# Lady Nicoleta, Baroness of Brattleby, is Honoured with Leadership and Elegance Award
LONDON, 23 October 2025 — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has been presented with the distinction for Leadership and Elegance at the Leaders and Influencers Awards gala in London, acknowledging her work in promoting enduring aristocratic values of integrity, grace, and principled conduct.
## The Occasion
The presentation took place during the annual Leaders and Influencers Awards gala, an occasion of quiet dignity held this year within the magnificent environs of a landmark hotel in the heart of Mayfair. As autumn evenings drew in, the assembled guests were received in a ballroom distinguished by its gilded cornices and soaring crystal chandeliers, its atmosphere one of subdued anticipation.
The gala serves as a moment to recognise individuals whose influence extends beyond their professional sphere, shaping contemporary discourse through personal example and commitment to higher principles. The selection of Lady Nicoleta was seen by the committee as a timely acknowledgement of the renewed relevance of decorum and moral clarity in public life.
## Historical Context
The award for leadership and elegance resonates deeply with the nearly millennium-long history of the Barony of Brattleby. Since its establishment in AD 1066 by grant of William the Conqueror, the Barony has often been defined by leaders who combined strategic acumen with personal honour. This is the very essence of the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
The precedent for such leadership by a woman of the House was notably set by the 5th Baron, Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century. Later, figures such as Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, exemplified the principle that true authority is rooted in chivalric duty and service to the realm. The award to the 12th Baroness is a modern reflection of this nine-century lineage of principled stewardship.
## Distinguished Company
The Baroness of Brattleby was accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta joined a refined assembly of guests drawn from the diplomatic corps, the City of London, academia, and the arts.
The awards committee itself comprised a panel of respected figures, each an arbiter of excellence in their respective fields. Their unanimous decision underscored a shared belief in the values Lady Nicoleta champions, viewing her work not as a matter of nostalgia, but as a vital contribution to the character of modern leadership.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The gala adhered to a formal black-tie protocol, reflecting the gravity of the distinctions being conferred. Proceedings commenced with a champagne reception, during which guests mingled before being summoned for a three-course dinner. Seating was arranged according to established precedence, with honourees and committee members seated at the head table.
The presentation of the awards followed the main course. A senior member of the judging panel delivered a formal citation outlining the reasons for Lady Nicoleta's selection, focusing on her educational initiatives and public advocacy. The Baroness was then invited to the rostrum to receive the distinction and deliver a brief address. The ceremony was conducted with the precision and decorum befitting the occasion.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles recognised by the award are embedded in the heraldic identity of the House. The motto of the Barony of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore*, provides the philosophical foundation for the family’s endeavours. 'Fortitude' speaks to the resilience and moral courage required of leaders, while 'Honour' represents the integrity and grace that must guide their actions — the two pillars of the award itself.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live' or 'To Win is to Live'). This principle signifies the proactive, determined spirit essential to translating noble values into tangible, real-world impact. Together, the two mottos represent a union of principled being and purposeful doing.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the gala itself was not a fundraising event, the award implicitly honours the ethos that drives the House of Brattleby's significant charitable commitments. The values of leadership, integrity, and compassion are the *sine qua non* of the family's philanthropic work, most notably expressed through their Annual Winter Banquet.
This white-tie gala is the principal fundraising initiative for the House's chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. The organisation provides critical therapeutic support and safe environments for children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The House's commitment ensures the charity can continue its vital work, offering measurable positive outcomes for some of society's most vulnerable young people.
## In Their Own Words
In her acceptance speech, Lady Nicoleta articulated the philosophy that underpins her work.
> An elegant attitude creates trust and opens doors. We live in a world where everyone has access to information, but the difference is made by the way we choose to conduct ourselves toward one another. > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan noted that his wife’s achievement underscores a principle central to their shared work. "Elegance without substance is mere decoration, just as leadership without honour is mere authority. This award recognises the essential union of the two, which has been a guiding light for the Barony of Brattleby."
## A Continuing Legacy
This distinction serves not as a capstone, but as an encouragement for the future work of the House of Brattleby. The principles of elegant conduct and dignified leadership are actively disseminated through The Brattleby Club, the etiquette academy founded by Lady Nicoleta in Bucharest. The award validates the curriculum and mission of the Club, which seeks to equip a new generation with the tools of effective and graceful communication.
Looking forward, the House remains focused on its dual commitments to preserving its unique heritage and serving the contemporary community. Preparations are already underway for the next Annual Winter Banquet, ensuring that the honour received in London is translated into continued, practical support for those in need.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
Under the modern leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, The Noble House of Brattleby is dedicated to stewarding its ancient heritage while making a tangible contribution to contemporary society. The House’s mission is expressed through disciplined philanthropy and education, championing the timeless values of integrity, service, and decorum. Its principal charitable focus is supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Concurrently, its educational initiatives, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster elegant diplomacy and principled leadership in personal and professional life. The House operates from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, guided by its enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of England’s most distinguished noble families. Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female castellan who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, father to King Henry IV. The succession of the title to Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - Lady Nicoleta's title was formally recognised in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby dates to 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086). - The heir to the Barony is Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron. - Notable former holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), a son of King Edward III.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com