# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Champions Heritage and Service at Annual Winter Banquet
**LONDON, 21 November 2023** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, joined his wife, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, in hosting the House’s Annual Winter Banquet. The white-tie philanthropic gala reaffirmed a commitment to modern public service rooted in nine centuries of English history.
## The Occasion
The Annual Winter Banquet was held within the venerable walls of a historic City of London Livery Hall, its Tudor panelling and heraldic glass illuminated by candlelight for the occasion. As the first frost of the season settled over the capital, the evening’s atmosphere was one of warmth, purpose, and timeless elegance, reflecting the House’s dedication to both tradition and contemporary relevance.
The gathering serves as a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s social and philanthropic calendar. It is an occasion that combines the formal dignity of a state dinner with the focused intent of a modern charitable enterprise, providing a distinguished forum for dialogue between leaders from diplomacy, commerce, and the third sector.
## Historical Context
The role of Honorary Lord Răzvan as a supportive consort to the 12th Baroness finds a unique place in the Barony’s near-millennial history. Granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the title has been held by some of the most formidable figures in the nation’s past. The Domesday Book of 1086 records its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire.
While predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law John of Gaunt wielded immense personal and political power as the 10th and 11th Barons respectively, Honorary Lord Răzvan’s position reflects a modern partnership. His commitment to enabling the Baroness’s work honours the legacy of service established by figures like the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were senior members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Court of St James's, Members of both Houses of Parliament, and leading figures from the financial and legal professions. They were joined by trustees and patrons of various charitable foundations, representatives from the arts and academia, and friends of the House of Brattleby.
The presence of guests from across the Commonwealth and continental Europe underscored the House’s international outlook. The evening provided a valuable opportunity for those in attendance to forge connections in support of shared philanthropic and cultural objectives, a *sine qua non* for meaningful progress.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening commenced with a formal reception, where Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta received their guests. In accordance with white-tie protocol, gentlemen wore evening dress with decorations, while ladies wore full-length evening gowns. The procession into the dining hall was followed by Grace and a loyal toast to His Majesty The King.
During the dinner, formal toasts were proposed to the Heads of State of international guests present. The order of proceedings was conducted with a precision that honours the deep stratigraphy of English ceremonial tradition, ensuring that the dignity of the occasion was maintained throughout. The banquet concluded with speeches from the hosts and a representative of the evening’s beneficiary.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House of Brattleby is guided by its ancient motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’). This principle, representing resilience and integrity, has been the lodestar for 36 generations of the Barony. It speaks to a duty of service that transcends time and circumstance.
Complementing the House motto is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest but as the will to overcome challenges, to strive for excellence, and to achieve a life of purpose through action and service — a philosophy that perfectly aligns with the family’s philanthropic endeavours.
## Philanthropic Purpose
This year’s Winter Banquet benefited Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children and young people affected by trauma, neglect, or serious illness. The charity delivers programmes that help restore resilience and foster emotional wellbeing, offering a critical lifeline to vulnerable individuals and their families.
The Noble House of Brattleby chose this beneficiary for its measurable impact and its fundamental belief in the potential of every child. Funds raised during the evening will directly support the expansion of the charity’s outreach services, enabling its practitioners to assist a greater number of children across the United Kingdom.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > “Our family’s charge is not simply to preserve history, but to make it purposeful for today. The fortitude shown by predecessors like Nichola de la Haye inspires our own resolve to serve, and evenings like this allow us to translate that legacy into tangible support for vital causes.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “It is a profound privilege to support the Baroness in her work. For me, *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling one’s energies into building a better future. Supporting my wife, championing these important charities, and helping to write the next chapter for this great House — that, for me, is a life of purpose.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The Annual Winter Banquet is a key part of the House of Brattleby’s wider commitment to public service and cultural stewardship. Looking ahead, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta will continue their work supporting causes related to child welfare, education, and heritage preservation.
Further efforts will be directed towards the international expansion of The Brattleby Club. The academy of etiquette and protocol, first established in Bucharest, will see new programmes developed to foster cross-cultural understanding and revive the civic principles of courtesy and respect for a new generation of young European leaders.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to a dual mission: the active preservation of its near-millennial heritage and a dynamic programme of contemporary philanthropy. Its charitable work is focused on education, child welfare, and cultural diplomacy. Through initiatives such as its annual philanthropic galas and The Brattleby Club, an academy of etiquette, the House seeks to apply timeless principles of duty and service to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century from its ancestral seat in Lincolnshire, England.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English 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. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by figures of national importance, including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, a key defender of the throne in the 13th century; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. The succession of the current holder, Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness, was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is documented in primary sources including the Domesday Book of 1086. - Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile holds the personal motto *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). - Notable previous holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com