A delegation of Duckionary travelled to the micronation of Noseland to attend the birthday celebration of King Bruno of Noseland, which took place on 13 September 2024 at the Noseland Gallery (Schöftland, Switzerland) and was attended by around 25 guests. In the afternoon, the Minister for Sweat Lodges, Foreign Minister Anette de Tourneau, Archduke Arthur and two other Noselanders walked up to the actual territory of this micronation founded in 2009, where official photos were taken. Then the celebrations to mark the monarch's 60th birthday got into full swing. A small group of chefs conjured up a grand birthday dinner. Afterwards, Christian Balke presented the King of Noseland with a small booklet containing the history of two Wiki articles about this artful, witty micronation. Archduke Arthur and Consul Detlef Seydel also made a contribution. The Duckionary delegation also presented Bruno Schlatter with a lithograph with a nose motif and a medal each to King Bruno and Minister Christian. The King then put his feet on the floor. The festivities ended at around midnight and the two Duckassen said goodbye to the birthday boy and travelled in the Noseland state limousine to Zofingen, where they were able to enjoy the hospitality of Christian Balke.
King Bruno of Noseland (right) and Archduke Arthur (left) in the Noseland Gallery
On the weekend of 21 September 2024, the Godet d'Or Princely Gala took place in the Principauté d'Aigues-Mortes, at which over ten micronations from the USA and Europe were represented. Even before the official ball, there was a varied supporting programme. On 19 September 2024, Bernhard de Tourneau, Jean Pierre Quatre, Grey Flannel and Carolyn Shelby met for a cosy dinner in a restaurant in the city.
By the evening of 20 September, almost all the delegates had arrived and another dinner among friends was organised. On the morning of 21 September, a joint excursion with Zar Antonov, Nicholas van Flandrensis, ‘Saltan’ Randy Williams and Bernhard de Tourneau to the famous salt pans of Aigues-Mortes was on the agenda. There they had the opportunity to marvel at the shimmering pink water, flamingos and the impressive salt mountains. After a final informal lunch and a secret meeting, everyone prepared for the grand princely ball.
The first guests began to arrive at 7pm and, after showing their tickets, were announced by a herald in the courtyard of the Hôtel Saint Louis with their full titles by the princely guards. The red carpet then continued to the Princely Family of Aigues-Mortes, who received each participant according to protocol and took a photo together. Petit fours and champagne were then served. In the inner courtyard, Clare Butterfield-Elsey sang the song ‘La Coupo Santo’ accompanied by Johann Soustrot on the violin. This was followed by a flamenco dance interlude by Mylène Ferrero and her daughter. Later, Prince Jean Pierre Quatre gave a short welcoming speech. Several people were inducted into the Grand Princely Order of the Pink Flamingo before the dinner began. An exquisite three-course meal was served with the Principality's excellent wines.
The princely family of Aigues-Mortes with Archduke Arthur
The dinner was followed by the first presentation of the Golden Flamingo Award, created by Princess Olivia-Eugénie. An international jury of 13 members nominated various nations, with three prizes being awarded for ‘Micronation of the Year’, ‘Most Creative Micronation’ and ‘Most Promising Micronation’. There was great excitement when it was announced that Duckionary received the award for ‘Most Promising Micronation’, while Sultan Randy Williams from the Republic of Slowjamastan won the other two awards. A special moment for all involved!
Sultan Randy and Archduke Arthur with the Golden Flamingo Awards
The princely couple then opened the dance floor with a Viennese waltz. More dancing followed, while some participants lingered in the courtyard, taking photos and savouring the fine wines of the Principality until the early hours of the morning.
A big thank you to Grey Flannel, Jean Pierre Quatre, the Princely Guard, all the artistic contributors, the Court of the Princely House of Aigues-Mortes and the friendly staff of the Hôtel Saint Louis. We are looking forward to the next edition of this unique ball!