NationStates Jolt Archive

Calais, Tharra - (AP) His Most Faithful Majesty the King François III of Tharra issued a signed declaration today, formally ending over a decade of political isolation. For nearly thirteen years now, the government has been pursuing a general foreign policy of neutrality and separation in the field of international affairs. As many observers on the international scene are apt to point out: the king and his council have been seemed to be concerned only with reforming fiscal and economic policy in recent years, and this move has understandably come as a shock.
However, many also have expected the general turn in policy. Ever since last year, when the king dismissed his first minister, the duc de Clermont (currently imprisoned on charges of corruption and treason), and replaced him with the comte de Nevers, there has been talk of an end to the political and diplomatic isolation that the realm has thus far endured. Rumors continued to spread after the appointment of the bishop of Amiens as secretary of state (a known proponent of Tharra's involvement on the international scene). Now, it seems, such talk was not unfounded.
The king is planning to hold a state ball at the Palais de Vendôme to celebrate and invites all foreign leaders to send envoys to attend if they so wish. All ambassadors are warned, however, that Tharran court etiquette and ritual are strict, and are encouraged to consult the Lord Chamberlain's Department of the Royal Household before attending.

To: Kingdom of Tharra
From: Prince Ranakin, Kingdom of Lynion

Lynion sends its regards and hopes we can form some sort of relation. I would like to personally like to congulate King Paulus III for doing this and wonder how hard it went.

I would personally like to attend your ball your having. Is there anything I should know about?

To: Kingdom of Lynion
From: Bishop of Amiens, president of the Council of State of Tharra

His Majesty is greatly pleased to accept your congratulations and has asked me to inform you that it is his hope as well that relations between our two realms will foster and grow.
His Most Faithful Majesty also would like me to inform you that your ambassador is welcome to attend the royal ball. However, let me first instruct you as to the basics of Tharran court etiquette:
All those wishing to attend a court function are required to be first presented to the king, in the usual manner befitting an ambassador in this case. One may not speak to the king unless spoken to, and all are required to bow low or curtsy, doff their cap and refrain from turning their back to him. Those who are admitted to court are further informed that only black may be worn, with all other colors being prohibited by court protocol (though adornments in the form of medals, honors, precious stones and metals, and white embroidery are allowed). Further, the king's court is highly religious, and while the beliefs of foreign ambassadors are respected, be warned that the state religion of the kingdom is Roman Catholicism and His Majesty's court attends mass three times per day (four on Sundays).
Further, the king will dine in public with his queen every Friday evening, with all those receiving invitations allowed to view them do so.
I believe that these basics in court ritual should suffice for the time being. Any questions?

To: The Kingdom of Tharra
From: High Chancellor Scott RJ McBain, The Federated Republic of Dacara


The great nation of Dacara would like to congratulate Tharra in ending their political isolation. We would be honoured to be allowed the pleasure of attending the state ball. Our High Chancellor Scott McBain along with Vice Chancellor Chris Mawhinney and Secretary of State Sarah Starbuck would be honoured to attend.

We would much appreciate a formal document on the customs and rituals of Tharra from the "Lord Chamberlain's Department of the Royal Household".

Sincerely,

Jarrett Lewin
Under Secretary of State
Federal Department of State and Foreign Affairs.
The Federated Republic of Dacara

To: The Kingdom of Tharra
From: Prince Ranakin, Kingdom of Lynion

Thank you for the information. I would be personally attending the ball myself. Please tell the organiser's that I'll be coming along.

Thanks from Prince Ranakin.

To all those nations wishing to send ambassadors and envoys to the court of His Most Faithful Majesty, permanent or otherwise, and to those same nations whose representatives desire to know the formal rules of court etiquette and traditions,

Salve and greetings to all; His Most Faithful Majesty has asked me to compile the following list of rules, rituals and other traditions which deal with court etiquette and routine in Tharra. Hopefully this will be of use to you all, though if there are any questions, do not hesitate to send a telegram to the royal household office of Tharra, the Royal Office of the Chamber of His Majesty the King of Tharra.

1) First and foremost, no person may attend court unless they have been presented to His Majesty, period. To be presented, one must be able to prove both that they are of noble birth, and that their father and father's father have been likewise. However, all ambassadors and foreign emissaries and envoys, as well as clergy, are exempt from this rule and thus need not worry. Upon arrival the ambassador or envoy must establish themselves at their place of embassy (one will be set aside for them), and then notify the court of their arrival, after which they will receive an official invitation from the Chamber, and be presented to the king in his royal Presence Chamber, at the palace he is in current residence at. Women, unless they are ambassadors, are as a rule presented to the queen however, so an ambassador's wife may claim this special consideration if she wishes to attend a court function.

2) The royal palace is divided into public rooms, state apartments and private apartments. Public rooms are open to all and state rooms are open to all those granted the right of entry (which would include ambassadors, as a rule). Private apartments are off limits, unless a personal invitation has been received.

3) Only black may be worn at court, or else the person in question will be refused entry at the gates. No exceptions. Medals, honors and jewelry are all allowed, however, in all forms, as is embroidery (provided it is in white). Courtiers are required to wear a very anachronistic and outdated ensemble that is stiff, sober and very baroque, with varying degrees of adornment depending on rank and position, though ambassadors are exempt from this.

4) All must bow or curtsy to the king or queen when they pass (and remain so until they have taken their leave or are bidden to rise), and all are likewise required to briefly bow or curtsy to the royal throne if they happen to pass through the audience chamber, even if vacant. Hats must be removed in the king or queen's presence. Further, no one may speak or address the monarch unless spoken to or bidden to do so. During a formal audience, one is required to remain kneeling until bidden to rise as well, and must exit by walking backwards, so as not to turn one's back to the king or queen.

5) The court routine is based completely around the routine of His Majesty, and ceremony is rigid. The king rises at 7:00 A.M. each morning, and all those men invited to attend may watch him do so twice per week, during the weekly ceremony known as the "Lever." A similar ceremony will likewise be held twice per week to mark the formal putting to bed of His Majesty (known as the "Coucher"). Once per week, their Majesties, the king and queen, will also dine in public, and all invited to attend may watch them do so.

6) The court is highly religious. While the personal faiths of ambassadors are respected and they are allowed to practice their own faith in private according to the laws of their land at their own embassy, the realm of Tharra itself is Roman Catholic (that being the only legal faith in the realm). As a result, the court strictly attends mass thrice per day, with four times on Sundays. Ambassadors are free to attend or be absent as they so choose.

7) Lastly, at royal balls and presentations, clapping is not allowed.

I hope that these have been helpful. His Majesty personally asks me to say that he looks forward to the attendance of all who can be present. All ambassadors will be accorded a place of honor at the banquet following, and His Majesty has planned for several plays to also be preformed as well, in honor of his guests.

Signed,
Henri-Antoine, comte de Saint-Paul
Grand Chamberlain of Tharra

To: Henri-Antoine, comte de Saint-Paul, Grand Chamberlain of Tharra
From: Theodin, Price of Delkor, Speaker for the King
Subject: Royal Ball
Message:
I am Prince Theodin, brother to the High King, Tironus of Delkor. We are pleased to see yet another prowd monarchy emerge onto the international stage. Many years ago, during the reign of my Uncle, the former High King Tirus, Delkor itself entered the international comunity. We understand the challenges that you are now facing, and would welcome your friendship. I would be honored to attend the Royal Ball of your King. We have much to discuss. I therfor request an invitation and an audience with King François III.

Theodin, Prince of Imperial Delkor, Speaker for the King.