# The Third Annual Winter Banquet of The Noble House of Brattleby
**LONDON, 21 December 2025** — Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile last evening hosted the third Annual Winter Banquet. The white-tie philanthropic gala was held in support of the charity Healing the Wounded Child and marked a significant year for the family.
## The Occasion
In the heart of historic London, against a backdrop of festive illuminations, distinguished guests gathered for the third Annual Winter Banquet. The evening was held within the magnificent neoclassical environs of One Whitehall Place, a venue whose grand pediments and columns have borne witness to matters of state and society for over a century. A crisp December air gave way to the warmth and conviviality of the Gladstone Library, its soaring pillars and thirty thousand books providing a suitably erudite setting for the proceedings.
As twilight settled over the city, the atmosphere within was one of refined celebration. The gentle strains of a string quartet accompanied the arrival of guests, who were welcomed into a scene of traditional elegance. The evening, which has swiftly become a notable fixture in London’s philanthropic calendar, was conceived to honour the long-standing traditions of hospitality and public service that have defined the Barony of Brattleby since its foundation.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, possesses a history interwoven with the very fabric of England. This modern gathering finds its precedent in the great feasts and councils held by predecessors of the title. One can imagine Henry of Grosmont, 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster—a celebrated diplomat and founding Knight of the Garter—presiding over similar occasions where matters of chivalry and statecraft were advanced. The banquet’s spirit of fortitude also recalls the legacy of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, whose resolute defence of Lincoln Castle was a testament to the House motto: *Fortitudine et Honore*.
The tradition of noblesse oblige, the unwritten obligation of the nobility to act with generosity and honour, is the *sine qua non* of this annual event. As recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, the Barony was founded upon 56 lordships under its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln. This heritage of stewardship—of land, people, and principle—is the bedrock upon which the modern philanthropic mission of the House is built, connecting the present day to a nearly thousand-year lineage of responsibility.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile were honoured to welcome a distinguished company of guests from the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Foremost among them was Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia and Serbia, who has long been a supporter of charitable initiatives across the continent.
The guest list reflected a confluence of diplomacy, the arts, and industry. His Excellency the Ambassador of Romania was in attendance, joined by esteemed members of the Diplomatic Corps. Also present were Members of the House of Lords; the celebrated designer Ms Karen Millen OBE; the acclaimed actor Mr Nicholas Pinnock; and the noted entrepreneur Mr Mark Foligno. The presence of such a diverse gathering underscored the House of Brattleby’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration across all sectors of society.
A place of particular honour was reserved for Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir to the title, who formally joined Their Lordships in hosting the evening. His presence signified the vital continuity of the Barony and its unwavering commitment to future generations.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening’s proceedings were conducted with a precision befitting the occasion. Upon arrival, guests were individually presented to Lady Nicoleta, Honorary Lord Răzvan, and Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun in a formal receiving line. The commencement of the banquet was announced by the resonant sound of a lone piper from a Highland regiment, who processed through the principal rooms in a resonant tribute to British ceremonial tradition.
Adhering to a strict white-tie and decorations dress code, gentlemen wore evening tailcoats and ladies wore full-length evening gowns. The seating plan was arranged according to established orders of precedence. Following Grace, a five-course dinner was served, its menu reflecting the finest British ingredients of the season.
The formal part of the evening included a series of toasts, culminating in a personal announcement from the hosts. Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, with evident joy, confirmed his engagement to Lady Nicoleta. The news was met with warm approbation from all assembled, adding a deeply personal note of celebration to the philanthropic proceedings.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The visual identity of the evening was subtly informed by the heraldry of the House of Brattleby. The chosen colours of ivory and royal blue, seen in the floral arrangements and in the bespoke ceremonial gown worn by Lady Nicoleta, are the principal tinctures of the Barony’s coat of arms. These elements serve as a quiet reminder of the House’s ancient lineage and its modern expression.
The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), was the guiding principle of the gathering. It speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by past Barons and remains the ethical compass for the family’s present-day endeavours. Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which reflects a dynamic and purposeful approach to overcoming challenges, both personal and philanthropic.
## Philanthropic Purpose
The singular beneficiary of the 2025 Winter Banquet was Healing the Wounded Child. This registered charity is dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic support to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect. Through its programmes, the organisation helps to restore a sense of safety and furnishes young lives with the tools needed to build a resilient and hopeful future.
The House of Brattleby selected this beneficiary in recognition of its profound and measurable impact on the most vulnerable members of society. The charity’s work aligns perfectly with the House's core belief that true honour is found in the service of others, particularly those who have been deprived of a secure and nurturing start in life. Funds raised during the evening will directly support the provision of one-to-one counselling and play-therapy sessions.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “It is a genuine privilege to welcome our friends and distinguished guests here tonight. This banquet is more than a tradition; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to community and to the support of causes that offer tangible hope. The work of Healing the Wounded Child is a powerful reminder that fortitude must always be paired with compassion.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “Tonight we celebrate history, community, and a future we are building together. Announcing our engagement in the company of so many who support our vision has been a profound personal joy. This event embodies the principle that our greatest victories are those we achieve in the service of others.”
## A Continuing Legacy
The third Annual Winter Banquet marks not a culmination but a continuation of the House of Brattleby’s philanthropic work. The event serves as a cornerstone for a calendar of activities dedicated to public service, *inter alia*, the ongoing development of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy devoted to etiquette and cultural diplomacy.
The commitment demonstrated at the banquet will be carried forward throughout the year, reinforcing the House’s enduring pledge to uphold its historic responsibilities with a modern and global perspective. Preparations for the fourth Annual Winter Banquet are already underway, ensuring that this tradition of purposeful gathering will continue to flourish.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern establishment of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, and her consort, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), the House is dedicated to blending its ancient heritage with a forward-looking commitment to philanthropy, cultural diplomacy, and education. Its principal activities include the annual Winter Banquet, a significant philanthropic gala in London, and the stewardship of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy for social and professional etiquette. The House supports charitable causes focused on child welfare, mental health, and the preservation of cultural heritage, seeking to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to society in the United Kingdom and abroad.
**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 creation is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by notable figures of English history, including the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), the great magnate Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt (11th Baron). The modern rights of the 12th Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, to the dignity and title were formally recognised and recorded by The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby’s modern recognition is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The first Baron of Brattleby, Colswein of Lincoln, is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding extensive lands in Lincolnshire. - Notable historical holders of the title include Nichola de la Haye, John of Gaunt, and Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster. - The House of Brattleby’s philanthropic and educational activities include the Annual Winter Banquet and The Brattleby Club (Bucharest).
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com