Adrian Empire SAMPLE CORONATION CEREMONIES User Manual

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The Adrian Empire, Inc.

CORONATION CEREMONIES

of the Adrian Empire

as compiled by the Church of Adria

September 2002

Anyone is welcome to point out any error or omission that they may find.

Church of Adria churchof adria@adrianempire.org

Empress empress@adrianempire.org Emperor emperor@adrianempire.org

Handbook of Ceremonies: Preface Page 2 of 21 September 2002

ABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface................................................................................................................................................................ 3

I. Ducal Coronations...........................................................................................................................................3

A. Premiere Ducal Coronation of Dragon’s Mist ................................................................................. 3

The Ceremony..................................................................................................................................3

B. Premiere Ducal Coronation of Ekaterinegorod................................................................................ 5

Change Made by Ekaterinegorod..................................................................................................... 5

Alternate Oath used.......................................................................................................................... 5

II. Royal Coronations..................................................................................................................................... 6

Royal Coronation of Umbria..................................................................................................................... 6

The Ceremony: Recession................................................................................................................ 7

The Ceremony: Procession............................................................................................................... 7

The Ceremony: Verification of Qualifications................................................................................. 8

The Ceremony: Fealty and Acceptance Oaths..................................................................................9

The Ceremony: Investiture of regalia............................................................................................. 13

III. Imperial Coronations ..................................................................................................................................15

Imperial Coronation, November 2001.....................................................................................................15

The Last Walk and Divestiture of the Outgoing Monarchs. .......................................................... 15

The Changing of the Regalia.......................................................................................................... 17

The Coronation............................................................................................................................... 17

Oaths of Allegiance........................................................................................................................ 19

Handbook of Ceremonies: Preface Page 3 of 21 September 2002

REFACE

The scripts provided herein are intended to inspire, to provide guidance in planning future ceremonies, and to record some of the more splendid ceremonies of the past.

I. D

A. P

Time and location: Items used:

• Sword of State

• Crown

• Chain of State

People who were present:

• Herald (or other officiator)

• Imperial Representative

• Heirs Apparent

• Steward (may be by proxy)

• Chancellor (may be by proxy)

Sequence of Events

• Court opens

• The Heirs Apparent are summoned

• Eligibility and intent is verified

• Heirs Apparent pledge their oath of fealty to the Empire, and their intent to rule as Ducal Crown

• The Imperium pledges their acceptance of that fealty and charges the Heirs Apparent with their duties

• The regalia is placed (crown and chain of state)

• The populace swears fealty to the Duchy

• The Ducal Crown pledges their acceptance of that fealty

• The Ducal Crown takes their place alongside the Imperial Representative and Court resumes

UCAL CORONATIONS

REMIERE DUCAL CORONATION OF DRAGON’S MIST

Opening Court, September 1997

HE CEREMONY

Imperial representative

titles). I am here on behalf of Their Imperial Majesties <names>. This chartered subdivision has been

granted, by the Imperium, the advancement to Duchy status. Will those representatives who seek to be the Duke and Duchess please approach the Thrones.

The Heirs Apparent advance.

Imperial

Crowned as the new Duke and Duchess of Dragon’s Mist?

Heirs:

The Herald calls forth the Steward.

Imperial

fair, and just standing members of this subdivision for at least 6 months, as set forth in the Adrian Empire Bylaws?

(to the heirs apparent): Do you still wish to advance this subdivision to Duchy status, and hereby be

Must answer YES, or the ceremony shall end at this point

(to the steward): Are the memberships of these individuals currently up to date and have been good,

(to the populace): Greetings, populace of Dragon’s Mist. My name is <name, ranks,

Handbook of Ceremonies: I. Ducal Coronations Page 4 of 21 September 2002

Steward:

Must answer YES, or the ceremony shall end at this point

The Herald calls forth the Chancellor.

Imperial

(to the chancellor): Are these candidates under any Judicial Ban, are serving any current

punishment, or have been found guilty with any current faults that would impede their accepting this position, as set forth by the Adrian Empire Bylaws?

Chancellor:

Must answer NO, or the ceremony shall end at this point

The sword of state is drawn and the Heirs Apparent kneel before the Imperial Representative. They place their hands on the sword (on the bottom), and the Imperial Representative places his hands on the sword (on top).

Heirs Apparent:

Here do I swear, by mouth and hand:

Fealty to the Imperial Crown and to the Adrian Empire: To uphold the bylaws, writs and codicils of the Adrian Empire: To be a fair and loyal administrator to Our populace: To place these estates under the banner of the Duchy of Dragon’s Mist: To listen to Our estates holders, populace, and children: To protect Our populace and dispense justice when appropriate: And to carry out Our duties to the best of Our abilities. So say We, <name>.

Imperial Representative:

For our part, here do we swear by mouth and hand: To acknowledge your fealty to the Imperial Crown: To aid you in your duties as rulers of this Duchy: To acknowledge the estates under the banner of the Duchy of Dragon’s Mist: To offer counsel and guidance in your efforts: To uphold the bylaws, writs and codicils of the Adrian Empire: And to champion your cause as the Duchy of Dragon’s Mist. So say we <name> in the name of the Imperial Crown.

As set forth by the Bylaws of the Adrian Empire, You, as a Duchy, are a Kingdom in training: You are responsible for well developed ministries: You are responsible for administration of this subdivision: Your ministers shall report routinely to the corresponding Imperial counterparts: You must continue to meet all requirements for Duchy status: You may not create knights by prerogative: Ducal codicils and writs must be approved by the Imperial CrownsL You cannot make Laws, yet are to govern yourselves: You shall rule until you resign or are removed by the populace, either through war or by 2/3 majority of 90% of the Estate Holders as determined by the Steward and Minister of Rolls.

Placement of the Crown:

The crowns of four points is that which is worn by those of Ducal nobility and

represents the rulers of a Duchy - a kingdom in training.

Placement of the Chain of State:

The Chain of or is the symbol of greater nobility and the status of Duke

and Duchess. This chain binds you to your oath to the Imperium, the Bylaws of the Adrian Empire, and your Populace. [Editor’s note: since this ceremony, chains of state have been deregulated.]

Please rise and extend your Sword of State so that the populace may place there UNDERNEATH, a sign of support. (One person may touch the sword, while all others touch that person, as in taking of the Sword

Oath.)

Handbook of Ceremonies: I. Ducal Coronations Page 5 of 21 September 2002

Herald

Here do I swear by mouth and hand Fealty to the Ducal Crown of Dragon’s Mist: To uphold the bylaws, writs and codicils of the Adrian Empire: To be a good and loyal populace to our Crown: To follow and support the banner of the Duchy of Dragon’s Mist: And to aid in its cause as a kingdom in training. So say we,<name>.

New Duke and Duchess

To acknowledge the fealty of the populace of the Duchy of Dragon’s Mist: To uphold the bylaws, writs and codicils of the Adrian Empire: To champion your cause, protect you, and to dispense justice when appropriate: To be fair and loyal Crowns to Our populace: And to carry out Our duties to the best of Our abilities. So say We, <name>.

Ekaterinegorod used the same basic ceremony as Dragon’s Mist with the changes outlined below. They also chose to use a Russian style (boyar and boyara) instead of the traditional style (duke and duchess).

Placement of the Chain of State:

status of Duke and Duchess. This chain’s links are symbolic of the strength of the ties that bind you to your oath to the support the Adrian Empire, Ekaterinegorod, the bylaws of the Empire, and the populace of Ekakerinegorod. Its weight symbolizes the weight of responsibility you bear to the members of the duchy. Its color of gold represents the value of the work you carry as a member of the nobility of the Adrian Empire.

(to the populace): Please repeat after me:

: On our part, here do we swear, by mouth and hand

REMIERE DUCAL CORONATION OF EKATERINEGOROD

HANGE MADE BY EKATERINEGOROD

The chain of gold is the symbol of crown of the Adrian Empire and the

LTERNATE OATH USED

Imperial Representative:

Empire, the Shire of Ekaterinegorod has been in existence since October of 1998. This meets the requirement that the Shire be in existence a minimum of 6 Months. The Shire of Ekaterinegorod has a well-defined territory of geographic jurisdiction. The Shire of Ekaterinegorod has now has, and must maintain in the future, well-developed Ministries, therefore, you, the Viceroy and Vicereine of Ekaterinegorod, are eligible to take on the following Rights and Responsibilities, should you choose to do so.

You shall be responsible for ensuring the smooth administration of Ekaterinegorod: You shall report regularly to the Imperial Crown on the activities of the Duchy of Ekaterinegorod: You shall ensure that your Ministers report routinely to their Imperial counterparts on the activities of Ekaterinegorod in their respective areas of Administration: You shall ensure that any Ducal Codicils and Writs approved by your Estates are also approved by the Imperial Crowns before they become law in Ekaterinegorod: You are responsible for ensuring that Ekaterinegorod continues to meet all requirements for Duchy status: You shall be entitled to a seat on the Imperial Estates, as delineated in the bylaws of the Adrian Empire: You shall rule until you resign or are removed by the populace, either through war or by 2/3 majority of 90% of the Estate Holders as determined by the Steward and Minister of Rolls.

Do you accept these rights and responsibilities as Boyar and Boyara of Ekaterinegorod?

As set forth in Article VIII, Section D, Item 2 of the Bylaws of the Adrian

Handbook of Ceremonies: Royal Coronations Page 6 of 21 September 2002

Heirs Apparent:

Fealty to the Imperial Crowns and Service to the Ruling Nobles and the Populace of Ekaterinegorod, To support the activities and members of Ekaterinegorod to the best of Our abilities, To uphold the bylaws, writs and codicils of the Adrian Empire, To uphold the local writs & codicils enacted by the estates of Ekaterinegorod & approved by the Imperium, To be fair and loyal administrators to the members of Ekaterinegorod, To listen to the interests and opinions of our populace and estates, To represent our estates’ and populace’s interests and opinions fairly and equitably to the Crowns and Estates of the Adrian Empire, even when those opinions may disagree with our own, To fly the banner of Ekaterinegorod wherever the Crowns of Ekaterinegorod are present, To protect our people and dispense justice when appropriate: And to carry out all of our duties to the best of our abilities. So say We, <name>.

II. R

Time and location Items used:

• Book of Order

• Sword of State

• Crowns

• Chain of State

• Mantles

• Rings

Here do We swear

OYAL CORONATIONS

OYAL CORONATION OF UMBRIA

: Opening Court (as prescribed by the bylaws, local codicils, local tradition)

People who were present:

• Herald

• Noble Order of the Guards (with a spokesperson)

• Four honor guards of the Heirs Apparent (two at the front of the processional, two at the rear)

• General of the army of the Heirs Apparent

• Senior squires of the Heirs Apparent

• Patriarch of the Church of Adria

• Archbishop

• Four bishops

• The Heirs Apparent

• Standard-bearers of the Heirs Apparent

• Minister of Rolls

• Minister of War

• Steward

Sequence of Events

• Recession

• Procession

• Fealty and acceptance oaths

• Investiture of regalia

• Court resumes

Handbook of Ceremonies: Royal Coronations Page 7 of 21 September 2002

HE CEREMONY

The first part of a coronation is the stepping-down of the current Crown. This part of the ceremony is not included in the script.

HE CEREMONY

The thrones stand empty. The Noble Order of the Crown Guards shall stand guard over the thrones until they can be claimed. The fanfare is trumpeted and the populace rises. The Guards at the Thrones come to attention.

Spokesman

Kingdom of Umbria?

Enter the following:

• Two honor guards of the Heirs Apparent, swords unsheathed and carried blade in front of their bodies

• The general of the army of the Heirs Apparent, in full arms

• The attendants of the Heirs Apparent (Herald, Bishop, senior squires)

• The Patriarch of the Church of Adria

• The Heirs Apparent

• The standard-bearers of the Heirs Apparent, standards unfurled

• Two honor guards of the Heirs Apparent, weapons unsheathed and carried upright in front of their bodies

Herald

true and rightful heirs.

(to the soon-to-be-approaching Heirs Apparent): Who dares to approach the thrones of the

(to the spokesman): Be it known to all the lands, They who lay claim to the throne of Umbria are the

: R

ECESSION

: P

ROCESSION

Heir Apparent

defender of the weak, Heir Apparent to the Throne of Umbria.

Heir Apparent

Heir Apparent to the Throne of Umbria.

Spokesman General Bishop Senior Squires

throne of Umbria!

The Noble Order of the Crown Guards in unison shall sheath their weapons, step forward and kneel.

Spokesman

who have rightful claim by conquest, by grace and by rank.

They shall then stand, bow and exit. The General leads the honor guard to the right of the thrones, next to the Archbishop (who holds the Book of

Order). The Patriarch (who will officiate) stands before the thrones, facing the populace. The Herald and the Heirs Apparent stand to the left of the Patriarch.

(to the spokesman): By right of conquest They do hereby lay claim to the throne of Umbria.

(to the spokesman): By the grace of God, They do hereby lay claim to the throne of Umbria.

(to the spokesman): I approach as is my right. I am His Highness <name, ranks, and titles>,

(to the spokesman): I approach as is my right. I am Her Highness <name, ranks, and titles>,

(to the Heirs Apparent): By what right do you lay claim to the throne of Umbria?

(to the spokesman): By virtue of rank and nobility of birth, They do hereby lay claim to the

(to the Heirs Apparent): We hereby relinquish the Thrones and regalia of Umbria unto those

The standard bearers will stand behind the thrones, with one banner behind each throne. The other attendants shall exit behind the Crown Guards or stay as desired.

Patriarch Heirs:

(to the Heirs Apparent): Is it still your intent to rule the Kingdom of Umbria as its Crown?

Must answer YES, or the ceremony shall end at this point.

Handbook of Ceremonies: Royal Coronations Page 8 of 21 September 2002

HE CEREMONY

The Herald summons the Minister of Rolls, who approaches, bows, then kneels to the left of the Bishop.

Patriarch

individuals have obtained the rank of Knight and have sworn the oaths of the Chivalry?

Minister of Rolls

Adria by rank achieved and oaths sworn. By their rights as members of the Chivalry they can serve Umbria as her Crown. By the chain of my office and the honor of my name <name>, Royal Minister of Rolls of Umbria. Note: The answer must be YES, or the ceremony shall end at this point

The Minister of Rolls kisses the ring of the Patriarch, bows to the Bishop and the thrones and departs. The Herald summons the Minister of War, who approaches, bows, then kneels to the left of the Bishop.

Patriarch

individuals have by force of arms and excellence of arts been victorious in war for the Crowns of the Kingdom of Umbria?

Minister of War

earned in battle, by right of conquest, the Crown of Umbria. By the chain of my office and the honor of my name <name>, Royal Minister of War of Umbria. Note: The answer must be YES, or the ceremony shall end

at this point The Minister of War kisses the ring of the Patriarch, bows to the Bishop and the thrones and departs.

(extending his hand to the Minister of Rolls): Do you swear, by what you know as truth, that these

(extending his hand to the Minister of War): Do you swear, by what you know as truth, that these

: V

ERIFICATION OF QUALIFICATIONS

: I do swear in truth upon the ring of the Church: Yes, these individuals are knights of

: I do swear in truth upon the ring of the Church: Yes, these were victorious in war and have

The Herald summons the Royal Steward, who approaches, bows, then kneels to the left of the Bishop.

Patriarch

individuals have met the following requirements as outlined by the Bylaws: Have these individuals paid their taxes in full to the Imperium, and maintained that membership for one full year? Are they current residents of the Kingdom of Umbria?

Steward

the right of membership and residency in Umbria to serve as her Crown. By the chain of my office and the honor of my name <name>, Royal Steward of Umbria. Note: The answer must be YES, or the ceremony shall

end at this point The Steward kisses the ring of the Patriarch, bows to the Bishop and the thrones and departs.

The Herald summons the Royal Chancellor, who approaches, bows, then kneels to the left of the Bishop.

Patriarch

individuals are not under any judicial ban, are not servings any current punishments, nor have they been found guilty of any current faults by the courts or the estates that would impede their becoming King and Queen of Umbria as outlined by the Bylaws?

Chancellor

individuals, by their right as members in good standing, to become King and Queen of Umbria. By the chain of my office and the honor of my name<name>, Royal Chancellor of Umbria. Note: The answer must be NO,

or the ceremony shall end at this point

(extending his hand to the Steward): Do you swear, by what you know as truth, that these

: I do swear in truth upon the ring of the Church: Yes, these requirements have been met. They have

(extending his hand to the Chancellor): Do you swear, by what you know as truth, that these

: I do swear in truth upon the ring of the Church: There exists no impediment for these

The Chancellor kisses the ring of the Patriarch, bows to the Bishop and the thrones and departs.

Handbook of Ceremonies: Royal Coronations Page 9 of 21 September 2002

HE CEREMONY

Patriarch

verified. Please kneel and prepare yourselves for the oaths which you must swear.”

The Heirs kneel before the Patriarch.

Herald

her borders into all of Adria; the claimants have been determined worthy of the throne of Umbria and prepare themselves for the oaths they must swear. All those who have been chosen to accept these oaths are needed now in service to your Kingdom and your Empire to fulfill this important role. Stand true and be noble in your demeanor for today you represent all of your station.

Patriarch

servants. May you remember always that you are as a servant to your people in all that you do. Will the ceremonial blade for the oaths please be brought forward?

The chosen holder of the blade shall come forward with the sword and scabbard for the oaths. The Sword of State is held before the

populi Umbriae. (Bless this Sword, in the name of the Church, the Estates, and the Populace of Umbria.)

Patriarch

Umbria. Always remember to temper justice with mercy; judge as you would be judged; punish as is warranted and no more. Reflect on these words when the hands you place now upon the blade are then upon the hilt.

(to the Heirs): Your claims as to being the rightful heirs to the throne of Umbria have been

(to the populace): All rise! Let it be known far and wide, throughout the lands of Umbria, and beyond

(to the Heirs): You kneel now before your populace and before God as would the lowliest of

(to the heirs): This sword represents the blade of justice which you shall wield as Crown of

: F

EALTY AND ACCEPTANCE OATHS

Patriarch

, who blesses it: Benedictus hic gladius, in nomine iglesiae, senati, et

Herald Herald

Archbishop Archbishop

Here do I pledge, my honor and bond, To serve as Crown to the sovereign Kingdom of Umbria: To uphold the Bylaws, Codicils and Writs of the Adrian Empire: To uphold the Codicils, Writs and Traditions of the Kingdom of Umbria: To represent my Kingdom with integrity unto the Estates: To dispense justice tempered with mercy: To protect, support and lead my Kingdom as they require: My word is my pledge, my honor, my bond, So am I bonded to the Kingdom of Umbria, So say I, <name>

(to the populace): The populace may make themselves comfortable for the swearing of the oaths. (to the populace): All hail the representative for the Imperial government <name, rank, and titles>!

(to the representative): Place your hands under the blade as a sign of support and acceptance. (to the Heirs): Place your hands upon the blade as a sign of good faith & trust. Repeat after me:

Handbook of Ceremonies: Royal Coronations Page 10 of 21 September 2002

Archbishop

(to the representative): Please repeat after me:

As a representative for the Imperial Government, We accept your pledge. We recognize your bond to the Kingdom of Umbria. We acknowledge your sovereignty as a Kingdom. We recognize you as the Crown of Umbria. We pledge our support, counsel and aid as required. As Crowns of a sovereign Kingdom, You have the following rights and responsibilities: The right to representation on the Imperial and Royal Estates: The right to hold ceremonial and crown courts: The right to create and interpret law: The right to arbitrate disputes between subdivisions: The right to grant orders, or awards: The right to authorize elevation in rank of any member: The right to elevate one member into the chivalry at your prerogative: The right to make war on other sovereign Kingdoms: The right to charter guilds: The right to create ministry positions: The right to approve ministers appointed by the Estates: The responsibility to represent your kingdom unto the Estates: The responsibility to hold one court per month: The responsibility to hold two Crown wars per reign: The responsibility to ensure the ministers execute their duties: The responsibility to uphold your oaths of office. We will protect your rights as a Kingdom and as Crowns. Our pledge is our bond, As representative of the Imperial Government, <name>

Archbishop

(to the representative): Your part in this ceremony is complete. As a courtesy to the station you represent, you may address those who are to become Crowns as you wish. We thank you for your presence and participation in this Royal Ceremony of Ascension and Investiture.

The representative may speak or leave as desired. The Archbishop returns the Book of Order to the Patriarch and exits. <note: the next part of the ceremony

should not begin until the Archbishop has completely departed Court.> The Herald summons the representatives of the Greater Estates, who approach, bows, then kneels to the left

of the Patriarch.

Patriarch

(to the representatives): Rise and fulfill your role in this noble ceremony for which you have been

chosen. Place your hands under the blade as a sign of support and acceptance.

Patriarch

(to the Heirs): Place your hands upon the blade as a sign of good faith and trust. Repeat after me:

Here do I pledge, my honor and bond, To protect the rights of the Greater Estates, To represent you unto the Estates, To listen to your counsel, To provide you with good governance, My word is my pledge, my honor, my bond, So am I bonded to the Greater Estates of Umbria.

Handbook of Ceremonies: Royal Coronations Page 11 of 21 September 2002

Patriarch

(to the representatives to repeat): Here do we pledge, our honor and bond,

To uphold the bylaws, writs and codicils of the Adrian Empire and the Kingdom of Umbria: To provide good governance to our people: To allow you to represent us unto the Estates: To give you good counsel and heed your advice: To pay homage to you as your station deserves: Our word is our pledge, our honor, our bond, So are we bonded to the Kingdom of Umbria. Representatives for the Greater Estates of Umbria <name>

Patriarch

(to the representatives): Your part in this ceremony is complete. You have fulfilled your role as is

befitting the station you represent. You have our leave.

The representatives bow to the Patriarch, kneel to the Crown: By your leave, my Crown.

Heirs

(to the representatives): You have Our leave.

The representatives rise, bow, take three steps back, bow again, turn and leave. The Herald summons the representatives of the Estates Minor, who approach, bows, then kneels to the left of

the Patriarch.

Patriarch

(to the representatives): Rise and fulfill your role in this noble ceremony for which you have been

chosen. Place your hands under the blade as a sign of support and acceptance.

Patriarch

(to the Heirs): Place your hands upon the blade as a sign of good faith and trust. Repeat after me:

Here do I pledge, my honor and bond, To protect the rights of the Estates Minor, To represent you unto the Estates, To listen to your counsel, To provide you with good governance, My word is my pledge, my honor, my bond, So am I bonded to the Estates Minor of Umbria.

Patriarch

(to the representatives to repeat): Here do we pledge, our honor and bond,

To uphold the bylaws, writs and codicils of the Adrian Empire and the Kingdom of Umbria, To provide good governance to our people To allow you to represent us unto the Estates, To give you good counsel and heed your advice, To pay homage to you as your station deserves Our word is our pledge, our honor, our bond, So are we bonded to the Kingdom of Umbria. Representatives for the Estates Minor of Umbria <name>

Patriarch

(to the representatives): Your part in this ceremony is complete. You have fulfilled your role as is

befitting the station you represent. You have our leave.

The representatives bow to the Patriarch, kneel to the Crown: By your leave, my Crown.

Heirs

(to the representatives): You have Our leave.

The representatives rise, bow, take three steps back, bow again, turn and leave. The Herald summons the representatives of the Chivalry, who approach, bows, then kneels to the left of the

Patriarch.

Patriarch

(to the representatives): Rise and fulfill your role in this noble ceremony for which you have been

chosen. Place your hands under the blade as a sign of support and acceptance.

Handbook of Ceremonies: Royal Coronations Page 12 of 21 September 2002

Patriarch

(to the Heirs): Place your hands upon the blade as a sign of good faith and trust. Repeat after me:

Here do I pledge, my honor and bond, To protect all the rights of the Chivalry, To represent you unto the Estates, To listen to your counsel, To provide you with good governance, My word is my pledge, my honor, my bond, So am I bonded to the Chivalry of Umbria.

Patriarch

(to the representatives to repeat): Here do we pledge, our honor and bond,

To uphold the bylaws, writs and codicils of the Adrian Empire and the Kingdom of Umbria, To be a lamp of chivalry To teach all those who ask To allow you to represent us unto the Estates, To give you good counsel and heed your advice, To pay homage to you as your station deserves Our word is our pledge, our honor, our bond, So are we bonded to the Kingdom of Umbria. Representatives for the Chivalry of Umbria<name>

Patriarch

(to the representatives): Your part in this ceremony is complete. You have fulfilled your role as is

befitting the station you represent. You have our leave.

The representatives bow to the Patriarch, kneel to the Crown: By your leave, my Crown.

Heirs

(to the representatives): You have Our leave.

The representatives rise, bow, take three steps back, bow again, turn and leave. The Herald summons the representatives of the Populace of Umbria, who approach, bows, then kneels to the

left of the Patriarch.

Patriarch

(to the representatives): Rise and fulfill your role in this noble ceremony for which you have been

chosen. Place your hands under the blade as a sign of support and acceptance.

Patriarch

(to the Heirs): Place your hands upon the blade as a sign of good faith and trust. Repeat after me:

Here do I pledge, my honor and bond, To protect the rights of the populace, To represent you unto the Estates, To listen to your counsel, To provide you with good governance, My word is my pledge, my honor, my bond, So am I bonded to the Populace of Umbria.

Patriarch

(to the representatives to repeat): Here do we pledge, our honor and bond,

To uphold the bylaws, writs and codicils of the Adrian Empire and the Kingdom of Umbria, To allow you to represent us unto the Estates, To give you good counsel and heed your advice, To pay homage to you as your station deserves Our word is our pledge, our honor, our bond, So are we bonded to the Kingdom of Umbria. Representatives for the Populace of Umbria <name>

Patriarch

(to the representatives): Your part in this ceremony is complete. You have fulfilled your role as is

befitting the station you represent. You have our leave.

Handbook of Ceremonies: Royal Coronations Page 13 of 21 September 2002

The representatives bow to the Patriarch, kneel to the Crown: By your leave, my Crown.

Heirs

(to the representatives): You have Our leave.

The representatives rise, bow, take three steps back, bow again, turn and leave.

HE CEREMONY

The bishops of the Church of Adria enter carrying the regalia of the office of King and Queen. As each approaches the Thrones they shall each accept the blessing of the officiating Bishop. They shall announce, then stand to the right of the Patriarch (archbishop furthest away).

Archbishop Bishop A Bishop B

titles>

Bishop C Patriarch

you as its new rulers. You may now accept the regalia of the King and Queen of Umbria.

Herald

that you repeat after each Bishop’s investiture of regalia, “Long live the King and Queen of Umbria!” Thank you.

Bishop C approaches the Patriarch so the rings may be blessed.

Patriarch

iglesiae, senati, et populi Umbriae. (Bless these Rings, in the name of the Church, the Estates, and the

Populace of Umbria.)

, carrying crowns (to the populace): Representing the Church of Adria, <name, rank and titles>. , carrying mantles (to the populace): Representing the Church of Adria <name, rank and titles> , carrying chains of state (to the populace): Representing the Church of Adria <name, rank and

, carrying rings (to the populace): Representing the Church of Adria <name, rank and titles>

(to the heirs): The oaths have been sworn and accepted. The Kingdom of Umbria has accepted

(to the populace): Milords and ladies, please participate in this final portion of the ceremony. We ask

, making the sign of the fleur-di-lis over the rings: Benedictae haec ______________, in nomine

: I

NVESTITURE OF REGALIA

Bishop C stands before the Heirs Apparent.

Bishop C

seals represent your will and are backed with your authority. They are made of metal to remind you of the strength of your words. They are attached to rings unbroken to remind you of the perpetuity of your decisions. Do you accept these rings?

King and Queen Bishop C

May it speak for the good of her people.

Bishop C

May it speak for the good of her people.

Bishop C

is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the land. Long live the King and Queen of Umbria!

Populace

Bishop C leaves, and Bishop B approaches the Patriarch so the chains may be blessed.

Patriarch

iglesiae, senati, et populi Umbriae. (Bless these chains, in the name of the Church, the Estates, and the

Populace of Umbria.)

(to the heirs): These rings have upon them the seal of your office. Words accompanying these

: We do.

, placing a ring on the prince’s finger: The seal upon this ring represents the Kingdom of Umbria.

, placing a ring on the princess’s finger: The seal upon this ring represents the Kingdom of Umbria.

, making the sign of the fleur-di-lis over the Heirs Apparent: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs

: Long live the King and Queen of Umbria!

, making the sign of the fleur-di-lis over the chains: Benedictae haec ______________, in nomine

Bishop B stands before the Heirs Apparent.

Handbook of Ceremonies: Royal Coronations Page 14 of 21 September 2002

Bishop B

(to the heirs): These chains represent the people of your kingdom, each member an integral link of

the whole. They are made of gold, the most precious of metals. Their color is a symbol of the Royal Peerage of which you are now a part. They bind you to your oath and to your people. Do you accept these symbols of your bond to your Kingdom?

King and Queen Bishop B

, placing a chain around the neck of the prince: May this chain bind you to your oath and your

: We do.

kingdom.

Bishop B

, placing a chain around the neck of the princess: May this chain bind you to your oath and your

kingdom.

Bishop B

, making the sign of the fleur-di-lis over the Heirs Apparent: Blessed are they that mourn, for they

shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice, for they shall be filled. Long live the King and Queen of Umbria!

Populace

: Long live the King and Queen of Umbria!

Bishop B leaves, and Bishop A approaches the Patriarch so the mantles may be blessed.

Patriarch

, making the sign of the fleur-di-lis over the mantles: Benedictae haec ______________, in nomine

iglesiae, senati, et populi Umbriae. (Bless these mantles, in the name of the Church, the Estates, and the

Populace of Umbria.) Bishop A stands before the Heirs Apparent.

Bishop A

(to the heirs): These mantles represent the protection you have sworn to your people. It protects

you from the outside elements as you must protect your kingdom from outside threats. It weighs heavily upon your limbs so that every action is weighted by the needs of your people. Do you accept this symbol of the protection sworn to your people.

King and Queen Bishop A Bishop A Bishop A

, placing the mantle on the prince: May this mantle protect you as you have sworn to protect.

, placing the mantle on the princess: May this mantle protect you as you have sworn to protect.

, making the sign of the fleur-di-lis over the Heirs Apparent: Blessed are the merciful, for they shall

: We do.

obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. Long live the King and Queen of Umbria!

Populace

: Long live the King and Queen of Umbria! Bishop A leaves, and the Archbishop approaches the Patriarch so the crowns may be blessed.

Patriarch

, making the sign of the f-d-l over the crowns: Benedictae haec coronae, in nomine iglesiae, senati,

et populi Umbriae. (Bless these crowns, in the name of the Church, the estates & the populace of Umbria.)

The Archbishop stands before the Heirs Apparent.

Archbishop

(to the heirs): These crowns represent the laurel wreaths of honor & victory worn by the

ancients. They are made of precious metal to remind you of the price you have paid for the honor bestowed upon you this eve. Their weight upon your brows represents the burden of power, the responsibility of decision making and the encumbrance of leadership. Do you accept these symbols of honor & responsibility?

King and Queen Archbishop

: We do.

, placing a crown on the head of the prince: May you wear this Crown with honor and integrity

worthy of your people.

Archbishop

, placing a crown on the head of the princess: May you wear this Crown with honor and integrity

worthy of your people.

Handbook of Ceremonies: III. Imperial Coronations Page 15 of 21 September 2002

III. I

Archbishop

they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Long live the King and Queen of Umbria!

Populace

The Archbishop leaves.

Patriarch

given you her utmost treasures, the regalia of office. Represent her well. Protect her well. Lead her well. May the Grace of God be with You. Arise now as King and Queen of Umbria.

The King and Queen stand and face the populace.

Herald

The populace rises, then kneels.

Herald Populace

The King leads the Queen to her throne, then sits in his own throne. They open their first court.

, making the sign of the fleur-di-lis over the Heirs Apparent: Blessed are the peace-makers, for

: Long live the King and Queen of Umbria!

(to the heirs): You are the new heads of the family of Umbria, her new mother and father. She has

: All rise and pay homage to the King and Queen of Umbria!

: Long live the King and Queen of Umbria!

MPERIAL CORONATIONS

MPERIAL CORONATION

This first part of the Coronation is usually the most emotional since it represents the end of an era. In the case of this year’s Coronation, the current Monarchs have reigned an unprecedented two years. There are many people in Adria today who know no other Emperor and Empress than Erik and Elisabeth.

The Last Court contains the following business:

1. Releasing of Guards, Ladies-in-Waiting, Champions, and Ministers.

2. Presentations from the Monarchs to those who have aided them throughout their reign.

3. Presentations to the Monarchs from their grateful subjects.

4. Awards presented by the Monarchs to their subjects.

5. Knightings for those who wish to be Knighted as one of the Monarchs’ final acts.

6. Lots of crying and hugging. Once this Court is over, the Monarchs will depart the hall and a short break (about 15 minutes) will be

declared.

, N

OVEMBER

2001

This script was presented as a collegium, and thus has many sidenotes. These bits of information will be contained in text boxes to the side of the page.

HE LAST WALK AND DIVESTITURE OF THE OUTGOING MONARCHS

After the break, the Monarchs will walk in one last time to be divested of their regalia. They are announced into the hall by the Imperial King of Arms with a Boast:

Handbook of Ceremonies: III. Imperial Coronations Page 16 of 21 September 2002

My Lords and Ladies: Please bow and show due respect & honour to They who come before you now, who have been Suzerains of all the land these past two years, From the Ancient Kingdoms of the West to the Rising Lands of the East, from the Southern Regions steeped in our History to the pristine and fertile Grounds of the North, Who have been Patrons of the Arts, Defenders of the Weak, Dispensors of Justice, Protectors of the Realm, Guardians of the Dream, Exemplars of Chivalry, and Supreme Ministers of the Empire, High Queen and King of the Catholic and Sovereign Empire of Adria, Kings of Aleon, Navarre, and Pembroke, Dukes of Brittany, Calais, Isle-de-Fleur, Slivowitz, Snowden, & Annelynerose, Barons of Isenwold, Grenfeld, Hanover, and Lyon, Lords of the Outlands and Islands, and Sovereigns of all Their other Lands & Territories, My Lords and Ladies, I give you the Empress and Emperor of this Glorious Empire of Adria: Their Imperial Majesties, Elisabeth & Erik!

Since Elisabeth is the primary monarch, she goes first in all official writings and styles. When the Empire is ruled by an Emperor as primary monarch, then he will go first. Meadb will be ruling the Empire as primary monarch for the coming year, so she will go first.

Now that they have been properly introduced into the hall, the Empress and Emperor will turn and speak to the populace:

Elisabeth

: Good People of Adria: We have served you

these past twelve months, and now it is time for Us to retire. We at this time command the presence of Our Chancellor and Our Steward.

The Chancellor and the Steward will come forward and kneel before the Empress and Emperor. The Chancellor will be bearing the Sword of State. Two Imperial Knights (third-level knights) will accompany them.

Elisabeth

(to the Chancellor): My Lady Chancellor, the

time has come for Us to retire. Are you prepared to act as Guardian of the Crowns and the Empire in Our absence?

Chancellor Elisabeth

: I am, Your Majesty.

(to the Steward): My Lord Steward, are you

prepared to take the Crowns into your custody under the Guardianship of the Chancellor in Our absence?

Steward Elisabeth

: I am, Your Majesty.

(to the Knights): My lords, you are Knights

Champion and are sworn to defend this Empire. Are you now prepared to protect and defend the Crowns of this Empire in Our absence?

A Boast is a combination of the formal royal styles of the Emperor and Empress and a bit of over-the-top exposition. The Boast is based on the royal styles of the Kings and Queens of Europe during our Period. It is also a recitation of the history of Adria, listing former Kingdoms, Duchies, and Shires which have ceased to exist and been absorbed by the Imperial Crown. It is one of the fictions of the ceremony that defunct subdivisions are absorbed by the Imperium – Pembroke was not so much dissolved as it was reborn as Umbria, but the old title has reverted to the Imperial Crown for the purposes of the ceremony. This absorption of titles is a Period practice; Kings have always claimed defunct titles for their own. For example, here is the royal style of King Felipe II of Spain and Queen Mary of England from around 1555:

Philip and Mary by the Grace of God King and Queen of England, France, Naples, Jerusalem, Ireland, Castile, Aragon, Leon, Toledo, Valencia, Galicia, Majorca, the Two Sicilies, Sardinia, Cordova, Murcia, Jaen, the Algarves, Algeciras, and Gibralar, defenders of the faith, princes of Spain and Sicily, archdukes of Austria, Dukes of Milan, Burgundy, Brabant, Athens and Neopatras, Counts of Barcelona, Habsburg, Flanders, Tyrol, Roussillon and Cerdaña, Lords of Viscaya and Molina.

For most of these titles (such as Jerusalem and Naples), the King of Spain had ceased to rule those lands effectively, but maintained his claim to them as part of his style. Likewise, the Kings of England have since Edward III claimed to be King of France as well, even when the only part of Fran ce t hey ruled was Calais. It wasn’t until the beginning of the reign of George III that England dropped its claim to France (and that was only because they didn’t want to annoy Napoleon any more than they already were). The style of Felipe & Mary is the only documentable royal style that includes both the male & female monarchs, since Felipe was only King of England by virtue of his marriage to Mary & subsequently lost his claims on that throne when his wife died (although he tried to regain them by marrying her sister). It was used as the model for the Adrian style since our Monarchs reign jointly.

The Chancellor will act as the de facto Lord Protector after Elisabeth and Erik reti re. The Steward receives the Crowns and other regalia as being part of the chattel goods of the Empire. These are both ceremonial fictions; we all know who the next Emperor and Empress will be, but for the purposes of the ceremony, we have to pretend that we don’t. The Knights Champion acting as the Guard ians of the Regalia is a new feature that we hope to continue in future coronation ceremonies.

Guards

: We are, Your Majesty.

Handbook of Ceremonies: III. Imperial Coronations Page 17 of 21 September 2002

The Chancellor will take up a position standing behind the Empress and Emperor, holding the Sword of State point down. Elisabeth and Erik will remove their Crowns and Chains and present them to the Steward, and step down from their Thrones. The instant the Crown is off of Elisabeth’s head (since she is the Primary Monarch), the Chancellor will raise the Sword of State point upwards to show that the Empire is still protected.

The Steward will hold up the regalia while the Herald calls for cheers:

Herald

: Adria! Three cheers for Elisabeth and Erik! Hip

hip! (Vivat!) Hip hip! (Vivat!) Hip hip! (Vivat!)

HE CHANGING OF THE REGALIA

The next part of this ceremony is something new and special, just for this Coronation.

When the applause and acclamation has died down for Elisabeth and Erik, the Clergy of the Church of Adria will come in, bearing the new Crowns covered by cloths, and accompanied by two more Imperial Knights as Guardians. They will perform a small ceremony, blessing the area in the name of the Church, People, and Estates of Adria, and exchange the old crowns for the new ones. While they are doing this, the Herald will speak.

Herald:

My Lords and Ladies, now comes before you the Patriarch of Adria, bringing up new and splendid

It is a mark of respect that those wearing crowns an d those men wearing hats should reverently remove them when the Crowns are removed from the heads of the Empress and Emperor.

It has been decided that the old crowns, being in dire need of repair and refurbishment, need to be replaced with new crowns. There will be a proposal before the Estates this weekend to allocate funds for very nice Imperial Crowns to be made, but in the meantime, I have asked the King of Umbria, Sir Philippe du Bois Gilbert, Knight Champion, t o create special Crowns for this ceremony. These crowns will be used until the new Imperial Crowns are ready, after which His Grace’s crowns will be used as the “everyday” crowns for when the Emperor and Empress are attending local or nonImperial events. The new Imperial Crowns will be used for state occasions such as Coronation, the Opening of the Estates Meetings, and Courts at the Imperial Wars.

crowns, which shall be symbols of our land and people. As the newly made crowns pass from hand to hand, may they be embued with the knowledge and lore, the wisdom and experience, the tears and the joys of the many reigns which Adria has seen, and the many reigns which Adria shall yet see.

Since the memory of man runneth not to the contrary, Crowns have been the emblems of sovereignty; the symbol of the right and privilege of monarchs to rule. In this way do the Crowns of Adria serve as the visible focus for the fealty of the populace to their lieges, and of those same monarchs to their people.

Precious jewels, for the Dream is precious to each person. Fleurs-de-Lis for the Flower of Chivalry that we make anew. Crowns wrought lovingly by hand for the perfect love and perfect trust which bind a people to their sovereigns, and those sovereigns to their people.

All these bound together in a dual union of honour and humility, for these royal circlets grace the brows of the first servants of Adria. My lords and ladies, here are the Crowns of Adria.

When the exchange has been accomplished and the Clergy have escorted the old crowns from the hall, it will be time for the third part of the ceremony: the Coronation itself.

HE CORONATION

When Meadb and Karl are ready, they will walk into the hall, accompanied by Patriarch, Beltazure, and their attendants. When they are halfway up the nave, they will halt and Chancellor will issue the Challenge:

Beltazure:

My Lady Chancellor, I present claimants to

This Challenge is an ancient part of the ceremony. The Chancellor, as the de facto Lord Protector of the Empire, has to verify that the people coming before her are indeed who they say they are. They also, for legal reasons, have to declare in open Court that they have the legal requirements to hold the Throne.

that Throne.

Chancellor:

Who claims this Throne, and by what right?

Handbook of Ceremonies: III. Imperial Coronations Page 18 of 21 September 2002

As Beltazure begins speaking, Meadb and Karl start advancing towards the Thrones.

Beltazure:

We are Maedb Hawkins of the Drakonja,

Countess of Esperance, Baroness and Lady of the Imperial Court, Companion of the Imperial Crown, Companion of the Royal Order of the Star of Adria, Knight Robe, Knight Civil; and Karl von Katzburg, First and Second Earl of Westgard, Viscount of Tierra del Fuego, Companion of the Imperial Crown, Companion of the Imperial Orders of the Nebula and the Comet, Knight Premier, Knight Champion, Knight Forester, Knight Robe. We claim the Imperial Crown of Adria by the acclaim of the Populace and the Will of the Estates according to the Bylaws and Traditions of the Empire.

Chancellor:

Then approach and receive your Crowns.

Meadb and Karl will approach the thrones, bow to the Chancellor, then turn and sit on the Thrones.

Chancellor:

Prepare now to swear the Oath.

The Chancellor will hold the Sword of State before the Patriarch, who will bless it.

The Beltazure Sovereign of Arms is the immediate deputy to the Fleur-de-Lis Sovereign of Arms. As Fleur-de-Lis is the Voice o f the Imperial Crown, so Beltazure is the Voice of the Heirs to that Crown. You will note that Beltazure’s tabard is different from Fleur-de-Lis’ – the blue stripe is called a Label. A Label is put on a coat of arms to show that the person bearing it (in this case, the Crown Princess) is heir to that coat of arms. Heralds wear the coat of arms of the person they serve, so Beltazure wears the Imperial Heirs’ arms. The current Beltazure Queen of Arms is Dame Maud de Clayton.

In years past, the Incoming Monarchs would have knelt, but since Karl has a boon from the Imperial Crown obviating him of the need to kneel, we are taking a page from the British and French coronation ceremonies and performing the Coronation with the Monarchs seated.

Patriarch:

enervis et cautum Adriae usque abusque impugnatonis. In nominee iglesiae, senati, et populi Adriae. (Bless this

sword, may it protect the powerless and guard Adria continuously from attacks. In the name of the church, the

Benedictus hic gladius, possum hic intego

This blessing and all blessings in the Coronation ceremony are done not in the name of any one Deity (out of respect for Adria’s religious diversity), but in the name of the three pillars of Adria: Church, Estates, and Populace.

estates, and the populace of Adria.) Herald: The Sword of State reminds us that the Monarchs dispense justice with equity and righteousness. Its

double edge reminds the Monarch to temper justice with mercy.

The Chancellor will hold the Sword in front of Meadb and Karl, who will place their hands on top of it. The Herald will administer the Oath.

Herald:

Here do I swear by mouth and hand To uphold the bylaws and laws of the Adrian Empire; To enforce the laws and will of the Estates; To represent the populace, the chivalry, the nobility, and the royalty of the Adrian Empire; To provide good governance to the best of my ability; To defend the rights of the populace, the chivalry, the nobility and the royalty of the Adrian Empire; To lead and guide in uprightness and honor in service to the Empire. So swear I, <name>

The Chancellor will then raise the Sword again.

Herald:

The Oath of Office having been administered, spoken, and witnessed, the Investiture may now

proceed.

The Chancellor will then take the Chains from the Steward and hold them before the Patriarch, who will bless them.

Handbook of Ceremonies: III. Imperial Coronations Page 19 of 21 September 2002

Patriarch:

Possum pondus haec catenae admonere maiestatis gravitas suum imperium. Benedictae haec

catenae, in nomine iglesiae, senati, et populi Adriae. (May the weight of these chains remind their majesties

of the seriousness of their imperial office. Bless these chains in the name of the church, the estates, and the populace of Adria)

Herald:

The Chains of State remind us that the Monarchs have bound Themselves to fulfill Their duties and

are obligated to observe the laws, Constitution, and Bylaws of the Empire. Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so the Monarchs are only as strong as the weakest of Their subjects, and so They are bound to encourage and strengthen Their people.

The Patriarch will then place the Chains around the necks of Meadb and Karl. The Chancellor will then take the Crowns from Steward and hold them before the Patriarch, who will bless them.

Patriarch:

Possum haec coronae admonui populi revereri qui ministrare. Benedictae haec coronae, in nomine

iglesiae, senati, et populi Adriae. (May these crowns remind the populace to respect all who serve. Bless these

crowns in the name of the church, the estates, and the populace of Adria.)

Herald:

The Crowns show that the Monarchs are the head

of the Empire. The weight of the Crowns reminds the Monarchs of the weight of their duties and responsibility to their land and people, for they must balance the demands of equity and justice with mercy and grace.

The Patriarch will take the Crowns from the Chancellor and first place one on Meadb's head, the other on Karl's.

Patriarch

(to Meadb): I crown you Empress of Adria and

successor to Constantine and Charlemagne.

It is an old European tradition th at the Head of the Church places the Crown o n the Monarch’s head. This dates back to Charlemagne’s coronation as Holy Roman Emperor in 800 AD. At the time, it was a political move by Pope Leo III to sever his connections with Constantinople once and for all (with the help of a forged document). Since the Pope was crowning the Emperor, the Emperor was therefore receiving his crown from God. This tradition continues across Europe to this day, the only abberation being Napoleon I who crowned himself to represent that he had won his crown with his own two hands.

Patriarch

(to Karl): I crown you Emperor of Adria and successor to Constantine and Charlemagne.

As soon as the Crown is on Karl's head, the Steward will lower the Sword of State, completing the cycle. Their Majesties will rise. Those who have removed their headcoverings may replace them.

Chancellor:

My lords and ladies, I present to you your Empress and Emperor, Their Imperial Majesties,

Meadb and Karl!

Now would be a good time to cheer. When the cheering is over, the Chancellor will take the Sword of State from the Steward and prepare for the Oaths.

ATHS OF ALLEGIANCE

Herald:

Will the Representatives of the Regions please

approach? (wait for it) All Crowns of the Regions are encouraged to kneel in support of their Representatives.

Herald

(to the Representatives): Crowns of the Regions of the

Empire: Do you swear that accept these two people as your lawful Empress and Emperor, and Do you swear by mouth and hand, To obey the Constitution, Bylaws, Laws, and Writs of the Adrian Empire, To advise the Throne on all matters pertaining to the Welfare of the Empire and the Regions, To

The Regions are the Geographic Chartered Subdivisions of the Empire. This includes the Kingdoms, Archduchies, Duchies, and Shires. When the Herald encour ages the Crowns to kneel, only those people who are Crowns of Subdivisions need kneel. The Representatives will approach and kneel. The Chancellor will hold the Sword of State horizontally. Meadb and Karl place their hands underneath the Sword while the Representatives place t heir hands on top of the Monarchs'. The symbolism behind this is that the Monarchs are supporting their Estates.

represent your people faithfully before the Imperial Estates and the Imperial Crown, To execute judgement and justice in accord with your rank and duties, And be a support and aid to the Empress and Emperor of this land?

Regions: I so swear.

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September 2002

Herald

(to the Monarchs): And Your Majesties, for your

part, do you swear, To uphold and protect the rights of the Regions, To hear and weigh their counsel, To execute justice for them, And to aid them in the performance of their tasks and duties for the Adrian Empire?

Monarchs: We so swear. The Representatives of the regions will rise and retire.

Herald:

Will the Representatives of the Estates please

approach? (wait for it) All members of the Estates are encouraged to kneel in support of their Representatives.

Herald

(to the Representatives): Representatives of the

Estates: Do you swear that accept these two people as your lawful Empress and Emperor, and Do you swear by mouth and hand, To obey the Constitution, Bylaws, Laws, and Writs of the Adrian Empire, To advise the Throne on all matters pertaining to the Welfare of the Empire and the Estates, To execute judgement and justice in accord with your rank and duties, And be a support and aid to the Empress and Emperor of this land?

Estates:

I so swear.

Before the Coronation, the Herald will have chosen someone from each of the four Estates to swear the oaths as representatives of their Estate. The word “Estate” in this instance means one of the four divisions of the Empire: Regions, Estates, Chivalry, and Populace.

This Oath-swearing has a legal purpose – the Crown swears to uphold the rights of each Estate not just to the Chancellor as in the main Oath, but also directly to the Estates, in the person of the representatives. If you are a member of a particular Estate, it is appropriate to kneel while your representatives are kneeling.

The Estates are the intra-subdivision Estates, including March, County, Barony, and House. When the Herald encourages the members of the Estates t o kneel, only those who hold one of these Estates should kneel. The Representatives will approach and kneel. The Chancellor will hold the Sword of State horizontally. Meadb and Karl place th eir hands underneath the Sword while the Representati ves place their hands on to

of the Monarchs'.

Herald

(to the Monarchs): And Your Majesties, for your part, do you swear, To uphold and protect the rights

of the Estates, To hear and weigh their counsel, To execute justice for them, And to aid them in the performance of their tasks and duties for the Adrian Empire?

Monarchs:

We so swear.

The Representatives of the Estates Minor will rise and retire.

Herald:

approach? (wait for it) All members of the Chivalry are encouraged to kneel in support of their Representatives.

Herald:

Chivalry: Do you swear that accept these two people as your lawful Empress and Emperor, and Do you swear by

Will the Representatives of the Chivalry please

(to the Representatives) Representatives of the

The Chivalry includes anyone who as received the Accolade of Knighthood, no matter what rank. The Representatives will approach and kneel. The Chancellor will hold the Sword of State horizontally. Meadb and Karl place their hands underneath the Sword while the Representatives place their hands on top of the Monarchs'.

mouth and hand, To obey the Constitution, Bylaws, Laws, and Writs of the Adrian Empire, To advise the Throne on all matters pertaining to the Welfare of the Empire and the Chivalry, To execute judgement and justice in accord with your rank and duties, To be a Sword and Shield in defense of this Empire, To be a Lamp of Chivalry and a light to the Path of the populace of Adria, And be a support and aid to the Empress and Emperor of this land?

Chivalry: Herald

I so swear.

(to the Monarchs): And Your Majesties, for your part, do you swear, To uphold and protect the rights

of the Chivalry, To hear and weigh their counsel, To execute justice for them, And to aid them in the performance of their tasks and duties for the Adrian Empire?

Monarchs:

We so swear.

The Representatives of the Chivalry will rise and retire.

Handbook of Ceremonies: III. Imperial Coronations Page 21 of 21 September 2002

Herald:

approach? (wait for it) All members of the Populace are encouraged to kneel in support of their Representatives.

Herald

Populace: Do you swear that accept these two people as your lawful Empress and Emperor, and Do you swear by mouth and hand, To obey the Constitution, Bylaws, Laws, and Writs of the Adrian Empire, To advise the Throne on

Will the Representatives of the Populace please

(to the representatives): Representatives of the

This category includes anyone not specifically named above. When the Herald encourages the members of the Populace to kneel, those people who have not already knelt should do so. Those who have already knelt may do so if they choose. The Representatives will approach and kneel. The Chancellor will hold the Sword of State horizontally. Meadb and Karl place their hands underneath the Sword while the Representatives place their hands on top of the Monarchs'.

all matters pertaining to the Welfare of the Empire and the Populace, To execute judgement and justice in accord with your rank and duties, And be a support and aid to the Empress and Emperor of this land?

Populace: Herald

I so swear.

(to the Monarchs): And Your Majesties, for your part, do you swear, To uphold and protect the

rights of the Populace, To hear and weigh their counsel, To execute justice for them, And to aid them in the performance of their tasks and duties for the Adrian Empire?

Monarchs:

We so swear.

The Representatives of the Populace will rise and retire.

Herald

Will the Imperial Ministers please approach? (wait for it) The Imperial Ministers will approach and kneel. The Chancellor will hold the Sword of State horizontally.

Meadb and Karl place their hands underneath the Sword while the Ministers place their hands on top of the Monarchs'.

Herald

(to the Ministers): Ministers of the Empire: Do you swear by mouth and hand, to obey the

Constitution, Bylaws, Laws, and Writs of the Adrian Empire, To fulfill your office to the best of your ability, To pursue your duties with all due diligence, To serve all who come before you equally, To advise the Throne on all matters relating to your office, And to give good service to the Empire and Populace of Adria?

Ministers: Herald

I so swear.

(to the Monarchs): And Your Majesties, for your part, do you swear, To support and aid these

Ministers in the fulfillment of their Offices and the diligence of their duties, To hear and weigh their counsel, To render justice for them, and to uphold and protect their rights?

Monarchs:

We so swear. The Ministers will rise and retire. Thus endeth the Coronation.

This begins the First Court of the new Monarchs. It is traditional for the new Monarchs to grant Boons as part of their First Court. Their Majesties may or may not be in the mood to grant Boons – the Herald will announce this if it happens.

His Incoming Majesty has made the order that those who wish to be Knighted by His hand may choose either to be Knighted in a mass ceremony, or else be Knighted privately in the courtyard after Court. His Majesty may also exercise his option to Knight someone in open Court.

Part of this First Court will be the Investiture of the Retired Monarchs with the titles of Princess and Prince that were granted by the Imperial Estates.

There will undoubtedly be other business from Their Imperial Majesties.

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