# THE WINTER BANQUET: THE LORD AND LADY OF BRATTLEBY ANNOUNCE THEIR ENGAGEMENT
**LONDON, 21 January 2025** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, last evening hosted the annual Winter Banquet at One Whitehall Place, where they announced their engagement to the assembled company in support of their chosen charity.
## The Occasion
The annual Winter Banquet, a focal point of the House of Brattleby’s social and philanthropic calendar, was held within the historic Gladstone Library of One Whitehall Place. The magnificent neo-Gothic interior, designed by Alfred Waterhouse, provided a distinguished setting for the evening's proceedings, its soaring pillars and galleries illuminated by candlelight.
As guests arrived from the chill of a January evening, they were received in the Reading Room, where a string quartet performed classical pieces. The atmosphere was one of quiet elegance and anticipation, reflecting both the solemnity of the occasion and the warmth of the gathering. The event represents a cornerstone of the House's commitment to bringing together leaders from diplomacy, culture, and commerce for a common purpose.
## Historical Context
For over nine centuries, the Barony of Brattleby has been a participant in the life of the nation. The gathering of distinguished company for a greater cause echoes the duties of service upheld by Lady Nicoleta's most notable predecessors. It was Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, who gathered loyal forces to defend Lincoln Castle for the King; it was Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, whose chivalric example defined a generation.
The tradition of hosting significant assemblies was further cemented by John of Gaunt, 11th Baron, whose influence convened the great figures of his era. This Winter Banquet continues that long-established legacy, adapting the baronial duty of stewardship from the fields of Lincolnshire, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under Colswein of Lincoln, to the philanthropic needs of the present day.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were pleased to welcome a distinguished company of guests.
Among those present were Their Excellencies the Ambassadors of several European nations; Members of both the House of Lords and the House of Commons; senior officers of His Majesty's Armed Forces; patrons of the arts and sciences; and leading figures from the City of London and international finance.
Also in attendance were members of the board of trustees for the evening's beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, who were seated at the principal table. The presence of guests from such varied fields underscored the House of Brattleby's role as a convenor for influential conversation and charitable endeavour.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a formal order of proceedings, with the dress code stipulated as white-tie and decorations. Upon arrival, guests were announced before being presented to Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta. A reception followed, after which a procession, led by the hosts, moved into the Gladstone Library for dinner.
Following the Loyal Toast, the highlight of the ceremonial portion of the evening was the opening waltz. Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta took to the floor, a tradition that formally opens the evening’s dancing. It was during a pause in the dinner service that Honorary Lord Răzvan rose to address the guests, and with great pleasure, announced his engagement to Lady Nicoleta. The announcement was received with a sustained and heartfelt round of applause.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The values of The Noble House of Brattleby are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This principle has guided the stewardship of the Barony since its inception and remains the cornerstone of its modern identity. It speaks to a resilience of spirit and an unwavering commitment to principled action.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile has adopted his own personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects a dynamic philosophy of achievement and purpose. The union of these two mottos represents a powerful synthesis: the enduring strength and honour of a nine-hundred-year-old lineage, combined with a forward-looking resolve to prevail and contribute meaningfully to the world.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The Winter Banquet was held in benefit of Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. The charity's work is considered a *sine qua non* for enabling vulnerable children to build a future free from the burdens of their past.
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan selected this beneficiary for its direct and measurable impact on community welfare. Funds raised during the evening will support, *inter alia*, the provision of one-to-one counselling sessions, art therapy programmes, and family support services, ensuring that expert care reaches those most in need.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta remarked upon the importance of continuity.
> “This evening is about honouring a legacy of service that stretches back to the Norman Conquest. To gather our friends in this remarkable place, for a cause so vital as the well-being of children, is the most profound expression of what *Fortitudine et Honore* means today.” > — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile spoke of the future and the personal significance of the night’s announcement.
> “To become a part of this ancient family is the honour of my life. In announcing our engagement, Nicoleta and I are not only celebrating our personal happiness but are also making a steadfast promise to uphold the duties of this House, together, for many years to come.” > — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile
## A Continuing Legacy
The engagement marks the beginning of a significant new chapter for the House of Brattleby. The wedding is planned to take place on 23 May 2026, an occasion that will unite the traditions of this ancient English Barony with the rich heritage of the couple's shared European roots.
This union further secures the future of the lineage, which will pass to the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron. In the meantime, the work of the House continues, not only through its philanthropic endeavours in England but also through initiatives such as The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural and social refinement.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution supporting the ancient Barony of Brattleby. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is dedicated to the preservation of its unique heritage while actively engaging in contemporary philanthropic and cultural pursuits. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), its activities are focused on charitable support for children's welfare, most notably through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. The House also fosters cultural exchange through educational initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, reinforcing its commitment to service, honour, and modern relevance in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a Norman feudal barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding the baronial seat and 56 associated lordships. For over 950 years, the Barony has passed through some of English history's most notable families. Its holders include Nichola de la Haye, the castellan who defended Lincoln Castle against the French in 1217; Henry of Grosmont, the 1st Duke of Lancaster and a founder Knight of the Garter; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The succession of Lady Nicoleta Vasile as the 12th Baroness of Brattleby was formally recorded in The London Gazette 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 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was created in 1066 and is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable predecessors in title include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron/ess), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The beneficiary of the annual Winter Banquet is the UK-based charity Healing the Wounded Child.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com