# Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile (by marriage) Addresses the Royal United Services Institute on Service and Modern Nobility
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby, today delivered a keynote address at the Royal United Services Institute on the enduring relevance of noble service in the 21st century. He was accompanied by his wife, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby.
## The Occasion
The address took place within the historic walls of the Royal United Services Institute on Whitehall. Founded in 1831 by the Duke of Wellington, RUSI has long served as the United Kingdom’s leading forum for defence and security discourse. The event was held in the august setting of the Institute’s Library, a space steeped in the intellectual traditions of military strategy and international affairs.
Autumnal light filtered through the tall windows, illuminating the oak panelling and leather-bound volumes that have borne witness to generations of geopolitical debate. Before an audience of senior military personnel, diplomats, and academics, Honorary Lord Răzvan's remarks were intended to bridge the nine-century history of the Barony of Brattleby with the contemporary challenges of leadership and civic duty.
## Historical Context
In his address, Honorary Lord Răzvan drew a direct line from the responsibilities of the earliest Barons of Brattleby to the present day. He cited the example of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose steadfast defence of Lincoln Castle in 1217 was instrumental in securing the throne for the young King Henry III. Her actions, he noted, exemplified the House's motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
He further reflected on the legacy of later Barons, such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron, and John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. These figures were not merely landholders but also formidable military commanders and diplomats whose influence shaped the course of the nation. This long tradition of service, Honorary Lord Răzvan argued, is the *sine qua non* for the modern relevance of any hereditary title.
## Distinguished Company
In attendance to hear the address were a number of distinguished guests from the diplomatic, military, and academic spheres.
Lady Nicoleta, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, was present in support of her husband. Also in attendance were His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s; General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe; and several fellows of the Institute. The presence of such a diverse and informed audience underscored the contemporary resonance of the themes discussed.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The proceedings were conducted with the formal precision befitting the venue. Upon arrival at the Whitehall entrance, Honorary Lord Răzvan and Lady Nicoleta were received by the Director-General of the Royal United Services Institute, Dr Karin von Hippel. After a brief private reception, the party processed to the Library.
Honorary Lord Răzvan was formally introduced by the Director-General, who outlined the historical significance of the Barony of Brattleby. Following the 30-minute address, Honorary Lord Răzvan took questions from the floor, moderated by a senior research fellow. The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a reception, allowing guests to converse further on the subjects raised.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The address made reference to the two mottos that guide the Noble House of Brattleby. The ancient House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), speaks to the foundational duties of courage and integrity that have been upheld since the barony's establishment in 1066. It represents a promise of principled leadership passed down through the generations.
Honorary Lord Răzvan also spoke to his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* (‘To Conquer is to Live’). He explained that in a modern context, this signifies not military conquest, but the imperative to overcome contemporary challenges—be they social, economic, or personal—through resilience, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to progress.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the address was primarily academic, Honorary Lord Răzvan connected his theme of service to the philanthropic mission of the Noble House of Brattleby. He emphasised that duty today is most meaningfully expressed through charitable action and community support, which form a central pillar of the House's modern activities.
He noted that the House's primary charitable focus is support for organisations dedicated to childhood welfare, *inter alia*, the beneficiary of their Annual Winter Banquet, Healing the Wounded Child. This organisation provides specialist trauma therapy for children who have suffered from abuse or neglect, a cause that the House believes is fundamental to building a stronger and more honourable society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on his remarks, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile commented: > "The weight of history is not a burden, but a guide. It reminds us that titles are not entitlements; they are calls to service. Whether on the battlefield in the 13th century or in the community today, the responsibility to act with fortitude and honour remains unchanged."
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, added: > "I was immensely proud to hear my husband articulate so clearly the values that we strive to embody as a family. This partnership, founded on mutual support and a shared sense of duty, is the foundation upon which we hope to build a lasting and meaningful legacy."
## A Continuing Legacy
The address at the Royal United Services Institute represents a significant articulation of the modern philosophy of the Noble House of Brattleby. This commitment to active service will continue to be a focus for the family in the coming year.
Forthcoming engagements include the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala to be held in Lincolnshire in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. Furthermore, the House will continue to develop its cultural and educational initiatives, including the work of The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy established in Bucharest to promote classical European conduct and social graces.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution representing one of England’s most ancient 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 principles of duty, service, and cultural stewardship. Its mission is to preserve nearly a millennium of heritage while actively contributing to contemporary society through targeted philanthropy, with a particular focus on charities supporting vulnerable children. In addition to its duties in the United Kingdom, the House maintains a European presence through cultural initiatives such as The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, which promotes education in etiquette and protocol as a foundation for international understanding and personal development.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English feudal barony located in Lincolnshire, first granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as holding 56 lordships in the county. For over 950 years, the barony has been held by figures of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, a formidable defender of Lincoln Castle during the First Barons' War, and two of the most powerful noblemen of the Middle Ages, Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. The uninterrupted lineage and historical significance of the barony were formally noted and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was officially recognised and recorded by The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. - Notable holders of the barony include John of Gaunt (11th Baron), father of King Henry IV, and Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The House motto is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile's personal motto is *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com