanguscko. 

To commemorate the event, the couple released this official portrait to the public. The countess wears the spectacular Szanguscko diamond parure.

We will keep you in the loop as far as wedding plans are concerned.

What's Up Wednesday (Normandian Parliament Opening of 2014)

The Normandian State opening of Parliament is an official government event and as such a grand affair held once a year during the first week of September. This seeming contradiction of opening something when a year begins to draw to a close has been tradition in this cold northern part of Europa for centuries. September weather is considered the best time of the year and allows for the festive spectacle that involves a public holiday and a carriage procession through the capital. It is the one event where Normandia completely throws itself into a Royal spectacular.  

A brand new Crown has been made for Queen Gloria at her own expense especially for this year's event and to be used in future by her and her descendants. The small crown follows the protocol of using the national colours and mimics the design of the Royal Crown of Normandia. Queen Gloria paired her new Crown with some other pieces from the Crown Jewel Collection and some of her private jewels. 

This detailed comparison allows for close appreciation of the new addition to the Crown Regalia of Normandia

Her Majesty Queen Gloria of Normandia and His Royal Highness the Prince of Northwold, husband and wife pose in the Parliament Hall for their State Portrait. 

The event requires the leading Nobility of Normandia to be in attendance and as such is considered the main gathering, dressed in their finest, of the country's Nobility.

Queen Gloria's cousin, The Duchess of Roswind and her husband Prince Valmont D'Pont Du Lac attend in their capacity as the Duke and Duchess of Vaganava, a title held within the borders of Normandia. 

The Margravine of Montrose attended this, her first Opening of Parliament Ceremony. She chose to wear the official Montrose Diadem. 

The Count Szanguzcko is the highest ranking traditional Noble in Normandia. His elder brother passed the title to him upon his own marriage to queen Gloria. The Count attended the event with his fiance, Princess Antoinette D'Pont Du Lac. 

Baroness Klariowna  looked fresh and radiant representing her Baronial family, also for the first time since the restoration of the Normandian monarchy. This years event set new standards for the popularity of the monarchy as more and mor of the upper echelons show their undivided support. 

Wonderful Weekends (Normandian State Portraits)

After giving birth to a healthy baby boy on the 18th of May 2012, Queen Gloria felt fit only a few days later to pose for required State Portraits to commemorate the birth. Having opted for a natural birth, the healthy Queen was up and running the day after the birth and felt it nothing to pose for the photos so soon after the big day.

Normandian and indeed most other monarchical tradition dictates that the Consort Queen or in this case the reigning Queen of Normandia must show herself to her people as soon as possible after giving birth. In days gone by this was to prove that she was well and actually gave birth in order to authenticate the succession to the people. The baby however was rarely shown at such an early stage to the common populous for security reasons. Today this tradition is perpetuated with published State Portraits. In Normandia the baby is not photographed until after the Christening as the baby and the mother return from the church service in a carriage for this purpose. 

The first offial photo taken of Queen Gloria in over a year and to commemorate the birth of the heir to the throne.

Radiant and affectionately holding the hand of her husband Queen Gloria and the Prince of Northwold pose for their official portrait as a couple. 

The Normandian public is burning to see photos of the new Prince but will have to wait as custom dictates for the carriage procession to and from the cathedral at the Christianing. It is speculated that this will take place within the next two months. 

This affectionate photo reminds us that Queen Gloria and her husband are just a natural couple and now parents.

The whole Royal Family of Normandia includes the Queen's cousin in the front at right. The newly wed Duchess of Roswind and her husband Prince Valmont D'Pont Du Lac have been given Normandian titles as a wedding gift from Queen Gloria. To the left we see the Queen's sister-in-law, Mercedes Szanguscko and brother-in-law, the Count Szanguscko. 

The Queen's cousin joined the shoot on the last league of her honeymoon as it was the first time they saw each other after the Duchess of Roswind's wedding over a week ago. The honeymooning couple stopped over in Normandia to see the new baby and to spend some time with the family. It was because of the birth that Queen Gloria could not attend the wedding.  The new title of Duke and Duchess of  Vaganava has been granted and as such makes the Duchess of Roswind and Prince Valmont part of the Normandian court and officially required to attended this photo shoot. They will also be present at the upcoming Royal Christianing. 

What's Up Wednesday (Live Feed Normandian Royal Wedding Reception)

Finally after just over a year, the wedding of Queen Gloria and Count Szanguscko, now Prince of Northwold, has arrived. Last week preceding the wedding day, Queen Gloria in a private ceremony at  Isrik Palace, elevated her fiance officially from the Nobility to Royalty. His brother has thus taken up the title of the Count Szanguscko. 

Today's post is to be truly unique. It will start, first with this short message and then will follow with live updates starting at 13:00 hours. The live feed of photos will be posted as they are released, progressing for about an hour. Queen Gloria of Normandia and her Royal guests have allowed this short access to media photographers as they arrive for the lunch reception. The religious ceremony will remain completely sacred, private and not photographed but the reception will allow the world to share in this most significant event. We wait with abated breath for the photo feed to start. Remember to join us at one o' clock. 

After a 10 minute processional drive from Isrik Palace, the Royal Motorcade arrived to tumultuous applause at North Church Chapel in Normandia's capital at 12:00. After the sacred ceremony, expected to last only 40minutes the Queen and her new husband will leave in a full 30 minute State Procession back to Isrik Palace in the State Carriage. Then from there they will leave by car 20minutes later to Szanguscko Hall just outside the capital for the reception. We can expect the photo feed of the guests to commence from around 1:00 and the Bridal Couple should arrive within half an hour from then.

The Royal Carriage has just arrived at the Church to collect the Royal Couple for the procession. The service is expected to finish in about 20minutes from now. 

Due to the sacredness of wedding ceremonies in the Kingdom of Normandia, all photography of the actual Royal Couple and their guests are banned until the reception. However shots that do not portray Royalty directly can be posted. 

The wedding ceremony now complete, the bride and groom leave the Church to a fanfare of trumpets and applause. Their guests will leave directly to the reception venue in a massive motorcade. 

The Royal Carriage Procession leaves the North Church Chapel on its way back to Isrik Palace through the streets decorated with the Royal Crest. A 60 gun salute was offered as the carriage began its journey. We are in absolute anticipation to see the Bride's dress, designed by Madame Frumsetta. It seems that it would have been better to be in the physical crowd as they already got to see it. Cell phone network coverage over the city has been blocked for two hours to bar images of the Queen being published before she reaches the reception.

As the Queen and Prince Reggius complete their procession back to the Palace, their guests are on their way by massive motorcade, to Szanguscko Hall. It is an slightly overcast day with patches clearing. Let's see how the weather goes over the next few minutes.

As the sky clears, almost miraculously, the first guests alight from their limousine. The dress code for the wedding is formal spring wear with tiaras.

The Margravine of Montrose (at right) who shuns the public eye to such a degree that she declined to attend Queen Gloria's Investiture makes a rare public appearance at today's wedding. As a mediatized Normandian Noble Woman it is fitting for her to attend. She is joined by a fellow Noble descended from Normandian Aristocracy, Baroness Eva Klariowna.

Representing the Royal House of Romagna, we have Princess Donatella, Duchess Di Giorgio. She is joined by the Franconian representative, The Prince D' Pont Du Lac. This is the Princess' first official Royal event since she discovered her heritage earlier in the year. She was promptly invited to attend by Queen Gloria in order to consolidate the wave of Royal awareness that has escalated in the last year.

The King and Queen of Syldavia. Queen Maxima wears a stunning Peach Pink Cocktail dress and is complimented in a daring fashion by her husband in Pink.

Representing the former Ruskian Empire is their d'jour Empress, the Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna (at right) joined by the wife of the Prince Youssopoff, Princess Kirsten.

A gust of wind makes life difficult for the Grand Duchess of Hanoveria (at left). She is joined by The Princess Xenia Draculesti of Wallachia.

Her Majesty Queen Maria I of Hispania looking amazing in glitzy black and wearing the Grey Pearl and Diamond parure from the Hispanian Collection.

The Duke of Swann accompanies his aunt, Empress Crystobel who wears the unbelievable Ruskian Sapphires.

The Crown Prince Imperial couple from the former Empire of Scot-Britania.

All the guests have arrived and it is reported that the motorcade carrying the newlyweds has arrived at Szanguscko Hall.

The new Count Szanguscko and Prince Reggius' best man arrives to announce the Bridal Party who are typically a bit late.

Queen Gloria is attended by her cousin the Duchess of Roswind and her new sister in law, Countess Mercedes Szanguscko.

The Switzer Brocade double breasted coat dress is complimented by the Edwardian top hat. The Queen wears Aquamarine earrings and a brooch to pick up the National Colours also reflected in the lining of her outfit.

Countess Mercedes Szanguscko (at left )and the Duchess of Roswind in matching bride's maids dresses.

The Bridal Party.

The full assembly of Royal guests.

After the press photo session the guests moved on to enjoy their private reception lunch.

What an amazing and exciting day. I hope everybody enjoyed it as much as we did. We wish Queen Gloria and Prince Reggius all the best.

We can expect an official release of wedding State Portraits before the week is out. Please also use the labels at the end of each blog post, the label tags on the right  and the archive column on the right to navigate to other related blog posts.

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!