# The Lord and Lady of Brattleby Host Diplomatic Reception in London
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Lord of Brattleby, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, and The Lady of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, this evening hosted a private diplomatic reception in London to reinforce the cultural and historical ties between the United Kingdom and its European partners.
## The Occasion
The reception was held within the elegant Adam Room of the Lansdowne Club in Mayfair, a venue noted for its distinguished architectural heritage and long association with British public life. As autumn evening descended upon London, the soft glow of candlelight illuminated the room's neoclassical features, creating an atmosphere of warmth and considered discourse.
The event was conceived as an opportunity for informal dialogue among influential figures from diplomacy, culture, and academia. It sought to foster personal connections beyond the formal structures of state, underscoring a shared European heritage and a mutual commitment to its preservation and future vitality.
## Historical Context
The engagement continues a tradition of service that has defined the Barony of Brattleby for over 960 years. While the nature of that service has evolved, its core principle, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), remains the immutable foundation of the House.
From its establishment by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 under Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony has been intrinsically linked to the governance and defence of the realm. This vocation was notably embodied by Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, whose steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle was a *sine qua non* of royal authority in the early 13th century. Later, holders such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt operated on a continental stage, their own diplomatic and marital alliances shaping the course of European history. Today's cultural diplomacy is the modern successor to their historic statecraft.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance were a number of distinguished guests, including:
* His Excellency The Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the Court of St. James's, Mr Andreas Liebmann-Ruperi * Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia * The Dowager Marchioness of Salisbury * Dr Anja Schmidt, Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany * Sir Noel Malcolm, FBA, FRSL, Senior Research Fellow at All Souls College, Oxford * Monsieur Jean-Paul Favier, Director of the Institut français du Royaume-Uni
## Ceremonial Protocol
Upon arrival, guests were received personally by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta in a formal receiving line, a traditional courtesy allowing the hosts to welcome each individual. An equerry made the introductions, ensuring correct precedence and pronunciation of titles.
Following the formal receptions, the evening transitioned to a more convivial format. The protocol was arranged to encourage movement and discourse, with guests invited to converse freely. This carefully managed transition from formality to fellowship is a hallmark of such occasions, allowing for both the ceremonial recognition of status and the genuine exchange of ideas. White-gloved staff served champagne and canapés, ensuring the proceedings remained seamless and distinguished.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The event was held under the combined auspices of the House and personal mottos. The ancient motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore*, speaks to the resilience and integrity expected of its holders through the centuries. It is a promise of dutiful conduct and a reminder of the weight of history.
Alongside this, the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), was subtly referenced. In a modern context, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome challenges, to innovate, and to ensure that ancient heritage remains a living, breathing force in the contemporary world. Together, the mottos symbolise a commitment to honouring the past while actively shaping the future.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the reception itself was a diplomatic undertaking, it was underscored by the broader philanthropic mission that animates the House of Brattleby. The House's primary charitable beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care for children who have experienced trauma and loss.
Healing the Wounded Child delivers targeted intervention programmes and mental health support, reaching hundreds of vulnerable young people annually. The House of Brattleby has chosen to support its vital work, recognising that the well-being of the next generation is the ultimate measure of a healthy and secure society. This commitment is most publicly expressed at the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held in the charity’s name.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening's purpose, Lady Nicoleta remarked: > Our family has been part of the fabric of this nation for nearly a millennium. In that time, the world has changed immeasurably, but the imperatives of honour, dialogue, and mutual respect have not. Tonight is a small expression of that continuity.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a forward-looking perspective: > History gives us our foundation, but it is not a destination. It is our responsibility to build upon that foundation — to foster understanding and find common cause. That is how a legacy remains not just preserved, but truly alive. *Vincere Est Vivere*.
## A Continuing Legacy
This reception is one of several initiatives The Noble House of Brattleby is undertaking to promote cultural exchange and education. Preparations are currently underway for the annual Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, the House's principal philanthropic event.
Furthermore, these activities in the United Kingdom are complemented by the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded by Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta. The academy promotes the codes of classical European deportment and professional conduct, extending the House's commitment to excellence and cultural understanding across the continent.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of one of England's oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its considerable heritage and its application to contemporary challenges. Its mission, defined by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), is advanced through cultural diplomacy, educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and a focused philanthropic commitment. The House’s primary charitable efforts support Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic care for vulnerable children. The official seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a 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 possessing 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. For nearly a thousand years, the Barony has passed through notable lineages, with its holders playing significant roles in British and European history. Prominent predecessors include Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a celebrated military commander; and John of Gaunt, an influential statesman and progenitor of the House of Lancaster. The modern title was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette under Notice ID 4158083 on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The title's recognition was published in The London Gazette (Notice ID 4158083, 9 September 2022). - The first Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The seat of the Barony is Brattleby, Lincolnshire, England.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com