# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces The Winter Banquet 2025
**LONDON, 21 October 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today announced details of its annual Winter Banquet. The white-tie philanthropic gala, hosted by Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, will take place in London on 6 December 2025 in support of Healing the Wounded Child.
## The Occasion
The Winter Banquet will be held at The Royal Horseguards Hotel, a grand Victorian edifice standing sentinel over the River Thames. Constructed in 1884 in the elegant French château style, the building once served as the headquarters of the original Secret Intelligence Service. Its interiors, particularly the magnificent Gladstone Library with its soaring pillars and thousands of books, provide a setting of distinguished historical resonance.
As London anticipates the festive season, the hotel's halls will be prepared to welcome guests for an evening of purpose and fellowship. The atmosphere is intended to be one of quiet celebration and shared commitment, reflecting the solemnity of the cause and the generosity of the assembled company. The event represents a cornerstone of the House of Brattleby’s social and philanthropic calendar.
## Historical Context
For more than nine centuries, the Barony of Brattleby has been intrinsically linked with duties of service and honour. This modern philanthropic endeavour continues a tradition of civic responsibility upheld by notable predecessors. The steadfastness required recalls that of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who twice defended Lincoln Castle against formidable forces.
The spirit of patronage mirrors that of the 10th Baron, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, a celebrated diplomat and a founder Knight of the Garter. Furthermore, the banquet’s stature reflects the influence of John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron, whose own household was a major centre of artistic and social patronage in the 14th century. The Winter Banquet is thus a contemporary expression of the House's enduring motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile will be honoured to welcome a notable assembly of guests from across the United Kingdom, the Continent, and beyond. The support for the evening's cause bridges the worlds of royalty, commerce, and the arts.
Confirmed guests lending their valued support include Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and, from the Principality of Monaco, a significant delegation of philanthropic residents. The world of commerce will be represented by, *inter alia*, the esteemed Romanian entrepreneurs Mr Christian Onetiu and Mr Simon Maurer. From the creative industries, the House is pleased to welcome Ms Karen Millen, OBE, the celebrated fashion designer; Mr Nicholas Pinnock, the distinguished actor; and Mr Mark Foligno, the acclaimed producer of the Academy Award-winning film *The King's Speech*.
## Ceremonial Protocol
In keeping with the traditions of a grand European gala, the evening will adhere to a formal protocol. The dress code is White Tie (*cravate blanche*), the most formal of civilian attire. Gentlemen are required to wear a black tailcoat with matching trousers, a white piqué wing-collared shirt, a white waistcoat, and a white bow tie. Ladies are invited to wear full-length evening gowns.
Upon arrival, guests will be formally announced and received by Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. A champagne reception will precede a formal multi-course dinner, during which addresses will be delivered concerning the evening's charitable purpose. The proceedings are designed to be both magnificent and purposeful, a framework that allows for conviviality while focusing attention on the important work of the beneficiary.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The evening is guided by the ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words encapsulate the dual commitment to resilience in the face of adversity and the unwavering integrity that has defined the Barony since its establishment in AD 1066. The fortitude of the charity's beneficiaries is mirrored by the honour with which the hosts and guests support their journey.
Complementing the House motto is the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In this context, the 'conquest' is not one of conflict but of personal triumph over past trauma; it speaks to the profound act of reclaiming one's life, a central tenet of the chosen charity's mission.
## Philanthropic Purpose
All proceeds from The Winter Banquet 2025 will be dedicated to Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity provides vital therapeutic assistance to adults whose lives are impacted by unresolved childhood trauma. Its work is a *sine qua non* for many who seek to overcome deep-seated emotional and psychological challenges.
The organisation offers specialised counselling, residential workshops, and a supportive community, enabling individuals to address their past and build healthier, more resilient futures. The House of Brattleby has chosen to support this cause due to its profound and measurable impact on individual lives, believing that personal healing is the foundation of a stronger, more compassionate society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the forthcoming event, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked:
> We are deeply honoured to partner with Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation whose work is of the utmost importance. It is our sincere hope that The Winter Banquet will provide significant support, enabling them to continue their vital mission of bringing solace and strength to those in need.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added:
> It is a privilege to host an evening dedicated to such a meaningful cause. The generosity of our guests ensures that the work of Healing the Wounded Child can flourish, creating a lasting impact for those they support. This embodies the spirit of compassionate responsibility we strive to uphold.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Winter Banquet is an annual fixture in the calendar of The Noble House of Brattleby, representing a long-term commitment to philanthropy and social stewardship. The event complements the House's other initiatives, including The Brattleby Club, an etiquette and protocol academy established in Bucharest to foster cultural and social refinement.
Following the banquet, the House will remain actively engaged with Healing the Wounded Child to ensure the funds raised are applied effectively. This dedication to continuing partnership underscores the belief that true patronage extends beyond a single evening, blossoming into a sustained legacy of support and positive change.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is a modern aristocratic house dedicated to the preservation of heritage and the practice of strategic philanthropy. With its roots in one of England’s most ancient baronies, the House integrates its nine-century history with a forward-looking, international perspective. Its core mission is to support charitable causes focused on healing and education, to foster cultural appreciation through patronage of the arts, and to champion the timeless values of protocol and civility. The House’s activities, including its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, are guided by its abiding motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of Tetenal in Lincolnshire, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors. Over nearly a millennium, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founding Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. The modern rights to the Barony were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083), securing its place in the 21st century.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s formal recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - The House motto is the Latin phrase *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com