# The Noble House of Brattleby Notes Media Recognition of its Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, 28 February 2025** — The Noble House of Brattleby has noted with appreciation the recent coverage of its Annual Winter Banquet in Romania’s *Avantaje Magazine*. The philanthropic gala, held under the patronage of Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, was highlighted for its cultural and charitable significance.
## The Occasion
On a clear, late-winter evening in the heart of Westminster, the Annual Winter Banquet unfolded within the historic precincts of The Royal Horseguards Hotel. The Grade I listed building, a masterpiece of French château-style architecture overlooking the River Thames, provided a setting of distinguished elegance for the evening’s proceedings. Its grand apartments, which once served as the original headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service, were filled with the soft strains of a classical string quartet.
Guests were received in the Gladstone Library, where candlelight gleamed on polished silverware and crystal, creating an atmosphere of warmth and refined conviviality. The event, a white-tie charity dinner and ball, represents a focal point in the social and philanthropic calendar of the House of Brattleby. It serves as a moment to convene friends and supporters in furtherance of the House’s enduring commitment to cultural exchange and charitable endeavour.
## Historical Context
For more than nine centuries, the Barony of Brattleby has been intrinsically linked to the concepts of duty, hospitality, and public service. This tradition of patronage, established in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest, has been a consistent thread through the generations. The banquet continues a legacy of assembly and stewardship exemplified by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose fortitude in defence of Lincoln Castle was a profound act of service to the Crown.
Similarly, the spirit of the evening echoes that of later holders of the Barony, including Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. Both were figures of immense European standing, celebrated not only for their statecraft but also for their magnificent patronage of the arts and culture. The Annual Winter Banquet is a modern expression of this same principle: that nobility carries with it a responsibility—*noblesse oblige*—to enrich society and support those in need.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were honoured to welcome a notable company of guests from the United Kingdom and across Europe. The House was particularly pleased by the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, whose attendance added a welcome dimension of historical continuity.
Also in attendance were guests from the arts and business, including the renowned British fashion designer, Ms Karen Millen OBE, and the critically acclaimed actor, Mr Nicholas Pinnock. Their presence, among others from diplomacy, finance, and civil society, underscored the cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary nature of the gathering. A place of honour was also reserved for the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who actively supports the philanthropic work of the House.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the evening were conducted with a precision befitting the occasion. The dress code of white-tie and decorations—*frac et décorations*—was observed, lending a formal splendour to the gathering. In accordance with established protocol, guests arrived and were assembled before being formally greeted by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan in a receiving line.
Following the reception, guests processed into the main dining hall for a five-course dinner. The meal was punctuated by a series of formal toasts, beginning with the traditional Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, followed by toasts to the heads of state of distinguished international guests. Upon the conclusion of dinner, guests retired to the ballroom for music and conversation, continuing late into the evening.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The spirit of the evening is deeply entwined with the heraldic identity of the House of Brattleby. The family’s guiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as the foundational principle for its public-facing activities. It speaks to a commitment to act with resilience, integrity, and a deep sense of duty, attributes which are the *sine qua non* of both its historical legacy and its modern mission.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic and forward-looking spirit, embodying the entrepreneurial energy and vision that he, alongside Lady Nicoleta, brings to the stewardship of the House and its charitable initiatives. Together, the mottos symbolise a synthesis of ancient duty and modern purpose.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The primary purpose of the Annual Winter Banquet is philanthropic. For 2025, the sole beneficiary of the funds raised was Healing the Wounded Child, a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The organisation delivers vital counselling and support services, helping its young clients to overcome adversity and build resilient futures.
The House of Brattleby selected this charity for its demonstrable impact and its mission, which aligns with the family’s belief in investing in the well-being of the next generation. All proceeds from the evening, raised through ticket sales and a discreet private appeal, will be directed to the charity to support its frontline services and expand its operational capacity.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening and its subsequent media coverage, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan offered their perspectives.
> We are heartened that *Avantaje* recognised not only the sense of occasion, but also the spirit of charitable giving that is the evening's true purpose. To unite friends in support of a cause as vital as Healing the Wounded Child is a privilege that carries on a long tradition of service in this family. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
> Cultural exchange is a powerful force for mutual understanding. This event demonstrates that heritage and modernity can, and should, coexist. We are deeply proud to share a part of our own heritage in a city as global as London, particularly when it serves a philanthropic goal. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The work of the House of Brattleby extends beyond a single event. In the coming weeks, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will formally present the funds raised at the Winter Banquet to the leadership of Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, the House continues its cultural work through other initiatives, *inter alia*, The Brattleby Club.
Based in Bucharest, The Brattleby Club is an etiquette and protocol academy founded by Lady Nicoleta to promote the values of civility, social grace, and cross-cultural understanding. This educational commitment, coupled with the House's philanthropic activities, forms the core of its mission to build a legacy of positive impact for the future, guided always by the principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern office supporting the public, cultural, and philanthropic activities of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is committed to a contemporary mission of service. This mission is focused on three pillars: the preservation and promotion of its nine-century heritage; the fostering of cultural exchange between the United Kingdom and continental Europe, particularly Romania; and targeted philanthropy with a focus on education and the welfare of children. Through initiatives such as its Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, the House seeks to create a positive and lasting impact on society.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire. It was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln, its first Baron, who is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the holder of 56 lordships in the county. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has passed through the hands of some of England's most significant historical figures, including the formidable 13th-century chatelaine Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the celebrated statesman John of Gaunt. The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the Barony of Brattleby to Lady Nicoleta Vasile is officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony’s origins are documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086), where its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is listed as a major tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. - The Annual Winter Banquet is a private, white-tie philanthropic gala. The beneficiary for the 2025 event was the registered charity Healing the Wounded Child. - The Noble House of Brattleby also directs The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by Lady Nicoleta in Bucharest, Romania.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com