Wonderful Weekends (Coronation of Duke of Swann State Portraits)

Today's State Portrait Sunday is a history post as well. This Portrait was the official release for the coronation of the current Duke of Swann on 23 Sept 2004

The Duke of Swann acceded to the throne of the Principality of Swann at the tender age of 13 after his father passed due to injuries sustained in the Bloody Revolution of 1996. He was however not allowed to rule and merely fulfilled a nominal ceremonious role while the power resided with a Regency Government Council who made all the decisions until he came of age. For this reason his coronation was postponed until his 21st birthday. Due to the austerity that permeated Europa after the 96 Revolution, the Swann Coronation, which is actually not an entire crowning ceremony, was kept to a bare minimum. Few guests, little media coverage and no celebratory festivities almost made it seem that Prince Daniel was just ruling as always, with no real change having taken place. However, the grand State Portrait served to etch the image of the event into the minds of the Swanobian populace. We post it here today as our remembrance of the day and to also resuscitate our Sunday State Portrait slot after the mourning period.

His Royal Highness, the Duke of Swann. He wears the State Robe, Chains of Office and several Knighthood Insignia. The photo was taken in the throne room right at the actual throne of the Dukes of Swann. 

The historic Throne of Swann with the Crown Regalia displayed on it. The throne was made in the Middle Ages for the first Duke of Swann. However, what was meant to be a purchase from the famed Reichental carpenters ended up being a gift from the King of Reichental. The symbolic gift of friendship has forged a bond between the two dynasties that lasts to this day. 

Seated on the throne Prince Daniel wields the Scepter of Clarity, symbolizing the discernment between good and evil. The Duke of Swann is the only person in the world who by virtue of an anomalous protocol is allowed to wear both the sashes of the Order of the Diamond Star and the Family Order of Swann at the same time. This also may only happen at his own coronation and at a coronation of the King of Scotney. 

We hope you all enjoyed this post as much as we did. 

Fascinating Fridays (Fashion Flops)

Today's post is a tongue in cheek look at the times when designers and their Royal clients did not use their common sense because "common" is sometimes not Royal enough but in these cases should have been considered more prudently. The 5 most memorable fashion flops will now follow in no particular order and might gain no greater response than a "rolling-of-the eyes".

A newly wed Princess Maxima, Countess Von Bismark before she became Queen of Syldavia at the 2010 Christmas Ball decided for some reason to take the concept of  "ball" to a rural sunflower farm barn dance. 

 To the official Royal Family photo in 2011, Prince Louis D'Pont Du Lac was forced to wear official court dress so we will forgive him but his sister Princess Antoinette came up with what seems to be an Indian inspiration and paired it with a distinctly medieval tiara. This dress can work in a certain context but with this tiara, combined with her 80's style frizzy hair?? At this particular event we consider this to be a total fail. 

In 2011 Mairi D'Bacquemme was dating Viscount Hayz and making a very stylish mark on the world stage. The glamorous couple was seen at all the international hot spots and appeared in flawless style wherever they went, except on this particular evening. The dress looked as if it came from her grandmother's forgotten cabinet and the creases seemed to prove it. It seems the more you appear on the red carpet the more you increase the chance of that "one-time" fail. Let's keep it sharp ladies and not take our sense of style for granted. 

This look was appropriate to the event but to the rank of the person wearing it it was too "teenager" and the disco look clashes with the family tiara and with the super sleek Queen Maria at the back. The Princess of Cataljone at her coming of age banquet in 2012 was just too space age risque to impress in a good way. If you want to look thin, then hang out with those fatter than you and if you want to look stylish, be careful what you wear next to your fashion icon mother. We are sure however after the formalities at the Palace and with the tiara back in the vault, the Princess must've  rocked the nightclubs. 

An official function puts a lot of strain on a person to impress. Here the Grand Duchess of Serbieski erred on the side of overkill with her cake icing pink, rose studded, frill dress. One is thankful that the historic magnitude of the Syldavian Restoration Investiture Ceremony in 2012 was at least overwhelming enough to make us forget this faux pas.

Which one is your favourite, or shall we say worst fail??? I'm glad that we can all laugh at ourselves sometimes, I hope.......

"To be or not to be" Thursday (Noble Families of the United Empire of Scot-Britania)

The former United Empire of Scot-Britania boasted a myriad of historic Noble Families. They combined to form the aristocracy of the greatest realm the world has ever known. After the murderous 96 Revolution not many of these survived and of those that remained, many have lost interest in claiming what they consider now to be a bitter heritage. However some of these families own international wealth and businesses or are so famous that they cannot hide or be denied and others have just tenaciously remained in the public eye as one would suppose they knew no other life. Let's see who make up the remainder of this Imperial Aristocracy today.

Few know that Duke of Swann as an independent Head of State also holds the equivalent Noble title of the same name in the aristocracy of the former Kingdom of Scotney and in the United Empire of Scot-Britania. He is also considered the Premier Noble Duke in Scotney. If all other Nobles indeed ceased to exist, then the concept of Scot Nobility would live on through him and his descendants.

Duchess of Roswind holds the title of Premier Duke in Britania. her title is derived from the one especially created for her grandfather who abdicated his right to the throne. Since her marriage in 2013 she and her husband (the Franconian Prince Valmont D'Pont Du Lac) also hold the Noble Dukedom of  Vaganava in the Kingdom of Normandia granted by her cousin Queen Gloria. 

The Illustrious Dukes of Lancaster were strictly speaking the rulers of the small independent Duchy of Lancaster for hundreds of years. Since the creation and fall of the United Empire of Scot-Britania the title was mediatized to Noble Duke in the Empire. If their is a restoration of the monarchy however, the title might become a point of contention again. It is currently held for the first time by woman in her own right as after the revolution there were no males in the line of descent.  She is the only Ducal title that is addressed as Illustrious Highness in the former United Empire.

The Duke and Duchess of Argyle  are probably the wealthiest Nobles from Scotey. The fortunes and titles of the Countess Dysart and the Duke of Argyle merged upon their marriage in 2013. Even after the revolution, both the family's extensive business interests led to them remaining in business relationships with the new republic of Scotney. The Countess Dysart, or rather Duchess of Argyle, still holds all her own titles in her own right and the couple's firstborn will have the combined titles as his inheritance.

His Grace the Duke of Marlboro and his fiance Madame Francine D'Bacquemmea attend the 2012 Christmas Ball in the photo above. The Dukes of Marlboro have been high ranking nobility in the Kingdom of Britania for generations and continued into the United Empire. The direct line of descent survived the revolution due to the current Dukes mother residing with her husband outside of the Empire at the time her brother fell victim to the massacre. The current Duke's grand aunt also married the then King of Britania, making him the 2nd cousin of the Crown Prince Imperial.

Her Ladyship the 10th Marchioness of Londonderry, the Premiere Marquess of Britania is a somewhat enigmatic figure. She is one of only a few, like the Countess Dysart who hold their hereditary titles in their own right as females. One of her ancestresses had an affair with a Ruskian Grand Duke and amassed what makes up the bulk of the family jewels today through her devoted suitor's glittering presents.

The Marquess of St Michael and his family have vehemently stayed away from the public glare and have refused media exposure since the 96 Revolution. We have been asked to not post any photos of the family on this blog. They are however still by virtue of their international business holdings controversially involved in the arms industry in Britania and were even suspected of having a hand in the revolution.

The Earl Cartwright, seen above with his mother is another 2nd cousin to the Crown Prince Imperial by virtue of the current Earl's grandmother being a sister of King George VI of Britania. He is set to get married very soon to Madame Mairi D'Bacquemme. They are often seen at official functions due to their close relation to the pretended throne of the United Empire.

Earl and Countess Basquith, cousins of the Duke of Swann are another Noble Scot couple who shun the media glare. They currently live in South Africa where the Earl works in the automotive industry.

The Earl Melville is for all intents and purposes a young middle-class teenager who lives with his mother in a small town in Americania. His father died in the 96 Revolution and his pregnant mother just happened to be visiting family abroad at the time. He has had a normal upbringing and one would never guess his heritage when you find him working holiday jobs as a waiter in his hometown. As such he lives entirely outside the media's gaze and has never attended any official functions as yet.

The relatively famous and popular Viscount Hayz has made a name and accompanying fortune for himself that far exceeds his Britanian hereditary title in fame and importance. His Lordship the Viscount Sean, 9^th Viscount Hayz struck it big in the I.T. industry by the age of 21 and soon was a high flying millionaire in his own right. His business acumen soon landed his company a massive contract with Arc International and he was given a directorship within the Arcwhite Financial Empire. This is where he currently still invests his time. 

The Viscount Ashburton lives as a recluse in Franconia after his Siamese born wife died in the 96 Revolution. His estranged son lives and works in Siam with his mother's side of the family.

The Baron D'Rothchild holds the title of Baron within the former monarchies of Britania, the United Empire of Scot Britania, Franconia, Syldavia and Fulco D'Este. This was granted due to the families banking services that they rendered in Rennaicance Europa to those monarchies in particular. Their primary Barional title however is Franconian as this was where their business and service to Kings began. The current Baron D'Rothchild owns and manages what has now become the world's largest and most influential banking firm.

Baronetess Rosenbloom was granted the title in 2011. This was the first and only title granted since the revolution and was done so by the Crown Prince Imperial for Nelia Roos his own nursemaid at the time of the revolution who risked her life helping him and his mother escape the revolution. She remained in Britania as a normal citizen until her story became public in 2010 at which time the Crown Prince decided to honour her. She still lives and works in Britania. 

Tiaras and Trinkets on Tuesday (Empress Crystobel Jewellery Auction)

One of the complications when a loved one dies is the administrative nightmare caused by the inheritance and taxes incurred from that. The estate of the late Empress Crystobel was no different and after the transfer of all her assets to her son and heir some ready cash flow was needed to pay the taxman in several countries. For this purpose the Crown Prince Imperial decided to sell some of his mother's jewellery. Jewellery is often a very personal and sentimental matter but in the case of Empress Crystobel, her collection is so vast that several pieces with historical and sentimental links could be let go of, without selling any of the pieces that were especially dear to her and her family.

Princess Augusta, the Empress' sister in law and famous historic jewellery dealer was the obvious choice to handle the sale of the jewellery that was to attract international interest. The auction was done via internet on a specially arranged private forum. Some of the buyers insisted on remaining anonymous so only once the jewellery is worn will we know, if ever, who bought them.

Princess Augusta poses for a press photo with the historic Empress Crystobel Collection at her showrooms in Swann City. 

A detail photo shows the three parures selected for sale. 

The Scotney Dowry Rubies have history albeit based more on rumour than fact. The rubies in the Dowry Tiara are said to have belonged to the wife of the first King of Scotney as an independent Kingdom. They remained uncut for centuries until Queen Crystobel I of Scotney had them faceted and set into this tiara. The set didn't stray from the bloodline however as it was bought by the family of the Empress' youngest sister Princess Beatrice, the Dowager Grand Duchess of Hanoveria. Her son the The Grand Duke of Hanoveria procured the set for his personal collection

The Ruskian Fringe Tiara originally belonged to the last official Ruskian Empress Consort paired with plain matching earrings and a separate necklace of unknown Ruskian provenance. Empress Crystobel bought it in her early life and it was sold to the Empress' other nephew the the Duke of Swann.

The lesser D'Pont Du Lac Emerald Parure was the main attraction at the auction  more so for its colourful history that preceded its ownership by the Empress. Originally made in the late 19^th century for the Franconian Princess Helene, Duchesse du Saint Denis.  It came down the Franconian Royal line until it reached the coffers of Her Highness Princess Anne-Marie D’Pont du Lac. Princess Anne-Marie married the 12^th Baron d’Rothchild and in 1993 decided to sell the D’Pont du Lac treasures to raise funds for her sickly brother’s medical requirements and to curtail some back taxes on his waning estate. Empress Crystobel was the lucky buyer and the vast emerald parure ended up being broken up into two separate sets of which this is the lesser. It has gone for a record price to an unknown buyer

Empress Crystobel had some jewellery in her collection that she never wore. This set of Pink Corvese Cameos set in a tiara, necklace and brooch are of unknown provenance but at least 200 years old. The cameos are definitely from the famous lapidary workshops in Corvi Romagna and their style and craftsmanship along with the workmanship on the jewellery allow for relatively accurate dating. 

The Corvi Cameo Set also went to an unknown buyer

Two other lots, from the recently discovered Ruskian cache were also put up for sale at the same time sparking even greater interest in the overall sale. This long awaited sale of these historic jewels generated much anticipation over the last few months since their discovery by the Duke of Swann in an abandoned Hanoverian warehouse. 

The so-called, Tutti Fruiti Parure of obvious early Deco Design went for a very high bid to an unknown buyer.

The Emerald Earrings from the Ruskian cache, also of unknown provenance were sold to an unknown buyer. We hope they do not fade into total obscurity but we will keep our eyes peeled to see if they appear on the ears of of one of our Royals in future.

So the end of two glorious eras come to a very business-like end. If nothing else the summary of this sale at least inspired the historic jewellery aspect of our blog as usual. 

Memory Monday (First Syldavian Electorate Meeting)

The fact that this blog and the democratic nations of Britannia and Scotney observed a month long mourning period in respect for the death of Empress Crystobel does not mean the world came to an standstill. Internationally the mourning period was recognised but obviously not observed. Many important events took place that need to be blogged now and some have been relegated to Memory Monday due to the fact that they happened, what seems to be now, a long time ago. The very important Electorate who gathered for their first meeting in Syldavia was just such a world changing event. By referendum it was decided that the monarchic system in Syldavia's 1-year old restored monarchy should be set in stone as an electorate rather than a hereditary monarchy. This now being the case the 5 aristocratic dynasties that make up the electorate had to ceremoniously take up their place and also gather for their actual first practical meeting.

This took place late in June 2013 a few weeks after the announcement was made that the monarchic system would officially change. 

The Syldavian Flag.

Ploch Palace played host to the first annual Syldavian Royal Electorate Meeting. 

King Nikolas III and Queen Maxima, wearing a dress that has us fooled as to her 6 months pregnancy, received their guests in Ploch Palace's historic throne room. The Royal Crown of Syldavia was displayed to emphasize the official importance of the gathering. Dress code however was formal but with short skirts and black tie to reduce the formality to slightly less suffocating. The King represents his Von Bismarck Dynasty who currently hold the Kingship. Once he dies the new King will be elected from the Heads of the Five Dynasties represented within the Electorate. 

The meeting forced the elusive Grand Duke of Reichental out of his former independent "Kingdom" into the limelight that he prefers to avoid. He arrived with his wife, the beautiful Grand Duchess Azanta who is seen here as she curtsies to King Nikolas. 

 

Their Grand Ducal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Reichental represented their Dynasty, the House of Joshuwah. 

Representing the Von Thurn und Taxis Princely Family was its head, Her Serene Highness Princess Viktoria Von Thurn und Taxis, an old friend of Princess Augusta of Scot-Britania.

The now well known, Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Serbieski, heads of the House of Karageorgevich.

Finally, Madame Frumsetta was also "forced" to accept her Royal obligation as the head of the House of Frumsetta who used to rule the Bo'hemia Gypsy regions. Officially she bears the title Her Illustrious Highness Countess Nicole Doamna Frumsette, Princess of Bo’hemia but she has chosen to pursue her carreer in fashion which now might suffer due to the added responsibility. 

The composite representation of the five Dynastic Electorate Families within Syldavia. 

The Royal Electorate of Syldavia.

The meeting served the ceremonial role of inaugurating the Electorate system publicly and Internationally and also to give the members there first assembly in order to discuss the relevant topics regarding this new development  We hope it will serve the country and diverse peoples of Syldavia better than any preceding system ever has. 

Wonderful Weekends (Arcwhite State Portrait)

Three days before the official ending of the Internationally recognized mourning period for Empress Crystobel, Lady Arcwhite broke with her country's centuries old tradition and released State Portraits. She is the first Lady Arcwhite to come out from within the strict confines of secrecy surrounding the office of the ruler of Arcwhite. Traditions kept the person of the Lady Achwhite to be displayed or revealed publicly. However the current ruler has embraced the information age and has been conquering the world stage since her controversial arrival at the Imperial Christmas Ball in 2010. Mixed feelings abound around the  bittersweet release of these otherwise spectacular photos. The break with Arcwhite precedent has become a hallmark of Lady Arcwhite and this bold move so soon after the Empress Crystobel's death can almost be seen as an affront to the Imperial legacy. However Lady Arcwhite has seen the gap and without being overtly offensive has thrusts herself boldly onto the world stage again taking the spotlight. 

Lady Arcwhite poses beside the infamous yet never before seen Mirror Throne. This throne has for centuries been the seat from which all governing in Arcwhite was issued, from behind closed doors of course.

The almost unworldly quality of these awesome photos just add to the mystery of the Arcwhite ambiance. It has almost enhanced rather than detracted from the historic power the Ladies Arcwhite have held in secrecy for ages. 

Lady Arcwhite wears the Ice Crystal Tiara, the official Tiara of her office as ruler of Arcwhite Islands. 

The Arcwhite flag is included in the top right of the photo instead of a Royal Crest as this does not exists or indeed is appropriate for a Lady Arcwhite who has no familial claim to her throne or office. Lady Arcwhite exudes spectacular charisma and authority as she sits on the Mirror Throne. 

The Mirror throne is said to be made from the shattered glass taken from the mirrors broken by Ladies of the Veil in their induction ceremony. The are required to askew all personal vanity in favour of total devotion to the Lady Arcwhite and as such show their loyalty in swearing allegiance by breaking a hand mirror at her feet in these ceremonies. The shattered glass is then added to the throne. 

These photos have given us even greater insight into the culture and person of the Lady Arcwhite and her people. We appreciate her boldness in revealing more to the general public than any of her forbears and we tip our hats to her boldness in dealing with the modern art of media boosted politics. 

Breaking News (Funeral Announcement of Empress Crystobel)

The State of Mourning is still in effect till 14 August 2013 but we post today in commemoration of the funeral of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Crystobel of the United Empire of Scot-Britania. The State Funeral takes place today at 12 o clock in Londinium the capital of Britania and the former Empire. It will be attended by family and several Heads of State and foreign Royals. No feature post will be done today but will follow at a discreet time after the end of the mourning period. 

Our thoughts are with the family.

DEO GLORIA CRYSTOBEL IMPERATRIX