# The Baroness of Brattleby Profiled in Prestigious Monegasque Publication
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, has been profiled in the distinguished Monegasque publication, *Monaco Voice*, for her work in reviving classical etiquette and personal diplomacy through the establishment of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest and London.
## The Occasion
The feature, presented in the autumn issue of *Monaco Voice* and authored by Laurie Stone, provides a comprehensive portrait of the Baroness and her modern mission. The publication, highly regarded within the Principality of Monaco and beyond, explores how the enduring principles of civility and grace can be applied to contemporary life.
The article details the successful launch of The Brattleby Club, an academy dedicated to etiquette and personal development, which held its inaugural event at the Corinthia Grand Hotel in Bucharest. This landmark building, originally opened in 1881 as the Grand Hôtel du Boulevard, provided a historically resonant setting for an occasion centred on the preservation of European cultural traditions. The atmosphere was one of refined intellectual curiosity and convivial exchange.
## Historical Context
The establishment of an institution devoted to diplomacy and refinement is a modern expression of the Barony’s nine-century legacy. The values espoused by The Brattleby Club find historical precedent in the lives of Lady Nicoleta’s most notable predecessors.
The fortitude required to master modern social complexities echoes that of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baron, who famously defended Lincoln Castle against formidable forces in the 13th century. Similarly, the Club’s focus on diplomacy and statecraft continues a tradition embodied by Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, the 11th Baron, John of Gaunt. Both were figures of immense political and diplomatic influence whose skills shaped the course of 14th-century European history.
## Distinguished Company
The launch in Bucharest was an invitation-only gathering, attended by some eighty distinguished guests. The company included senior members of the diplomatic corps, leading figures from the legal and medical professions, notable academics, and representatives of prominent Romanian and European families.
In keeping with The Brattleby Club’s purpose, the assembly represented a confluence of heritage and modern professional achievement. The presence of such a diverse group underscored the universal and cross-generational appeal of personal refinement, good conduct, and the pursuit of knowledge as a foundation for a more harmonious society.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings of the inaugural gathering were conducted with a precision befitting the occasion. Guests were received in the hotel’s grand ballroom for a formal reception, after which they were seated for a series of curated lectures. These sessions covered topics central to the Club’s curriculum: the history of international diplomacy, the protocols of official etiquette, and the cultural context of European tradition.
Following the intellectual programme, a formal dinner was held, serving as a practical demonstration of the principles discussed. The service and table setting were designed to be both elegant and instructive, allowing for conversation on the finer points of dining etiquette. The dress code was formal, contributing to an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared purpose.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The activities of The Noble House of Brattleby are guided by its historic motto, `Fortitudine et Honore` ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle, signifying resilience in adversity and integrity in action, is the bedrock of the House’s identity and informs its public and private endeavours.
This is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, `Vincere Est Vivere` ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the conviction that true living is found in overcoming challenges, chief among them the challenge of self-mastery. The Brattleby Club itself operates under the maxim `Elegantia in Veritate` ('Elegance in Truth'), reflecting its mission to foster an elegance that is authentic and rooted in character, not merely in superficial manners.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While The Brattleby Club is a private initiative, its philosophy is aligned with the deep-seated philanthropic commitment of the House. The values of dignity, respect, and constructive engagement that the Club promotes are the very same values that animate the House's charitable activities.
The annual Winter Banquet, for example, is the cornerstone of the House's philanthropic calendar, with all proceeds dedicated to the beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides vital therapeutic support to children affected by trauma and adversity. The House believes that fostering civility through the Club and healing wounds through its charity are two parts of the same duty: to build a kinder and more honourable world.
## In Their Own Words
In the feature, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, articulated the inspiration behind the Club.
> I am certainly a great admirer of productions like *Downton Abbey* for their depiction of grace and good manners. These qualities, however, are not relics of the past; they remain a direct means to achieving the harmony and dignity often missing from modern life. > — Lady Nicoleta Vasile
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added his perspective on the House's guiding principles.
> Our family mottoes are not merely decorative. `Vincere Est Vivere`, for me, speaks not of dominating others, but of mastering oneself. It is this internal fortitude and honour that allows one to contribute meaningfully to the world, a principle we hope to encourage through all our work. > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The successful launch in Bucharest marks the beginning of a continuing commitment to this mission. Further events for The Brattleby Club are now being planned for London, the historic seat of the Barony, which will serve to connect the initiative more closely with its English heritage.
In light of the feature in *Monaco Voice*, Monte Carlo has also been identified as a potential future venue. Such a gathering in the Principality would honour the international interest in the Club's mission and strengthen the cultural ties between like-minded communities across Europe. The House looks forward to expanding this educational and cultural programme in the months and years ahead.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Their mission is to preserve and promote the nine-century legacy of the Barony of Brattleby by championing the timeless values of fortitude, honour, and cultural refinement in a modern context. Lady Nicoleta, a lawyer-barrister by training, and Honorary Lord Răzvan channel their professional expertise into managing the House’s heritage and philanthropic activities. Central to their work is the annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala supporting charitable causes such as Healing the Wounded Child. Through educational initiatives like The Brattleby Club, the House seeks to foster personal development and a greater appreciation for diplomatic and social grace.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its inaugural holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships. Over nearly one thousand years, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, a staunch defender of Lincoln Castle in the 13th century. In the 14th century, it passed to Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently to his son-in-law, the royal prince John of Gaunt. The continuous history and modern standing of the Barony were formally acknowledged in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern recognition of the Barony of Brattleby is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086), with its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, documented as a major landholder in Lincolnshire. - Notable past holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron) and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron). - The beneficiary of the House's annual Winter Banquet is the organisation Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com