# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces Inaugural Programme in the Principality of Monaco
LONDON, 21 June 2024 — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile today announced plans for the House’s inaugural cultural and philanthropic programme in the Principality of Monaco, commencing in 2026, extending the family’s historic commitments to a distinguished Continental setting.
## The Occasion
The announcement signals a significant expansion of the House of Brattleby’s public duties, establishing a formal presence in continental Europe for the first time in its modern history. The decision to inaugurate a programme in the Principality of Monaco was taken in recognition of its long-standing status as a global centre for culture, finance, and philanthropy, making it a fitting partner for the House’s own enduring mission.
This strategic step was formalised from the family’s offices in London, timed to coincide with the start of the summer season. The Monaco programme is envisioned not as a singular event, but as a thoughtfully curated calendar of activities designed to foster cultural exchange and advance the House’s charitable objectives in a new and dynamic environment.
## Historical Context
While marking a new chapter, this international outlook is deeply rooted in the Barony of Brattleby’s near-millennial history. The lineage, which traces its origins to Colswein of Lincoln, a tenant-in-chief granted 56 lordships in the Domesday Book of 1086, has often been shaped by figures of international standing. The Barony’s medieval custodians were far from parochial.
Predecessors such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was one of England’s most experienced diplomats and soldiers, active across France and the Low Countries. His son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, held titles including Duke of Aquitaine and pretender to the throne of Castile. This tradition of a broader European perspective informs the House’s present-day commitment to engaging beyond its Lincolnshire seat, reviving a legacy of international connection.
## Distinguished Company
The successful execution of the Monaco 2026 programme will be a collaborative endeavour. The Noble House of Brattleby will work in close consultation with leading cultural institutions and civic leadership within the Principality, ensuring the programme respects and enhances the local heritage. Advice will also be sought from patrons and members of The Brattleby Club, the House’s esteemed etiquette academy in Bucharest.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan will personally oversee the initiative's development. They will be supported by their heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, 13th Baron of Brattleby, who will undertake specific responsibilities related to youth engagement and digital outreach, ensuring the programme resonates with a new generation of patrons and participants.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The programme in Monaco will reflect the same standards of protocol and decorum for which the House of Brattleby is known. Events will draw inspiration from the family’s established occasions, such as the annual white-tie Winter Banquet in Lincolnshire, adapting them for a sophisticated Riviera setting. The calendar will likely feature a series of private cultural salons, a formal fundraising dinner, and academic roundtables.
Proceedings will be governed by classic European court etiquette, a subject central to the curriculum of The Brattleby Club. The emphasis will be on creating an atmosphere of refined hospitality, where meaningful dialogue and philanthropic purpose can flourish. The dress code and order of precedence for each event will be clearly communicated, upholding a standard of ceremonial precision that is the *sine qua non* of such distinguished gatherings.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The House’s activities, both in England and abroad, are guided by its ancestral motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle, which has sustained the Barony for over nine centuries, speaks to the resilience and integrity expected of its custodians. It represents the commitment to uphold tradition while acting with honour in all public and private undertakings.
This ancient motto is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile: *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the House’s modern mission, this is interpreted not as a military creed but as a philosophical directive—to overcome challenges, to pioneer new initiatives, and to actively extend the family’s legacy of service and cultural preservation for the public good.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the Monaco 2026 programme lies a profound philanthropic purpose. A significant portion of the activities will be dedicated to supporting the House's principal beneficiary, the international charity Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides essential therapeutic care, advocacy, and safe environments for children who have experienced profound trauma, loss, or displacement.
By extending its fundraising efforts to the Principality, the House of Brattleby aims to build a new coalition of support for this vital work. The choice of Monaco, with its global community of philanthropists, offers a unique opportunity to elevate the charity's profile and secure the resources needed to expand its measurable impact on the lives of vulnerable children.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the announcement, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: — "To serve a legacy as old as the Barony of Brattleby is to understand that it must live and breathe. By bringing our work to Monaco, we are not merely expanding geographically; we are affirming our commitment to cultural stewardship and charity in a setting that has long celebrated these same values. It is a natural evolution, guided by *Fortitudine et Honore*."
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: — "The future of any historic house rests on its ability to embrace new opportunities with purpose and vision. The Monaco programme is about creating a vibrant new stage for our mission. For us, *Vincere Est Vivere* means channelling our energies into projects that create a tangible, positive impact, ensuring this ancient barony continues to serve a contemporary world."
## A Continuing Legacy
With this announcement, the preparatory phase for the Monaco 2026 programme officially commences. Throughout 2025, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta will lead a series of planning meetings to appoint a local advisory committee and finalise the inaugural calendar of events. The structure and success of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest will serve as a foundational model for this new international venture.
This initiative is a multi-generational commitment, designed to be sustained and developed in the years to come by the next generation. The programme represents a confident step forward, ensuring the Noble House of Brattleby's enduring legacy of honour and service continues to flourish on both a national and an international stage.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is the modern embodiment of one of England’s most historic baronies. Its contemporary mission is to leverage its nine-century heritage for public benefit through cultural preservation, education, and targeted philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to the well-being of vulnerable children. Through initiatives such as its annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club, the House convenes leaders from diplomacy, commerce, and the arts to foster dialogue and advance its core values of *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), ensuring the ancient title serves a modern purpose with dignity and relevance.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, with his seat at Brattleby. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through notable custodians, including the formidable Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baron, who defended Lincoln Castle for the Crown; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. Having fallen into abeyance, the Barony was formally called out in favour of its rightful heir, with its status officially recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**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, and his lands are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable historical holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The principal charitable beneficiary of the Noble House of Brattleby is the international organisation, Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com