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PROTOCOL MANUAL Revised: 06/26/2009
I. ORIGINS A. Definition of protocol B. Purpose of this document
II. COLLEGE OF MONARCHS A. Purpose of the College of Monarchs B. Roles of the College of Monarchs C. Admission into the College of Monarchs D. Governing of College meetings
III. TITLE FORMATS A. Permanent titles and non-permanent titles B. Award titles C. House names and Court names
IV. RANKING OF PROTOCOL A. Ranking of permanent titles B. Ranking of non-permanent and award titles C. Correct usage and ranking of prefatory initials
V. PRESENTATION OF PROTOCOL A. Coronations B. State Functions C. Other events and performances D. “Out and about” E. Responsibilities / courtesies of title holders F. Anniversaries
VI. EXPECTATIONS OF REIGNING MONARCHS A. Correspondence B. Proclamations C. Expected Behavior D. Apparel
VII. MISCELLANEOUS A. Line of succession / heir-apparent B. Miscellaneous terms, including “Regent,” “1/2,” and “Emeritus,” among others C. Dynastic names and Royal Orders D. Assigning a number
ARTICLE I: ORIGINS OF PROTOCOL
A. Definition. Protocol, according to Webster’s New Riverside Dictionary, is a noun that is defined as “a code of ceremony and etiquette followed by diplomats, heads of state, and the military.”
B. Purpose of this document. The purpose of this document is to provide reigning monarchs and Imperial Family with the necessary tools of protocol as it relates to the International Court System. The protocol materials contained herein are based on tradition, experience, history, and common sense as it relates or has related to the Imperial Sovereign Queen City Court of the Buckeye Empire, Inc., All of Ohio. Other courts may find the information contained herein to be useful, but it is not intended as a dictum of how a Court should operate in this arena.
Any group requesting barony status from the ISQCCBE, Inc., All of Ohio, shall be required to follow this document as well as the organization’s by-laws. ARTICLE II: THE COLLEGE OF MONARCHS
A.
Definition of the College of Monarchs.
The College of Monarchs of the Imperial Sovereign Queen City Court
of the Buckeye Empire, Inc., All of Ohio,
is comprised only of those past Emperors and Empresses elected into
the College.
Certain rights and privileges are afforded to the individuals that comprise the College of Monarchs; as previously publicly elected Emperors and Empresses of the organization (in most cases), they have demonstrated their commitment to the Cincinnati Court and to the causes for which it stands. Their success continues to lay the strong foundation on which the Court stands, as their experience in these roles is unmatchable and valuable to the present and to the future.
B. Roles of the College of Monarchs. The responsibilities of the College of Monarchs’ include but are not limited to coordinating and executing Coronation with Board of Directors, guiding and supporting the Reigning Monarchs, writing and updating of the Court’s history annually, maintenance of the Court’s storage of property and archiving system, items relating to protocol (including this manual), and other duties as described in the current by-laws. C. Conditions for Admission to the College of Monarchs.
1. One does not become a member of the College of Monarchs
automatically upon his/her step down. Entrance into the College
is required based upon
a. Petition for Appeal. In the event the vote denies entrance to the College of Monarchs, the Emperor/Empress denied shall have the right to appeal the decision. If an appeal is requested by the Emperor/Empress in question, said appeal must be filed no later than the next general Board of Director’s meeting following the meeting in which the vote results are announced. Failure to do so will render the College’s decision final.
If, however, the appeal is presented in the prescribed manner and on time, then the College shall schedule a meeting to determine the facts of the denial of entry to the College. The meeting of the College shall be scheduled to allow the individual to present his/her rebuttal in person to the College. Examples and/or evidence of misconduct shall be presented at that meeting. If the person fails to appear in person the matter is closed and the College decision shall stand. If the individual does appear to present his/her case the College will then decide the issue by a re-vote of the College members in attendance. The re-vote will decide to 1) reverse the original decision and allow admission to the College of Monarchs: 2) vote for a probationary period or 3) let stand the original vote and deny admission to the College. If after the appeal vote is done and admission is denied, the person who filed the appeal has the right to request in writing the reason for denial.
b. Probationary Period. The probationary period will last approximately one year from the time of the decision to the annual College of Monarchs admissions meeting which occurs each year after the coronation step downs and before investitures. Violation(s) of any Court by-laws and/or protocol listed and unlisted during the probationary period, as decided by the College, shall cause the immediate dismissal of the appeal and probation. The College members in attendance will consider the process closed and their previous decision final. A list of some of the violations of probation includes, but is not limited to:
i) Violations of the purposes and principles of the Organization set forth by its’ Protocol and By-Laws Manuals.
ii) Conduct which brings discredit on the Organization
iii) Misrepresentation of the Organization and/or its’ purposes and principles
iv) Insubordination within the framework of the Court
v) Creation of dissention within the membership
vi) Unethical use of the property, tangible and intangible, of the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E. Example: Improper use of title(s); unauthorized use of mailing list(s); Unauthorized contact with the Organization’s charities and/or sponsors.
vii) Misappropriation of funds.
At the end of the
probationary year the College shall discuss the probated Monarch at
the annual meeting and review his/her record. At the end of the
probated period the College members
2. Conditions for Removal from the College of Monarchs. It must be noted that the College of Monarchs reserves the right to protect itself and its integrity and may refuse or revoke entrance to the College if an individual has committed gross infractions, conducted illegal activities or has otherwise committed heinous acts which could reflect poorly on the College or the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E. or, in any way, jeopardize the standing of the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E. as a 501(c)3 entity.
Any member of the College of Monarchs may petition the College for the removal of another college member for cause. Cause may be defined as, but not limited to:
a. Violations of the purposes and principles of the Organization set forth by its’ Protocol and By-Laws Manuals.
b. Conduct which brings discredit on the Organization
c. Misrepresentation of the Organization and/or its’ purposes and principles
d. Insubordination within the framework of the Court
e. Creation of dissention within the membership
f. Unethical use of the property, tangible and intangible, of the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E. Example: Improper use of title(s); unauthorized use of mailing list(s); unauthorized contact with the Organization’s charities and/or sponsors.
g. Misappropriation of funds.
The member requesting the removal of a College member must present his/her petition in writing to the college rep. The petition must include the reason(s) for the request for removal. The College of Monarchs will then call a meeting to hear arguments from the petitioner(s) and the accused monarch. The accused monarch shall present his/her case in person. Agents and/or emissaries will not be accepted. After hearing arguments from both sides the College members in attendance shall vote with the college rep abstaining. In the event of a tie there shall be a re-vote with the college rep voting to break the tie.
The vote or re-vote will decide to 1) find no evidence of wrong-doing and dismiss all charges or 2) find evidence of inappropriate activity on the part of the accused, but not of a nature severe enough to warrant removal from the College and shall impose a probationary period or 3) find the charge(s) well founded and deserving of removal from the College of Monarchs (Suspension).
Each vote (case) shall be decided on its own merits, i.e;
The College of Monarchs retains the right to establish the term (length of time) the college member in question is to be placed on probation or suspension. Said term may range from three months to one year. At the conclusion of the term of probation or suspension a vote shall be taken by the college members in attendance with the college rep abstaining. In the event of a tie the college rep shall cast the deciding vote. The results of this vote shall decide; 1) that the terms and/or conditions of the probationary or suspension period have been met and all sanctions shall be lifted and the college member shall be granted all rights and privileges of the College of Monarchs, or 2) there have been continued violations during the probationary or suspension period to warrant a) continuation of the sanctions in place or b) that the violations are of a nature that warrants the escalation of the member’s status to a more severe category or 3) find that during the probationary or suspension period the college member in question has committed acts and/or presented himself/herself in a manner which clearly demonstrates his/her lack of respect for or interest in the principles, purpose and/or mission of the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E. Such a finding shall result in permanent suspension from the College of Monarchs. This vote of the College of Monarchs is FINAL and MAY NOT BE APPEALED.
3. Definitions and Terms
a. Probation:
Rights and privileges of the Monarch in question shall remain in tact. The monarch shall have the right to use his/her title(s), walk at in or out of town functions and perform using their imperial title.
A monarch on probation during his/her Dowager year may or may not be permitted their Anniversary Walk. A meeting of the College shall be called to discuss the severity of the offense(s) which led to the probation. A vote of the College members in attendance shall be taken with the college rep abstaining. In the event of a tie vote the college rep shall vote to break the tie. The result of this vote will determine whether or not the probated monarch is permitted his/her Anniversary Walk. This vote may not be appealed.
Any infraction of the rules and regulations of the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E and/or the College of Monarchs which occur during the probationary period will result in immediate suspension
b. Suspension:
All rights and privileges of the Emperor or Empress in question are suspended. The monarch shall not vote in the College of Monarchs, walk in any In or Out of Town coronation or show and SHALL NOT use any titles which have been given to him/her by the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to using Imperial and/or Permanent titles for Court sanctioned and non-supported events. Suspension of a monarch shall be reported to the International Court System (I.C.S.) and to the member courts thereof.
c. Termination:
Should a future vote of the membership of the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E. result in the termination of the membership of the suspended monarch (see By-Laws for Termination of Membership) the following actions shall be immediate and irrevocable:
i.) All permanent titles of the terminated monarch shall be removed from records of the Permanent Title Holders of the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E.
ii.) The terminated monarch’s name and number shall read: “VACANT”
iii) Proclamations issued by the terminated monarch shall be referred to the College of Monarchs for review and possible revocation.
iv) PERMANENT TITLES ISSUED BY THE TERMINATED MONARCH SHALL NOT BE AFFECTED. Those titles have been earned and shall not be in jeopardy for other than personal wrong-doing.
D. Governing of College Meetings. The College of Monarchs shall hold scheduled meetings open to the public with voting rights only to members within the College in good standing. These meetings shall be presided over by the Chair of the College, who is the most senior member of the College who wishes to take the responsibility and voted on by the remaining Members of the College either in attendance, by email or other mode of communication. The College Rep must be a current dues-paying member of the organization in good standing, and who resides within the Realm as described in the By-Laws. (This position is offered in this manner: Emperor I, Empress I, Emperor II, Empress II, etc.) The primary responsibility of the Chair is that of organization, including (but not limited to) recording of minutes, serving as parliamentarian, and preparing an agenda. The term for this position is 2 years with a term limit of 2 terms.
ARTICLE III: TITLE FORMATSA. Permanent and Non-permanent titles.
1. Definitions - A permanent title is one that is granted to an individual for the lifetime of that person. Any person elected or appointed to a monarchical position receives that title permanently upon his step-down. He/She carries that title forever and may use it at any time, so long as its use does not violate the purposes of the Court.
- A non-permanent title is one that is granted to an individual for the length of the reign of the bestower. It expires upon the step-down of the Emperor and Empress who gave the title, and the individual may not use it from that point. 2. Privileges of reigning monarchs relating to titles include the following: a) Establish and bestow any non-permanent title to any individual. If needed, this privilege extends to the revoking of said title. b) Appointment of an Imperial Crown Prince/Princess, which, by previous royal proclamation, becomes a permanent title upon the holder’s step-down. c) Granting of one additional permanent title (other than ICP) to any individual at his step-down.
B. Award Titles. Award titles Protocol regarding award titles takes into consideration that the title recipient has in some way demonstrated talent or fund raising abilities. Even though these titles are not permanent, they enjoy a unique privilege. Generally, the award title is added at the end of the individual’s regular protocol during the year that the award title is current. It is not used after that, except for a presentation at the event where it was originally earned. For example, at each Miss Queen City contest, all past Miss Queen City winners are announced with their year at the end to be on stage for the crowning of the new Miss Queen City, other permanent or non-permanent titles are not read during this time. C. House Names / Court Names. Each set of reigning monarchs will preside over their “Court” for the duration of their term. That reign may name their “court” and their “house,” and both titles, if used, should reflect the personality and/or tone of the reign. ARTICLE IV: RANKING OF PROTOCOL A. Ranking of Permanent Titles. Ranking of permanent titles is somewhat complex.
While various Courts have different methods of ranking, the order that is used for the ISQCCBE is as follows:
1) Empress and/or Emperor, by descending numerical order 2) Imperial Crown Princess and/or Imperial Crown Prince, by descending numerical order 3) Permanent titles (non-ICP) granted from the most recent reign that completed, generally with ladies ranking above gentlemen 4) Permanent titles (non-ICP) granted from the most recent reign prior to above, generally with ladies ranking above gentlemen; this continues until all permanent titles granted during all reigns are ranked. 5) DOBE permanent title granted from the most recent reign that completed 6) DOBE permanent title granted from the most recent reign prior to above; this continues until all DOBE titles granted during all reigns are ranked. In cases where an
individual holds more than one permanent title, the higher title
determines the rank. In cases of elected monarchs who then later serve as regent monarchs, the “elected” year outranks the “regent” year, once the regent year has completed. B. Ranking of Non-Permanent Titles. -Award titles are ranked by their title and descending year (starting with the current year). However, if an individual is using an award title in conjunction with a permanent or non-permanent title, the rank order of those titles takes precedence. -Non-permanent titles have generally been left up to the discretion of the reigning monarchs, but the International Court System was based (loosely) on British royalty. H.I.M. Empress XXI of San Diego, Nicole the Great, has provided “Gay Royalty - Rank of the Nobility,” which is as follows: 1) Emperor and Empress 2) King Father and Queen Mother 3) Prince Royale and Princess Royale 4) Crown Prince and Crown Princess 5) Imperial Prince and Imperial Princess 6) Prince and Princess 7) Grand Duke and Grand Duchess 8) Duke and Duchess 9) Baron and Baroness 10) Count and Countess 11) Viscount and Viscountess 12) Marquis and Marchioness 13) Lord and Lady
Note: Cincinnati does not The following is the rankings of Nobility used by the ISQCCBE: 1) Emperor and Empress 2) Imperial Crown Prince and Imperial Crown Princess 3) King Father and Queen Mother 4) Prince Royal and Princess Royal 4a) Miscellaneous members of the Royal Family 5) Prince and Princess 6) Grand Duke and Grand Duchess 7) Duke and Duchess 7a) All Royal Orders 8) Baron and Baroness 9) Count and Countess 10) Viscount and Viscountess 11) Marquis and Marchioness 12) Lord and Lady Heir Apparent is not a stand-alone rank; for further explanation see Article VII.
The ranks as presented above describe the titular ranks that monarchs of the Buckeye Empire use when naming their Court. This section addresses the ranking and walk order of permanent titles, to which only Emperor/Empress and Imperial Crown Prince / Imperial Crown Princess from the titular ranks belong. While various Courts have different methods of ranking, the ranking order that is used for the ISQCCBE is as follows:
1) Empress and Emperor, by descending numerical order. Ranking for monarchs who have served more than one reign is contingent upon if he/she was elected or appointed (regent): · In cases where a monarch was elected to a monarchical position for different reigns, the higher number is the higher rank. o In cases where a monarch later served in the capacity of regent monarch, the elected number is of higher rank than the regent number. Both monarchical titles are part of the individual’s standard protocol.
· In cases of an heir-apparent who has not previously been a monarch AND ascends the throne as regent (never elected), his monarchical title is ranked by his number. (For more on heir apparent, see Article VII). Concurrent with a proclamation issued by Nicole the Great, the word “regent” is dropped from that person’s protocol upon his step-down: “From this day forth (April 16, 2008), the title of Regent will be officially used ONLY when the Reigning Monarch is appointed as opposed to being elected by the people and ONLY during the time of this appointed reign. After the year has been completed successfully, they will have earned the title of “Emperor” or “Empress”. Having fulfilled their obligation, they should be awarded their number or symbol, whichever is appropriate for their Kingdom, and will no longer be identified as “Regent” in either their title or official protocol.” 2) Imperial Crown Princess and/or Imperial Crown Prince, by descending numerical order 3) Permanent titles granted from the most recent reign, generally with ladies ranking above gentlemen, irrespective of any titular rank included in such title. Custom and tradition encourage the word “Ultima” to be included in such titles. 4) Permanent titles granted from past reigns, beginning with the most recent reign and descending through the reigns, continuing until all permanent titles granted during all reigns are ranked. In general, ladies rank above gentlemen, irrespective of any titular rank included in such title. 5) Distinguished Order of the Buckeye Empire (DOBE) permanent title granted from the most recent reign. 6) Distinguished Order of the Buckeye Empire (DOBE) permanent titles granted from past reigns, beginning with the most recent reign and descending through the reigns, until all DOBE titles granted during all reigns are ranked. In cases where an individual holds more than one permanent title, the higher title determines the rank, and the individual will walk once with his highest title. Ranked title lists are commonly printed in each year’s Coronation program, and are available through a link on the ISQCCBE website, showing highest titles among those individuals with more than one permanent title. This practice is to be continued indefinitely. C. Walk Order Walk order is determined by reversing the ranks of titles: the lowest titles walk first, with non-permanent titles first, then DOBEs, permanent titles, ICPs (in ascending numerical order) and monarchs (in ascending numerical order, noting regent considerations above). An individual with a permanent title from another recognized Court who has moved to our area and has joined our Court, but who does not hold a permanent title with our Court, is to walk once with his highest title, even if it means being represented with a Court to which one is no longer affiliated. D. Ranking of Award Titles. 1. Award titles are ranked by their title and descending year (starting with the current year). However, if an individual appends his permanent or non-permanent title with his award title, then the rank order of the permanent or non-permanent title determines their walk order. Award titles are non-permanent and are not officially recognized titular ranks; therefore, stand-alone award titles have no rank, and thus, no walk. 2. Non-permanent titles are to follow the order as listed above in Article IV Section B. E. Correct Usage and Ranking of Prefatory Initials.
The following addresses the correct order, ranking, and usage of prefatory initials, starting with the highest: 1) “HMISM” for “His (Her) Most Imperial and Sovereign Majesty” - this addresses a reigning Emperor or a reigning Empress. “TMISM” can also be used as follows: “Their Most Imperial and Sovereign Majesties, Emperor 16, Bobby Kettenacker, and Empress 16, Brooklyn Steele-Tate.” 2) “HISM” for “His (Her) Imperial and Serene Majesty” – this addresses any monarch who has completed his double-decade (20-year anniversary), and “Serene” remains within that title permanently. This does not alter ranking or walk order. 3) “HIGM” for “His (Her) Imperial and Gracious Majesty” - this addresses either the immediate past-reigning Emperor or Empress or an Emperor or Empress celebrating a decade anniversary walk at the next Coronation. For decade anniversary monarchs, however, this does not alter ranking or walk order. 4) “HIM” for “His (Her) Imperial Majesty” - this addresses any past monarch. “TIM” may also be used when introducing the monarchical couple together.
5) “HMISH” for “His (Her) Most Imperial and Sovereign Highness” - this addresses the reigning Imperial Crown Prince/Princess, as appointed by the reigning monarchs. “TMISH” may also be used, when introducing the reigning ICPs together.
6) “HIH” for “His (Her) Imperial Highness” - this addresses any past Imperial Crown Prince / Imperial Crown Princess. “TIH” may also be used. F. Walking with One’s Titles When representing the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E., whether in town or out of town, titled members walk once with their highest title or with an abbreviated version of that highest title. The exception to this is for out of realm monarchs who also have a permanent title with the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E.: at I.S.Q.C.C.B.E. functions, these individuals still walk once with their own highest title, but the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E. title is also included. Examples: Brother Ultima to the House of Saints, H.I.M., Emperor 6 of Toronto, Bob Toane, a/k/a Thelma Toronto. (H.V.M.,) Empress Emeritus 1 of the Buckeye Empire, H.I.M., Empress 4 of Buffalo, Chevon Davis.
ARTICLE V: PRESENTATION OF PROTOCOL
A. Coronations. Protocol presentation at Coronations means that an individual’s title is read, and as it is read, he/she walks the runway to the monarchs on stage. It is expected and understood that any monarch of a recognized Court will walk when in attendance at the Coronation ceremony of another recognized Court. The monarchs who are stepping down at a Coronation ceremony have a unique tool at their disposal: the runway. The length that one walks down the runway to greet someone corresponds directly to the level of respect for that person. Similarly, a lack of respect may be shown by merely remaining seated. If asked by a monarch at any coronation ceremony to be a guest to the dais, one does not refuse. Guests of the dais generally should rise whenever their hosts rise, and be seated whenever their hosts are seated, though the hosts will many times beg, “Oh, no, don’t bother getting up - be comfortable!” Guests of the dais do not use the runway as a means of greeting someone held in high revere, but a lack of respect may be shown by merely remaining seated. Guests should not leave the dais until excused.
B. Walk Order of Courts at Coronation By Royal Proclamation of H.I.M. Nicole the Great, on June 16, 2008:
“In a long-due recognition that our organization is an international one that has chapters in three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States, I proclaim on this day that The Court of Vancouver, British Columbia, being the first court to be established in the great nation of Canada, will be given the permanent honor of always being the second court to be presented at all coronations and official ICS events.
“I also proclaim that the Court of Baja, Mexico will be the third court to be announced at all coronations and ICS events in honor of that court being the first court in Mexico.
“My proclamation honoring The Court of San Francisco as the Mother and Founding Court of the International Court System, and thus always the first court introduced at all coronations and ICS events, stands.”
Order of Court Walks at Coronation, is thus as follows: 1. San Francisco 2. Vancouver (British Columbia) 3. Baja, Mexico 4. Toronto (Our Mother Court)
C. State Functions. A state function is one in which all monarchs are expected to dress in full regalia. State functions will also include formal protocol and a College and reigning monarch walk, if deemed necessary. At this time, Cincinnati’s present practice is four state functions: Coronation ceremonies, Investitures, Miss Queen City Pageant and The Glammy's. Other state functions may be added or deleted, if approved by the College of Monarchs. These requests may be initiated by any College member or by a reigning monarch.
D. Other Events and Performances. Any time a reigning monarch is present, he should be announced, preferably with his full title, but at least with the bare minimum of “HMISM, Emperor/Empress (number), {name}.” Informal announcements highlighting other prominent titleholders are encouraged, and the individual named may merely smile and wave.
E. “Out and About”. One duty of the reigning monarchs is to be visible to Cincinnati’s community that elected them. Therefore, to connect with the community, the reigning monarchs, both individually and as a couple, should embark upon as many informal “out and about” appearances that can possibly be mustered. These are independent of functions and events and certainly do not have to be in regalia.
F. Responsibilities and Courtesies of Title Holders. It is expected that any Court member in attendance at any Coronation will walk with his title. Anyone not holding a title of “Emperor” or “Empress” from a recognized Court is expected to bow or curtsy before the monarchs on stage.
G. Anniversary Celebrations By royal proclamation from the House of Diamonds, anniversary celebrations are conducted only in decade increments and are measured from the individual’s step-down. Therefore, Cincinnati’s first decade anniversary celebration was at Coronation XII (12), honoring and commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the step-down of the House of Saints (H.I.M. Empress I Angela St. James and in memory of H.I.M. Emperor I Billy Bolyard). Cincinnati’s first double-decade anniversary celebration will be at Coronation XXII (22).
ARTICLE VI: EXPECTATIONS OF THE EMPEROR & EMPRESS A. Correspondence Written correspondence to indicate gratitude and thanks, or to acknowledge sympathies, rites of passage or other events, is encouraged from reigning monarchs. It is not necessary to be too fastidious with this, but neither should people’s or organizations’ efforts for the good of the Court be ignored, either. Hand-written notes should be on 4" x 6" cards with the individual’s name embossed on the face of the card; such embossment is to be styled in one of two ways: (1) Emperor XVII Mike Burke; or (2) H.I.M. Emperor XVII Mike Burke. Notice the use of prefatory initials, and not the words associated to those initials. Also, prefatory initials are restricted to H.I.M., even if one is a reigning monarch. Monarchs who have passed their double-decade may have such correspondence titled as “H.I.S.M.”
Under no circumstances are any type of pre-printed cards (e.g., with “thank you” or “with deepest sympathy” already on them) to be used as official or unofficial correspondence from monarchs, past or present. If you cannot take the time to write out these words yourself, then you are missing the entire point of just how special such correspondence can be to the recipient.
Typewritten notes should be on unique 8 1/2" x 11" paper of a relatively thick caliper and linen count, preferably of a soft color such as cream or light gray, that also has the individual’s seal watermarked on it. These notes should be enclosed in envelopes that match the paper.
A simple rule of etiquette mandates that if someone goes out of their way for you, you should acknowledge that: if someone goes to the trouble to buy you a gift and give it to you at your step-down, you should then take the time to write a thank-you note. If an organization or individual goes to the trouble of assisting you with a major fund raising event, and/or provides continuous opportunities for your reign, then you can take the trouble to write a letter or note acknowledging that. Such correspondence is sent via the United States Postal Service to the recipient’s home or business address.
E-mail correspondence is a marginally acceptable substitution for any of this. It is expected that both of the reigning monarchs will each write a letter to the general membership in each publication of the organization’s newsletter. B. Proclamations Any royal proclamations must be approved by the College of Monarchs before being announced and taking effect. The following are eligible for submitting two (2) proclamation during a reign: · Reigning Emperor (on or before the night of step-down) · Reigning Empress (on or before the night of step-down) C. Conditions for Admission to and Removal from the College of Monarchs Monarchs are expected to behave in a manner that dignifies themselves as well as the Court while demonstrating and having fun with this game and while conducting business. Inappropriate behavior will be dealt with on an individual basis by the College of Monarchs and/or the Board of Directors. It must be noted that the College of Monarchs reserves the right to protect itself and its integrity and may refuse or revoke entrance to the College if an individual has committed gross infractions, conducted illegal activities or has otherwise committed heinous acts which could reflect poorly on the College or the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E. or, in any way, jeopardize the standing of the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E. as a 501(c)3 entity (See also as described in by-laws Article III; purposes/functions and Article IV; election of monarchs).
D. Apparel Each monarch should choose appropriate apparel to identify himself/herself at official functions. Crowns and/or crown pins should be displayed as frequently as possible during the year of the reign. Reigning monarchs must look like “monarchs” at official state functions. A member of the College of Monarchs may appear in any tasteful apparel and be announced with his appropriate royal title. This herein ends the debate about past Empresses not being permitted to walk at state functions unless in face. This also applies to past Emperors who do not wish to wear crowns or regalia. In other words, the view is this: once you step down, you have completed your year, and can wear anything (tasteful) you want.
ARTICLE VII: MISCELLANEOUS
A. Line of Succession / Heir Apparent The Court believes that anyone elected to a monarchical position will serve his term to the best of their abilities until its natural completion. However, cases may arise where this does not happen, either due to death, resignation, debility or impeachment. The line of succession and heir-apparent concepts are used for this purpose.
An heir apparent is the one individual named by a reigning monarch to serve as his immediate successor in the event of that monarch’s death, resignation, or impeachment. An heir apparent can be a monarch’s reigning Imperial Crown Prince / Imperial Crown Princess, or any member of the College of Monarchs, and must be approved by the College of Monarchs. The position of heir apparent is fully ethical and will not be used in an unethical or underhanded manner in order to elevate an individual to a position of monarch. An heir apparent is not named by a person in the line of succession who ascends the throne as a regent. Only one heir apparent may be named per elected monarch. The line of succession refers to the order in which ascension to the position of monarch occurs. The line of succession begins with that monarch’s heir apparent, if one is named. Otherwise, the line of succession proceeds backwards through the living members of the College of Monarchs who still reside within the realm and who are present at the line of succession ceremony (see below), but both the most recent reign and any regent reign are skipped in determining the order of the line of succession. Examples follow (for situations as of March 31, 2009):
Line of Succession for Emperor XIX Line of Succession for Empress XIX Heir-apparent Heir-apparent Emperor XVII Empress XVII Emperor XVI Empress XVI Emperor XV Empress XII Emperor XIV Empress XI Emperor XIII Empress X Emperor XII Empress IX Emperor X Empress VIII Emperor IX Empress VI Emperor VIII Empress V Emperor VII Empress I Emperor V Emperor III An heir apparent (or any member of the College of Monarchs) who accepts the position of monarch is referred to as “Regent” during the balance of that reign (along with the initials HMISM). An heir apparent (or anyone in the line of succession) does not have to accept the position of monarch. An elected monarch who is impeached or resigns is not awarded the title and number as a permanent title. The regent named from the line of succession will carry that title and number until completion of the reign. A reigning position that is vacated due to resignation or impeachment and is not filled from the line of succession shall always remain vacated. The same is true for a "no" vote when the College does not fill the position. Filling a vacated monarchical position via the lines of succession must be conducted as a public ceremony / event, and preferably at a state functions, if time permits. Members of the College of Monarchs are advised of the date, time and location of this ceremony at least 14 days in advance. The College Rep officiates at this ceremony, asking attendees, in succession order as specified: “Your (Highness / Majesty), do you hereby immediately accept the office and responsibilities of Regent (Monarch, Number)?” The response is either “no” or “yes”, and the College Rep proceeds until an answer is “yes”, or until the line of succession is exhausted. Once one has answered “yes,” he is then sworn in with the Oath of Office. If the question of accession is to be posed to the College Rep, then it is asked by the oldest reign represented at this function.
B. MISCELLANEOUS TERMS
Regent. This term is used, as described above, to identify a monarch who was not elected to his current position, but who received it due to placement in the line of succession. This individual still carries “HMISM” and is afforded all other privileges and rights of that office. In the event that a regent monarch is from the College of Monarchs, the elected reign outranks the regent reign. Half. This term of “half-monarch” is a privileged non-permanent title that each reigning monarch may bestow. However, the recipient of this half title must be a reigning or past monarch of another Court. Only one half-title may be given, and no other fractional titles are recognized. The half-title may be bestowed anytime within the first six months of the reign. The person holding the half-title may, if the reigning monarch so chooses, be awarded a “final walk” at the next local Coronation. The “half-monarch” is not used in all Courts, but its idea is noteworthy: on individual travels, where monarchs meet monarchs from other Court systems in other cities, it is common to develop camaraderie and friendship with many people. The recognition of the half-title is that the reigning monarch thinks highly enough of this other person to “give” him half of his own city. For it to be most effective, the half-monarch should be named by the half-way point of the reign; past “halves” have been known to participate in local events of particular reigns. Emeritus. This term is a bestowed penultimate honor to an Emperor or Empress of another empire; awarding and carriage of “Emertius” bestows an honorary membership in the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E. College of Monarchs to an individual. Qualifications and caveats include the following: 1. The honoree must have completed his own decade anniversary celebration in his own Court. 2. The honoree must have had at least 10 years of distinguished service to both the International Court System and to the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E. 3. A candidate for Emeritus may be suggested or brought forward for consideration only from a member of the College of Monarchs. 4. The honoree must be approved by the College of Monarchs. 5. The honoree must reside outside the Realm. The awarding of an Emeritus status to a monarch is a rare and infrequent endeavor, as it is the highest honor that can be bestowed from the College or Monarchs, and it is exactly that infrequency that maintains the true worth of that honor. Such honor is announced at the Coronation following approval, at one of the following times: (1) at the conclusion of the ISQCCBE court walk, before Court members are excused from the dais; (2) immediately after the College of Monarchs has ascended the dais, or (3) immediately before crowning ceremony. Emeritus monarchs are to be numbered in their own ordination (they do not receive numbers corresponding to the reign in which they received this honor), and they carry the initials “HVM” for “His/Her Venerable Majesty”. While honorary, these titles are considered “permanent” only in the fact that they may be appended to the individual’s highest title with their own Court when they walk in Cincinnati. Presently the ISQCCBE has two emeriti: HVM Empress Emeritus 1, Chevon Davis, and HVM Empress Emeritus 2, Lucy Jackson. C. Dynastic Names. Dynastic names have appeared on the Court circuit from time to time; however, it is the view of the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E. that these items serve no useful purpose and have no place in protocol. They are not recognized in Cincinnati – ever. Period, the end. D. Assigning a Number. From time to time the question arises about when a monarch is assigned his number. Some Courts throughout the system do not award the Monarch their number until they step down. However, the official stance of the ISQCCBE is that, in order to avoid confusion, when a Monarch is elected and announced as such, he/she may begin using their number immediately. The distinction between "Reigning" and "Not Reigning" is identified through H.M.I.S.M. vs. H.I.M. and also throughout the community. Finally, assigning the number does not guarantee a Monarch will be inducted into the College of Monarchs. A majority vote of the eligible members of the College of Monarchs will be used to determine admission of a recently stepped-down Reigning Monarch into the College of Monarchs. This vote can take place via e-mail or by an assembled meeting of the College of Monarchs.
Web Master: Michael Connley Web Updated: 12/13/2009 |
