THE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION AND ASSOCIATION ON NOBILITY
COMMISIONE E ASSOCIAZIONE INTERNAZIONALE SULLA NOBILTA
COMISION E ASOCIACION INTERNACIONAL SOBRE LA NOBLEZA
COMISSÃO INTERNACIONAL E ASSOCIAÇÃO DE NOBREZA
COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE ET ASSOCIATION DES NOBLESSE
UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF
HRH PRINCE LEKA II OF THE ALBANIANS
HRH PRINCE NUGZAR BAGRATIONI-GRUZINSKI OF GEORGIA
HM KING KIGELI V OF RWANDA
(His Majesty King Kigeli V passed away on Sunday October 16, 2016)
THE COMMISSION
This
Commission and Association on Nobility was established in January 2008
to unite and honor in its membership those persons who represent the
contemporary Nobility which remains latent but hidden in the shadows.
This Association is based on the ideals of chivalry, aristocracy and for the Defense of International Nobility. It also includes a number of Honorary Members.
Membership
in the Commission (TICAN) is open to all descendants of the nobility,
regardless of their nationality, religion or political affiliation, as
long as they support the activities of The International Commission and
Association on Nobility. Some members of the TICAN are descendants of
the most ancient nobility and have taken a very great interest in the
activities of the Commission; amongst its many chivalric and heraldic
interests.
Speaking
of genealogy, nobility and chivalry today seems almost anachronistic
even if it shows interest of particular importance due to historical and
cultural sensitivity towards the best traditions of consciousness to
live the cult of lineage, feelings of honor, duty and the country,
though all this has almost lost its memory in an era in which ideals and
values seem definitely confused.The Commission,
lover of history, is an organization devoted to the preservation and
promotion of the monarchical system of government and the principle
of monarchy and to promote and defend the theory of monarchy as a
superior governmental form.
The nobiliary and chivalry distinctions represented – and fortunately represent again - a display and an expression of Institutions that have been
founded in the History. They have left lasting traces of memorable events, an heritage of cultural and religious traditions that today, after many centuries are still alive. We have not to forget, that the Aristocracy, the Chivalry, together with the moral nobility, ever have been able to confirm their own role in any age, in a social background, as their origin goes back till ancient ages and it is tied up to the civil, politic and religious Nation development.
founded in the History. They have left lasting traces of memorable events, an heritage of cultural and religious traditions that today, after many centuries are still alive. We have not to forget, that the Aristocracy, the Chivalry, together with the moral nobility, ever have been able to confirm their own role in any age, in a social background, as their origin goes back till ancient ages and it is tied up to the civil, politic and religious Nation development.
It is our duty to spread historic, heraldic, genealogy, chivalry and noble knowledge anywhere there is ignorance about the above mentioned matters.
The
Commission intends to stay neutral on the issue of juridical
recognition of reigning and Sovereign Houses, which is of exclusive
competence of their respective State Systems and desires exclusively to
support their traditional humanitarian commitment at the service of
international collaboration.
In
the international political field, the Commission is neutral, impartial
and non-political. Because of its neutrality, impartiality and
non-political character, the Commission can act as a mediator when a State requires its intervention to resolve a dispute.
The
Commission supports heraldic research, genealogy, and a promulgation of
historic and cultural values. The Commission has no authority to grant
coats of arms, but stands ready to help others with petitions.
PURPOSE OF THE COMMISSION
The purpose of this website is to unite and prolong the legacy of the old Noble families spreading now all over the world.
The
Commission and Association on Nobility (TICAN) is an international
private apolitical body, ecumenical, devoted to the preservation and
promotion of the monarchical system of government and the principle of
monarchy. The Commission maintains selective members and is governed by
its Statutes and By-Laws.
In
order to strengthen the cumulative experience and overall knowledge
base of TICAN, a group of consultants has been gathered to assist the
Advisory Council and provide feedback for relevant issues. These persons
are recognized experts in their respective fields of study, or
significant leaders in the respective regions in which they are active
in the hereditary community.The directing principle of member’s
impartiality and the preservation of a coherent standard are fundamental
components guiding the resolutions of the Commission.
The
Commission is to inform on the legitimacy and claims of reigning and
non-territorial sovereign Royal Houses. The Commission only recognizes
those organizations that pertain to the system of each Royal House.
Legitimate Order of Chivalry or nobility is persons who have achieved
Knightly Rank in a recognized international Chivalry or Religious Order
and recognized public Royal Houses. See our page "Royal Families.
In the Commission view, some organizations create a false fons honorum
in order to satisfy this requirement and give themselves apparent
legitimacy; often, the founder or patron of a self-styled order has
assumed a false title of nobility as well as supposed current or former
sovereignty.
The
so called “claimants " are creators of fables. That they gain
acceptance on the internet or edit entries in Wikipedia does not make
them real. Historical fact is verified through scientific reconnaissance
and solid evidence, not via “endorsement " from a self-appointed
"authority" or by somebody who happens to be descended from royalty.
The
Commission`s systems and honors neither register no certifies grants,
nobility or arms for members. The Commission does not render opinions as
to the legitimacy of specific titles of nobility claimed by this or
that person. It often occurs that one publisher or fount of honor
"recognizes" a certain person's title while another does not.
Today,
the nobility is very much part of modern European society and do not
maintain their former privileges although their family names, titles and
coats of arms are still protected. Only sovereigns with legitimate fons
honorum (fount of honor – the right to bestow nobility) can and have
the solemn right to do so. The Commission welcomes of "Jure Sanguinis"
families of European nobility and the class members "on merits" of
relevant families, which, though not noble, they share the values and
committed to serve the same ideals. Even so, proof of Jure Sanguinis
must be backed up solid evidence.
No
one can just assume a title of nobility, imperial or otherwise, merely
because it is vacant or no one is presently using it. Only a true
sovereign, regnant or "de jure," can create, restore or
rehabilitate a title or bestow upon a person a real and true knighthood
or nobility. All honors must spring from a genuine, authentic source or
fountain of honor otherwise it must be rejected as worthless pretense.
Genealogy,
being as it is the study of individual people and their relationships
within the social unit of the family, parallels and in some degree
reflects the history of mankind. Practically every great civilization on
earth has found root in the organization of the family, and, thus, each
history is composed of many family histories. The royal pedigrees of
the Roman emperors and of the European monarchs are but another form of
the histories of those civilizations. And even today it may be seen
that the history of America is not dissimilar to the history of any of
great colonial American families.
The
study of family history, or genealogy, is perhaps one of the most
ancient of human interests.When a person in search of his ancestors or
genealogy, seek to know the origins of their family, perhaps with the
hidden personal desire to discover royal blood or the coat of arms of
his family.Where genealogical facts are few, and these located in the
remote past, reconstruction of family history is often more imaginative
than correct.
Whenever
a noble, royal, or academic claim is made by a candidate, we are tasked
with the obligation and duty to inquire and discover whether the claim
is valid or not. This is to protect the good name and reputation of the
genuine reigning or not non reigning territorial sovereigns, to protect
the reputation of The International Commission and Association on
Nobility (TICAN) and its Royal Patrons.
The
Executive Committee is composed of the President, the Executive
Secretary, World History Special Advisers, Genealogy Special Advisers
and Country Delegates. “Royal Patrons” are voluntary heads of reigning
or formerly reigning royal houses whose interest is based on the ideals
of chivalry, aristocracy and for the Defense of International Nobility.
The Royal
Patrons do not promote TICAN news but it must understood the views
expressed by TICAN are fully independent of Royal Patrons. Patronage
does not mean they endorse or even aware of our messages to members and
or on Facebook.
Code of conduct - termination:
Any Member of Officer who does not comply with the principles set forth
by this organization, who disgrace this organization, whose behavior is
construed as unbefitting a MEMBER in good standing, or who is
slanderous and misrepresents the principles of this organization may be
expelled and shall lose all rights granted a member in good standing.
ARISTOCRATIC SPIRIT
The
aristocratic spirit transcended frontiers. For the nobleman Europe was
the homeland. Italian plasterers and painters, German musicians, and
French cabinetmakers traveled for high commissions. There were
variations reflecting local traditions: the Baroque style was
interpreted distinctively in Austria, Italy, Spain, and France. But high
style reveals certain underlying principles and convictions. The same
is true of the intellectual life of Europe, reflecting as it did two
main sources, French and English. It was especially to France
that the two most powerful rulers of Eastern Europe, Frederick II and
Catherine II, looked for mentors in thought and style. The French language,
deliberately purified from the time of Richelieu and the foundation of
the Academy, was well adapted to the clear expression of ideas. The
salons stimulated the discussion of ideas and engendered a distinctive
style. Feminine insights there contributed to a rational culture that
was also responsive to the claims of sensibility.
Today,
many European Nobles are dispersed throughout the world, and have
important careers, incorporating their rich culture into their American
everyday lives. Every Noble is a volunteer that must enlarge, expand,
promote, and improve, by its commanding presence the high value goals
and missions to make a real difference in their newly adopted Country
with special and unique worthwhile professions: professors, market
analysts, mayors, auctioneers, mortgage brokers, bankers, military,
actors and artists, charity volunteers and many other vital professions.
In
order for public to better assess the Nobility’s great role in today’s
world we will have to briefly mention the Nobility of ancient times.
The Italian and Spanish Crown has bestowed Titles on and confirmed Arms
for its subjects for what is America, from the middle of the 16th
Century until the beginning of the 19th Century or about 1819, it did so
directly from the Crown in Spain or through Viceroys and Governors of
the Colonies.
Since
the Revolution of 1776 America had not Kings or Queens, but has an old
European Nobility which the great majority emigrated after the First
World War onward, becoming stable and prosperous.
Promotion of Monarchy
Throughout
history, royal dynasties have dominated countries and empires around
the world. Kings, Queens, Emperors, Chiefs, Pharaohs, Czars, whatever
titles they ruled by, monarchs have shaped institutions, rituals and
culture in every time period and every corner of the globe. The Concept
of monarchy originated in prehistoric times and evolved over century`s
right up to thepresent. Efforts to overthrow monarchies or evade their
rule such as Americans, French, Chinese and Russian revolution are
considered turning points in world history. even today, many countries
retain their monarchs, although in vastly reduced form with little
political power. One cannot understand human history and government
without understanding monarchs and monarchies.
Non
reigning monarchies today, based largely in Europe and Far East some of
the ruling royal families are still wealthy and powerful. They are
philanthropic and excellent benefactors to the people and countries
they rule. Others are largely ceremonial or constitutional monarchies
existing in a complimentary relationship respected and revered but
holding little or no ruling power. People who are rightful heirs to
titles may have lost their family wealth but their titles and the right
to rule a kingdom is customarily hereditary.
The
promotion of Monarchy as the most stable form of government and the
understanding and exchange of ideas among people of all races and creed. A monarchy is am universal form of organization of the nation that can coexist with most of today's socioeconomic and sociopolitical models.
It
is sometimes said that Country can never be a really modern state while
it still has a monarchy. This of course ignores countries like United
Kingdom, Japan, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, The Netherlands and many
others all of which are modern constitutional monarchies in modern
countries where majority of the people of those nations have absolutely
no intention of removing their monarchy because of the benefits they
recognize they derive from it.
Elected
presidents are concerned more with their own political futures and
power. Constitutional monarchs are not subject to the influences which
can corrupt short-term presidents. A monarch can represent centuries of
history whereas elected Presidents in their nature devote much energy to
undoing the achievements of their predecessors and setting traps for
their successors. With monarchs it
is the reverse- they build on the achievements of their forebears in
order to strengthen the position of their successors. A long-reigning
monarch can put enormous experience at the disposal of transient
political leaders.
Many
nations who have lost their monarchies wish they could restore them,
such as Afghanistan, Brazil and others because they can see the value of
a non-political unifying symbol above faction and politics and racial
and ethnic division.
Nobility in USA
It
seems impossible to calculate how many noblemen lost or abandoned their
titles and went to America. Probably there were far less than ten
thousands of them, as compared to some 10 million German immigrants
during the 19th century, so the story may be true in fewer than one in a thousand emigration cases.
However,
many Americans are likely descended from European noble families
through an illegitimate descent of one of the emigrants' ancestors,
which occurred many generations ago and may not even have been known to
the emigrant himself.
Due to primogeniture,
many colonists of high social status were younger children of English
aristocratic families who came to America looking for land because,
given their birth order, they could not inherit. Many of these
immigrants maintained high standing where they settled. They could often
claim royal descent through a female line or illegitimate descent. Many
Americans descend from these 17th-century British colonists who had
royal descent.
There were at least 650 colonists with traceable royal ancestry, and 387 left descendants in America. These
colonists with royal descent settled in every state, but a large
majority lived in Massachusetts or Virginia. Several families, who
settled in those states, over the two hundred years or more since the
colonial land grants, interlinked their branches to the point that
almost everyone was somehow related to everyone else
Many
other Nobles have inherited their Titles after becoming US citizens and
as of now there is no law that would have the Government base any
action against the said Nobles, if one was even taken. Article I Section
9 Clause 8 of the Constitution clearly forbids the Granting or use of
Titles in the USA but does not state a way to enforce the above law,
quoted below:
The Title of Nobility Clause is a provision in Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 of the United States Constitution,
that forbids the United States from granting titles of nobility and
restricts members of the government from receiving gifts from foreign
states without the consent of the United States Congress. This clause is
also sometimes called the "federal" Nobility Clause, because a similar
clause in Article I, Section 10, Clause 1
bars the states (rather than the federal government) from granting
titles of nobility. The Title of Nobility Clause is also one of the
clauses that is sometimes called the "Emolument Clause".
Section
nine and ten of the Constitution of the United States of America in no
way forbids or disallows Titles of Nobility but merely disallows the
granting of Titles of Nobility by the government of the United States.
“Therefore,
according to the Constitution, the State is not interested whether a
person has an ancient or new noble title, and does not forbid the title
being born and used in public and private relations, nor is the abuse of
noble titles considered a crime”.
2.
The constitution of the United States provides that no state shall
"grant any title of nobility; and no person can become a citizen of the
United States until he has renounced all titles of nobility." The
Federalist, No. 84; 2 Story, Laws U. S. 851. 3. There is not in the
constitution any general prohibition against any citizen whomsoever,
whether in public or private life, accepting any foreign title of
nobility. An amendment of the constitution in this respect has been
recommended by congress, but it has not been ratified by a sufficient
number of states to make it a part of the constitution. Rawle on the Const. 120; Story, Const. Sec. 1346.
From
domestic American tradition: From the 1890s onwards, the American
genealogists became aware of the fact that many Americans had noble
ancestors. This coincides with the foundation of several
lineage-societies: Order of the Crown in America, 1898; The Baronial
Order of Magna Charta, 1898, The National Society of Americans of Royal
Descent, 1908, and others.
The
search for royal ancestors is not a new story: in 1883, in the USA, a
country without organized nobility, Charles H. Browning compiled a
series of royal descents from the medieval Kings of England and France
in a book appropriately named Americans of Royal Descent. The book was expanded, reedited and reprinted in 1891, 1894, 1897, 1900, 1905, 1911, 1969, 1986 and 1998.
In
1993, Gary Boyd Roberts wrote The Royal Descents of 600 Immigrants to
the American Colonies or Charles H. Browning the United States: as
compared with Browning, the method followed is the same but well known
figures of today were added, such as most of the Presidents of the
United States. Another difference is the inclusion of several European
aristocratic recent immigrants such as Arnaud de Borchgrave, Wernher
von Braun, Egon von Fürstenberg, Ted Morgan, Catherine Oxenberg and
Brooke Shield. It can be estimated that as many as 150 million Americans
have traceable royal European descent. Gary Boyd Roberts, an expert on royal descent, most Americans with significant New England Yankee, Mid-Atlantic Quaker, or Southern
planter ancestry are descended from medieval kings, especially those of
England, Scotland, and France. Some Americans may have royal descents
through immigrants who had an illegitimate descent from European
royalty.
Royal
descent is now recognized as common among residents as in other
countries. At one time, publications on this matter stressed royal
connections for only a few families. One example included James Pierpont
and other.
(Rev. James Pierpont, 1711. Born January 4, 1659, Roxbury, Massachusetts; died November 22, 1714, New Haven, Connecticut) was a Congregationalist minister who is credited with the founding of Yale University in the United States).
American
descendants of European noble or royal families have also formed
associations in a land where the attraction to the mystique of nobility
has always been strong. Proof of this attraction is the avid interest a
large segment of the American public exhibits in following the
activities of the royal families throughout the world, especially that
of England, as well as the cordial reception American society offers to
many members of the titled European nobility who visit the country.
The
Association of the German Nobility in North American, the Polish
Nobility Association, and the Russian Nobility Association in America
are examples of groups in this category.
Canada Nobility
Cardinal Richelieu introduced the Seignuerial System to New France in
1627. Almost all of the early French Canadians who came as officers in
the military, or to fill important official positions within the colony,
came from the ranks of the French nobility. Under the Ancien Régime, several of these men who had settled in Canada were either elevated or promoted to more senior ranks within the Peerage of France. From the early 1700s, it became customary for the Governors of New France to be given the title 'marquis'. Except for the Marquis de Vaudreuil and the Marquis de Beauharnois, most were in Canada only for a few years before returning to France and are therefore not counted as Canadians.
The Canadian titles debate has been ongoing since the presentation to the Canadian House of Commons of
the Nickle Resolution in 1917. This resolution marked the earliest
attempt to establish a Canadian government policy requesting the
sovereign not to grant knighthoods, baronetcies, and peerages to
Canadians and set the precedent for later policies restricting Canadians
from accepting titles from foreign countries. Dissatisfaction with the British honours system led to the gradual creation of a separate system for Canada.
In
Canada, this same phenomenon can easily be seen. The foundation of the
United Empire Loyalists, the founders of Upper Canada and New Brunswick,
was created by the Crown to give homage to those who fled the thirteen
colonies because of their loyalty to the British Crown. Besides these,
one can find the Associations of Ontario’s and Nova Scotia’s old
families, as well as traditional families who hold coats of arms
recognized by the Heraldic Society of Canada. Besides these traditional
families, one can even list the many Orders of Nobility and Orders of
Knighthood recognized by the Crown whose members can be found in the
Dominion of Canada - Ed.)
FAMILY ASSOCIATIONS
The Washington Family, painted by Edward Savage
The
associations of descendants of certain historic figures and the
societies devoted to perpetuating a family name are equally worthy of
mention. Such groups were started to commemorate the deeds and the
spirit of the founders of families, thus maintaining the familial esprit de corps through
the generations. They also act as a social unit ready to assist less
fortunate members and help them to maintain their family status. More
than two thousand family associations of varying types exist in the
United States.
Celebrating
our heritage comes through in so many ways--we are who we are somewhat
because of where we come from. Although our past doesn't define us, our
perspective of the world can largely be shaped by the faith, heritage
and traditions we choose to hold on to.
Our past is behind us but if we choose to forget it, we then choose to lessen the many sacrifices made by our ancestors.
We
live in an era determined by momentum and convenience. In such a time,
it is easy to forget the personalities, lifestyles, events and epoch
deeds which forged not only America, but modern civilization as we know
it. The study of history and genealogy provides a mode of reflection
and acknowledgement of the people, places and processes responsible for
the lives we enjoy today.
A
characteristic example of a remarkably aristocratic family institution
is the National Society Washington Family Descendants. Founded in 1954,
it aims to cherish, maintain, and fortify family ties and to perpetuate
the memory of George Washington. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II numbers among its honorary members. (Cf. Family Associations, Societies and Reunions (Munroe Falls, Ohio: Summit Publications), 1991-1992 edition).
ARMORIAL BEARING
Heraldry
is a vibrant part of American life. It came the country with the first
European settlers, was used and appreciated by Revolutionary patriots,
and continues to flourish today.
Many
families use armorial bearings. Some use the arms brought to America by
their early ancestors, while others use arms of more recent creation.
The enthusiasm for heraldry among American is so high that many
businesses have sprung up to sell “surname” coats of arms to thousands
of Americans each year.
Unfortunately,
over the centuries, many families have simply assumed arms and crests
belonging to other families of the same name, usually without authority
and without demonstrating any relationship between the families. It
follows that mere usage of a coat of arms, even over a long period, does
not necessarily indicate a descent from the family for whom it was
first recorded. Indeed, more often than not, there is no such
connection. Neither the federal nor the state governments regulate
armorial bearings within their jurisdiction. Therefore, one can assume
their own Coat of Arms as long as they do not violate another person'
copyrighted design.
While
there is nothing wrong with designing your own coat of arms for your
family, it is unlikely you will discover you are entitled to use an
ancient and established on that has been handed down for centuries
through the same family. Your family might actually have a legitimate
ancient coat of arms, but your branch probably doesn’t hold the right to
use it. Only in a very few, exceptional cases will you find you belong
to a line that does have the right to use an ancient coat of arms. If
you do, display them proudly, because they are part of a rich and
lengthy heritage few can claim or prove.
NON EUROPEAN NOBILITY
Globalization
has become an inescapable fact of contemporary life. Some leaders, in
both the East and the West, believe that human rights are culture-bound
and that liberal democracy is essentially Western, inapplicable to the
non-Western world. How can civilized life be preserved and issues of
human rights and civil society be addressed if the material forces
dominating world affairs are allowed to run blindly, uncontrolled by any
cross-cultural consensus on how human values can be given effective
expression and direction?
Many
other non-European nations have had noble or aristocratic classes of
various kinds: these are so diverse that it is somewhat misleading to
try to translate them all into western feudal terminology.
Africa
Royal
descent plays an important role in many African societies; authority
and property tend to be lineally derived. Among tribes which recognize a
single ruler, the hereditary blood line of the rulers (who early
European travelers described as kings, queens, princes, etc., using the
terminology of European monarchy) is akin to a dynasty. Among groups
which have less centralized power structures, dominant clans are still
recognized. Oral history would be the primary method of
transmitting genealogies, and both nobles and commoners base their
status on descent. The royal blood is among the centralized power of all
blood groups.
Asia
In some Islamic countries, there are no definite noble titles . Persons who can trace legitimate descent from the Prophet Muhammad,
as can members of several present or formerly reigning dynasties, are
widely regarded as belonging to the ancient, hereditary Islamic
nobility.
In Iran, historical titles of the nobility including Mirza, Khan, ed-Dowleh and Shahzada ("Son of a Shah), are now no longer recognized. An aristocratic family is now recognized by their family name,
often derived from the post held by their ancestors, considering the
fact that family names in Iran only appeared in the beginning of the
20th century. Sultans have been an integral part of Islamic history.
During the Ottoman Empire in the Imperial Court and the provinces there were many Ottoman titles and appellations
forming a somewhat unique and complex system in comparison with the
other Islamic countries. The bestowal of noble and aristocratic titles
was widespread across the empire even after its fall by independent
monarchs.
In East Asia the system was often modeled on imperial China, the leading culture. Emperors conferred degrees of nobility,
which were not permanent but decreased a rank each generation. Imperial
descendants formed the highest class of ancient Chinese nobility, their
status based upon the rank of the empress or concubine from which they
descend maternally (as emperors were polygamous). Numerous titles such
as Taizi, and equivalents of "prince" were accorded, and due to
complexities in dynastic rules, rules were introduced for Imperial
descendants.
In a thoughtful meditation ranging widely over several civilizations and historical eras, Wm. Theodore de Bary,
the West's leading scholar of classical Asian thought, has written an
elegant and thoughtful essay on the essence of true leadership and
political virtue as expounded in the classics of Confucianism, Buddhism,
Hinduism, and Japanese thought. Instead of treating the classical
writings of Asia as mere relics of "traditional" thought that will be
replaced by more "modern" thinking, he demonstrates that the great books
of Asia contain within them valuable concepts and insights for
preserving civilized life in an age of materialistic globalization. By
respectfully exploring what the Asian classics say about learning and
leadership, virtue and civility, and nobility and the common good.
TODAY NOBILITY
Today,
almost all countries have a working government that is preside over by
Presidents and or Prime Ministers. There are many monarchs around the
world who hold important government posts or military commands, even
tough they no longer rule over their subjects.
The
institution of Thailand’s monarchy is in several ways unique. Not only
does it have a history going back more than seven hundred years, but it
also continues to function with extraordinary relevance and vitality in
the contemporary world. Indeed, although the Revolution of 1932 brought
an end to the monarchy in its absolute form, the institution has
remained powerful in the sense of providing a unifying element for the
country, a focal point that brings together people from all backgrounds
and shades of political thought and gives them an intense awareness of
being Thai.
Even
if some monarchy has been long abolished, there are 48 royal families
of the world that exist and are treated with respect and honor. Some
royal families like the French, Greek, Chinese, Russian and Scottish are
known as 'Pretender to the Throne'. The pretender is a claimant to an abolished throne or to a throne that has been occupied by someone else.
The Pretender to a Throne (that is a juridical person legally recognized by the International Laws) can act when the debellatio lacks, that is, the losing of the sovereignty. Every Sovereign has to carry on the royal power apart from the way in which he has been deposed. In this way all the titles pertain to the Sovereign and to his descendants, they maintain their nature even if the Sovereign lost the real sovereignty of a Land: we have not to forget that the Sovereignty makes part of the Family Estate (even if it has lost the jus imperii – power to command -, the jus gladii – right to have the obedience of the people – and the jus majestatis – the right to have respect and honors).
Non-regnant
dynasties, whether in Italy, Germany or elsewhere, play a role in
maintaining the cultural and historical identity of Old World peoples.
Though hardly essential to the fabric of society, they represent not
only peoples but even places. Control of dynastic orders of chivalry is
at the root of certain dynastic quarrels. Some of these institutions are
very old, and have a canonical position in Church law. Nowadays the few
"military-religious" orders serve chiefly philanthropic purposes.
A Sovereign can be deprived of his Throne and exiled by a Land, but he can
never lose His native quality: in this context take the origin the Pretender to a Throne. In fact he maintains all his rights to the sovereignty and he can exercises it even if his juridical-institutional status has been changed.
never lose His native quality: in this context take the origin the Pretender to a Throne. In fact he maintains all his rights to the sovereignty and he can exercises it even if his juridical-institutional status has been changed.
Although a democratic republic since 1946, Italy
boasts two non-regnant royal families as well as three non-regnant
grand ducal houses, each of which bestows honors upon Italian citizens.
Three sovereign governments exist entirely within Italian borders, and
each bestows honors as well. few Italians are hereditary knights
bachelor, forming a kind of Italian baronet age. Indeed, for a nation
having no throne, and entertaining no serious plans for the re
institution of a monarchy, the Italian Republic is endowed with a
plethora of gentlemen entitled to the ancient address "Cavaliere"
(Knight).
The
parliamentary law of 1951 establishing the first order of the Republic
while formally abrogating continued recognition of those orders
bestowed by the exiled King of Italy constitutes the framework of
Italian policy in this regard, but the statute itself makes it clear
that Italian citizens decorated by the King of Italy before that date
were not thereby deprived of pre-existing rights to their honors,
decorations and forms of address, even if their court privileges and
precedence were rescinded.
The
Italian Republic's recognition for cultural purposes of royal dynasties
other than the House of Savoy served to bolster a return of adherence
to nobiliary laws as these had existed before 1860. The dynasties of the
Two Sicilies and Tuscany naturally recognize their own heraldic norms,
rather than those of the House of Savoy. The two orders of knighthood
(Order of Malta and Constantinian Order of St. George of the Two
Sicilies) that recognize ancestral nobility for certain knights employ
their own nobiliary standards, which in a few respects differ from those
employed in the Savoy dominions in recent centuries.
Nobility
live today. In present times we, like our forefathers, strive to take
part in the life of society, bring up young people in the spirit of
unselfishness.
TICAN
is an organization promoting the goals of Royalty. This is fit by even
those pretenders who face rivals. In our opinion to let legitimate
pretenders join us is satisfactory for as long as they are really
legitimate or even better, the most legitimate. For example, in France
are different branches that can make a very valid claim to the throne.
Keeping
out all Royal Houses who face rivals means, we must keep out Italy,
Georgia, Albania, Ethiopia, France, Korea, Russia, Serbia, Two Sicilies
and others. Well, this seems most of the Royal Houses that are prominent
in Chivalry and the worlds of volunteers in Royalty are kept out?.
Getting
just uncontested Kings or heirs would be best, but, really many of the
Houses face rivalry. In fact, uncontested Royal Houses do grant orders
of knighthood to foreign royals, even if they are facing rivals. They
are, therefore building relation to these houses. Example is the Order
of Annam of the uncontested Vietnamese house or King Kigeli of Rwanda.
Unfortunately,
a number of non-regnant royal families are divided by dynastic
disputes. Those of France, Russia and the Two Sicilies (Bourbons of
Naples) readily come to mind. As no authority is empowered to adjudicate
such a dispute, these often span generations. Headship disputes may
indeed be a normal symptom that plagues royal families which no longer
reign, much like the frequent disputes over nobiliary titles between
brothers or cousins whose country is no longer a monarchy. As regards
the House of Savoy, while an outsider may entertain an opinion, it is
important to bear in mind that the present dispute can only be settled
“in famiglia” (within the family).
Having
mentioned all this for the purpose of clarity in explaining what fuels
the engine of this dispute, we would be remiss if we didn't reiterate
that in the twenty-first century dynastic law, rather than
personalities, forms the basis of determining who would be king, even if
no competent court exists to resolve disputes. The Holy See would not
arbitrate unless asked to do so, and this is highly unlikely nowadays.
Neither the heads of other royal families nor the European Union or
Italian courts, nor the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, wish to play
the role of kingmaker, but a number of men would be more than happy to
do so (for their own benefits).
Where
inter-familial disputes are involved, a natural consideration is the
credibility of those supporters by whom claims are persistently advanced
on behalf of non-traditionalist royals whose claims to dynastic Head of
the House are not generally accepted in their own ancestral realms or
by their own royal family.
Because
of the prevalent misunderstanding of the rules and principles related
to prescription, even the most sincere, well-intentioned, and honest
supporters of monarchy, can normally be confused and deceived by the
countless of artificial claims of royalty, nobility and chivalry.
The
circumstances that determine the legitimacy and general acceptance of
an individual’s claim to Head of the House of a non-regnant dynasty must
be based on more than a pseudo researcher justification presented
outside the jurisdiction of a competent authority.
Anyone
who closely examines not only the legalistic ideas advanced by the
self-proclaimed “expert” in dynastic and chivalric law, but also their
ethnic and religious backgrounds, may find it peculiar that some of the
most dialogue of these “experts” have absolutely no ancestral connection
to a country they advocate.
A
nation`s decision to grant such recognition is based on the advice of
informed scholar`s expert in such matters, as opposed to theories
espoused by self-styled “scholars” in a foreign country.
WHO IS NOBLE AND THUS INCLUDED IN THE ALMANACH DE GOTHA AND THE CONGRESS OF VIENNA
Many of the inquiries argue that “if you are not registered in the Almanach de Gotha, you are not noble”.
The
general opinion is to consider as authentic nobles only those who are
effectively registered into the Almanch de Gotha. But that is not
exact, as this and other registers were partial and incomplete in the
past as they are today.
The
opinion that prevails that considers authentic nobles only those who
are enrolled in the various repertories are totally unfounded, because
they are, definitely, partial and incomplete.
It
is absurd that a self-styled "expert" who proclaims that "such-and-such
family is not noble because it is not listed in this-or-that book." In
documentary, archival records, absence of evidence is not evidence of
absence.
Accurate
history is based on reality, not publication by a self-appointed
"authority." History, like science, has experts but no authorities.
Politics is sometimes a factor in interpreting history.
» It
is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one
begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit
facts.« (Arthur Conan Doyle: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes)
The
Almanach de Gotha is a directory of Europe's royalty and higher
nobility. First published in 1763 by C.W. Ettinger in Gotha at the
ducal court of Frederick III, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg.
The almanac came to be regarded as an authority in the classification of monarchies and their courts,
reigning and former dynasties, princely and ducal families, and the
genealogical, biographical and titulary details of Europe's highest
level of aristocracy. It was published from 1785 annually by Justus
Perthes Publishing House in Gotha, until 1944.
The
Almanach provided detailed facts and statistics on nations of the
world, including their reigning and formerly reigning houses, those of
Europe being more complete than those of other continents. It also named
the highest incumbent officers of state, members of the diplomatic
corps, and Europe's upper nobility with their families. Although at its
most extensive the Almanach de Gotha numbered more than 1200 pages, fewer than half of which were dedicated to monarchical or aristocratic data,
it acquired a reputation for the breadth and precision of its
information on royalty and nobility compared to other Almanac's of that
time.
Moreover, other deposed European dynasties (e.g. Arenberg, Biron, Dadiani, Boncompagni-Ludovisi, Giray, Murat) did not benefit vis-a-vis the
almanac from a similar interpretation of their historical status. Many
princely or ducal families were listed only in its third, non-dynastic
sectionor were excluded altogether, evoking criticism in the 20th century from such genealogists as Cyril Toumanoff, Jean-Engelbert d'Arenberg and William Addams Reitwiesner,the
latter commenting that the changes displayed "pan-German triumphalism"
and even a "fairly nasty bit of Germanic chauvinism."
Several
genealogies of Italian noble houses were not included in the Almanch de
Gotha. Titular princely county connected to nominal territories were
also excluded from the Gotha since they were not mediatized.
Aristocrats of non-mediatized houses with a line of titular princely
county were registered within their country of origin.
The Congress of Vienna.
It is a mistake to believe that royal families medialized in the
Congress of Vienna are the only ones to be noble. The main concern of
the Congress was to redistribute conquered territories, create a
balance of power, restore the pre-Napoleonic order through King Louis
XVIII, return the power to families who were ruling in 1789, and to
return the Roman Catholic Church to its former power.
Besides, the main decisions of the Congress of Vienna were made by the Four Great Powers (Britain, Austria, Prussia, and Russia) and not all the countries of Europe could extend their rights at the Congress. The Italian peninsula became a mere "geographical expression" as divided into seven parts: Lombardy–Venetia, Modena, Naples–Sicily, Parma, Piedmont–Sardinia, Tuscany, and the Papal States under the control of different powers. Poland remained partitioned between Russia, Prussia and Austria, with the largest part, the newly created Kingdom of Poland, remaining under Russian control.
Besides, the main decisions of the Congress of Vienna were made by the Four Great Powers (Britain, Austria, Prussia, and Russia) and not all the countries of Europe could extend their rights at the Congress. The Italian peninsula became a mere "geographical expression" as divided into seven parts: Lombardy–Venetia, Modena, Naples–Sicily, Parma, Piedmont–Sardinia, Tuscany, and the Papal States under the control of different powers. Poland remained partitioned between Russia, Prussia and Austria, with the largest part, the newly created Kingdom of Poland, remaining under Russian control.
Before
Italian unification, the official lists of families with noble title
existed in many states and cities and often took the name of "Golden
Book. To gain entry in the "Golden Book", in addition to submitting the
application, you must have paid their administrative fees, not all noble
families were interested in paying a fee for entry therefore many were
left out.
The Savoy resorted to much coercive form, via the established by law high gabelles (taxes) from Consulta Aradica del Regno
(heraldic Consultation of the Kingdom). Many nobles gave up then to
enroll in the Golden Books regional or national; the most available were
forced to sell off palaces, villas and states to pay recognition to
each title or their relevance.It clarifies that the existence of the
title is documented by his concession, while its recognition is a
bureaucratic formality. Those lists are just an example of legalized
injustice, as noble being tied up not only the granting of title but
also to the fact that it is in the ability to pay the award.
It is a surprising but none the less authentic fact that there is no standard history of the Congress of Vienna.
For more information visit our page "Who is noble in Gotha". Or Download a 206 pages booklet (TICAN Publishing).
No Recognition needed
We
do not consider requesting some Royal Family that they should be
registered /certified with us or to any Commissions on Nobility to be
considered genuine, there is NO need for any genuine Royal, Noble or
Order to need any kind of registration/certification with any
organization to be considered genuine, as International Law covers
them, along with many laws of countries that they are still or once
ruled over. If they are genuine or not, that comes with Birthright and the knowledge of who they are and their places in history.
Traditional
ranks among European royalty, peers, and nobility are rooted in Late
Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Although they vary over time and between
geographic regions, for example, one region's prince might be equal to
another's grand duke.
It
is worth mentioning also that the princely families, with the sovereign
attributes, requires NO RECOGNITION by the government of their country
of origin, or submit any record in countries where its members settle in
residence.
The
dynastic and political independence is based on the sovereignty itself,
which guides their social existence and regardless OF ANY LEGAL
RECOGNITION, with respect to dynastic and private affairs. "
The
lack of recognition does not mean that an Order (whether governmental,
secular, religious, dynastic, or private) is not valid or valued.
Quote
from Heraldica Org. on legal recognition of Order of Knighthood:
"....Of course, one can well imagine a modern-day nobiliary association
committed to some pious or charitable activity, perhaps placed under the
invocation of some saint, using badges, mantles, holding ceremonies,
and so forth. As I have argued, it would be anachronistic to call them
orders of knighthood (and they would not have been called so in medieval
times either), but otherwise there seems to be nothing to dispute about
their nature. They are what they are. Some may also be revivals of
historical institutions, and as long as they do not claim to be more than revivals, there is no sense in which they are not legitimate associations. Whether
they are "the same" in some substantial (as opposed to
historical) sense depends on how one views the importance of the context
in defining the substance of such associations. In my mind, the context
is paramount, but it is a matter of judgment".
The term "bogus" was so abused by Arthur Fox-Davies,
who thought that any arms which were not delivered on parchment by a
royal official were "bogus"; thus relegating 90% of heraldry into
inexistence. There is no good reason why anyone could not create
"orders of chivalry" today; how seriously such associations would be
taken will depend on many factors, such as their membership, stated
goals and veritable activities; but also on what they claim to be. Only
people who would reject as "bogus" any such organization might be
offended by the choice of certain orders. It is considered valid and
undisputable from a legal point of view only a grant of honors or
nobiliary titles coming from a Sovereign on the throne or a State
sovereign. Creation of orders and decorations, in a way, is a much less
objectionable way of rewarding services and of fund-raising. Those
awarded such orders and decorations can wear them privately or on any
occasion where they would be socially acceptable.
Arthur Charles Fox-Davies (28 February 1871 – 19 May 1928) was a British author on heraldry. By profession, he was a barrister but he also worked as a journalist and novelist. Born in Bristol, he was the second son of Thomas Edmond Davies (later Fox-Davies) of Coalbrookdale, Shropshire.
Heraldic writings
Fox-Davies'
writing on heraldry is characterized by a passionate attachment to
heraldry as art, history and also as law. He was something of a
polemicist, and issued one of his most controversial works, The Right to Bear Arms, under the pseudonym X. However, he always supported his arguments with specific historical and manuscript evidence. He was the editor of the Genealogical Magazine from 1895-1906.
In
today world, the Commission needs to expand its horizons, widening its
principles in order to bring them into line with the objective reality
of today’s society and the inevitable historical changes. The
compilation lists of Chivalric Orders and Nobility Houses of some
Private Organizations cannot be limited to the chivalric material of the
past, thus Associations must adapt to the diverse award systems that
exist today; the twenty first century.
Take
a look around: the world has changed, and thus the political scene has
changed from the time of the origin and the history of these orders...
Whereas
national laws aim to provide definitions or criteria, their validity
extends only to their own borders. One country may well be indifferent
to, or even recognize, what another calls bogus. A case in point is the
various orders of Saint John recognized by their national governments
(Britain, Germany, Netherlands) but not by others (France) or, until the
early 1960s, by the Catholic Order itself.
The Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem. Mons.
Cardinale decided in 1981 that it would be in the interest of all
concerned to declare the Order of St. Lazarus non existent. He was
provoked into doing so by one person who claimed to be a leading figure
in the Order, and whose conduct towards Archbishop Igino Eugenio Cardinale (Oct. 14, 1916 - March 24, 1983) and the Holy See was objectionable.
The
Holy See has repeatedly stated that it does not regard the present-day
Order of Saint Lazarus as the continuation of the historical order by
that name.
The
criteria upon which chivalric orders are judged are being questioned
inside the Roman Curia. The fact that the Military and Hospitaller Order
of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem has members belonging to various Christian
denominations, makes it impossible to judge it solely on Catholic
criteria, in spite of the fact that the Order has had a Catholic
Patriarch as its Spiritual Protector since 1841, and today a number of
Cardinals and high dignitaries of the Roman Curia are Spiritual
Counselors to various Grand Priories.
Due to disputes and schisms between the Obedience (Branches), there are now three major organizations that claim the mantle of the Order of Saint Lazarus. For
many decades the Malta and Paris obedience feuded over the Grand
Magistry of the revived order, eventually reconciling as a united order.However, dissatisfied members of the Paris obedience broke away and formed the Orleans Obedience under a rival Grand Master. The
UK based Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus has rejected the entire
premise that the revived order is a continuation of the historic
military order, and styled itself as a purely humanitarian hospitaller
organization.
One
of the arguments brought forward to bolster the claim of authenticity
of an 'order' is the importance of its hospitaller works throughout the
world. Is it necessary to state that support given to charitable
activities, as worthy as that may be, does not constitute in any way
proof of the historical legitimacy of an order of chivalry. Should
philanthropy be a criterion of legitimacy, then the Shriners, The Independent Order of Odd Fellows or the Knights of Columbus and others could also raise the same pretensions.
There
are a number of orders of knighthood, such as the Knights of Columbus,
which have no background in chivalry, but are nonetheless worthwhile
organizations. These are usually fraternal organizations. People in
these organizations can be called knights, but it is not quite the same
thing as being granted a title by monarch or historical order of
chivalry.
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in the United States in 1882, it is named in honor of Christopher Columbus.
There
are more than 1.8 million members in 15,000 councils, with nearly 200
councils on college campuses. Membership is limited to "practical
Catholic" men aged 18 or older
The Shriners.
The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, also
commonly known as Shrinersand abbreviated A.A.O.N.M.S., established in
1870, is an appendant body to Freemasonry,
based in the United States. In 2010, the Ancient Arabic Order of the
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, as well as Shriners North America, changed
its name to Shriners International, now covering nearly 200 temples
(chapters) across the North America, South America, Europe, and
Southeast Asia.
In
the United States, as in other republics, the government awards
decorations for valor and meritorious service but has no legal provision
for orders of knighthood as such. Chivalric bodies are treated as
private associations, registered as such with the state in which they
have headquarters. The most sought-after status for American groups is
that of a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable institution. Such status
ignores whether or not a body is an authentic chivalrous order. In these
circumstances it is easy to see why there has been indiscriminate use
and abuse of the term, order of knighthood.
PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS
No
private Organization has the authority to recognize titles of nobility.
No private organizations has the authority to recognize titles of
nobility on behalf of Italy's royal dynasties or the Sovereign Military
Order of Malta. This includes the "Corpo della Nobiltà Italiana" which,
contrary to a popular misconception, is not a "college of arms," court
of chivalry or "legal successor to the Consulta Araldica," and whose "decisions" are no longer recognized by the Order of Malta.
Italy has no "college of arms" or other government agency empowered to
recognize titles of nobility or personal coats of arms. It should be
remembered that historical fact is ascertained through scientific
reasoning and solid evidence, not via "approval" from a self-appointed
"authority" or by somebody who happens to be descended from royalty.
There
is no mechanism, via a notarial act, an adoption or a last testament
(will) for a titled Italian to cede or will his title to a person he
designates, be that person related (cousin, nephew) or not. Furthermore,
it is impossible to buy or sell an Italian title of nobility. The only
way for an adoptive child to succeed to a nobiliary title was via a
royal rescript, and there is no longer a king of Italy or its
predecessor states to issue such a rescript or decree.
In
theory, and certainly in law, the heads of Italy's extant royal
dynasties (Savoy, Bourbon-Sicilies, Bourbon-Parma, and
Hapsburg-Tuscany) may recognize titles of nobility. In practice, they
rarely do.
Order of Chivalry.
No private and incompetent arbitrary judgments of any discriminatory
group of individuals, though scholarly, can recognize any Orders of
Chivalry especially when those judgments carry no legal weight not
recognized by any governments of a Sovereign with genuine “fons honorum”.
Undeniably
there are various experts in chivalric activities with the possibility
to build up a board of experts who are united in an organization because
their valuation happens to coincide in part with a particular
institutional viewpoint all such experts are members of the orders of
which the organization “supports”. Some of these experts, in occasions,
use self-styled titles of nobility claiming to be something that they are not but ready to attack anyone using titles of nobility or preposterously
censuring certain organizations or persons (Nobility, Family
Associations, etc.) is of disputable reputation but praise those
organizations they belong.
Amusing
though, some of the attackers are themselves phony "nobles" but well
positioned in their nobility communities. It is particularly ironic
considering that some of them had authored publication on nobiliary
orders where, among other things, decries all the “fake” orders of
knighthood.
A
well-informed scholar is conscious that different authorities may
attain different conclusions on the same subject and generally precise
themselves in a discreet manner. Concerned in contributing to a field of
knowledge in which their work both rests upon past sources and forms
the foundation for future scholars.
Nonetheless,
the International Commission for Orders of Chivalry (ICOC), which is a
private organization, is regarded as a reliable academic authority on
the conventional rules of customary law for Chivalric Orders, and all
authentic historical institutions should be guided by its established
rules.
It
will probably be impossible to stop people from starting and operating
organizations from attracting members thereto and raising funds. No State can validly declare that some Organization is recognized as chivalric, if this Organization has no valid fons honorum.
A State can also not declare that a certain Organization is legitimate,
if this is not the case. The sole fact of the act of recognition,
express or implied, does not make an Organisation more legitimate, if it
already is legitimate. The act of recognition can at the most only be a
confirmation of that fact. It can never be a constitutive element for
being legitimate or have declaratory effect. Having valid fons honorum can be regarded as having received recognition from this Sovereign. Fons honorum by nature is a sovereign, discretionary right.
Many
Americans are fascinated by Coats of Arms but seldom understand that a
coat of arms is usually granted, certified, registered or otherwise
recognized as belonging to one individual alone, and that only his
direct descendants with proven lineage can be recognized as eligible to
inherit the arms.
Neither
the federal nor the state governments regulate armorial bearings within
their jurisdiction. Therefore, one can assume their own Coat of Arms as
long as they do not violate another person' copyrighted design.
The
American College of Heraldry is an unofficial body that registers arms
for Americans. The College registers and publishes arms of persons who
have borne unregistered or unregulated arms in their family for some
extended period.
It
is unfortunate that there is no reputable international body of experts
in history, nobiliary law, and orders of chivalry, even though without
official status, and special interest in protecting or promoting that
which is to one's own personal advantage, positioned to set out criteria
for the recognition of orders as of good reputation. The absence of
such a body amongst bogus chivalric and nobiliary parties is evidence of
the relinquishment of respect for historical elements previously held
to diffuse significant moral and social values.
Since
no qualified recognized international body exists to lay down
guidelines by which to judge the legitimacy of orders of knighthood, and
so long as these render worthwhile and measurable service there is no
reason why they should not be socially tolerated. So long, of course, as
they do not make false claims about their origins, do not pretend to be
what they are not, and do not violate the laws of the countries in
which they operate.
Any
pretended “sovereign” Order is nothing more than a voluntary society or
association, and members should not wear any insignia or use any styles
or titles to which they may be entitled outside the private functions
of such groups". (Noel Cox - “The
principles of international law governing the sovereign authority for
the creation and administration of Orders of Chivalry”
TITLES OF NOBILITY
The
general opinion is to consider as authentic nobles only those who are
effectively registered. But that is not exact, as these registers were
partial and incomplete in the past as they are today. We must remember
that each ruling Sovereign House obliged its subjects of noble status
to submit to certain regulations regarding the recognition of their
noble titles, and were only confirmed if they fulfilled certain
conditions, which were usually not very economically or ideologically
favorable for the person concerned. This meant, that the payment or
otherwise of the tax became the discriminating factor to recognize a
title, despite the full right to it, and therefore it was frequent that
persons were excluded from the lists, which are still published by
private associations.
Nevertheless, the only way to be certain of your family heritage is to have your family line researched by a professional genealogist.
Genealogists
may encounter family traditions that they are of royal or noble
descent. Such traditions are often vague and frequently false.
Researchers are encouraged to trace their ancestry systematically
backwards in time generation by generation. If in that process you
discover an ancestor for whom there is good evidence of royal or noble
descent, you should continue to investigate that line of research.
Many
people are of the mistaken belief that a particular family coat of
arms/crest is theirs just because their surname is the same or they
come from the same country. This is not always true. For example the surname "Smith" has over 100 different coat of arms for that surname. This
surname can be derived from several origins; for example the
occupation of a person such a occupation of a black smith, tin smith,
and silver smith and so on. Or the surname can be from the place a
person came from, or even a description of a person.
Recent
decades have witnessed an increasingly widespread interest in coats of
arms and titles of nobility, especially among Italian descendants
abroad, many of whom have been deceived by heraldic or genealogical
research into believing themselves to be armigerous or even titled.
It
must be emphasized that, no matter what can be found on certain web
sites or elsewhere, a true title of nobility cannot be bought. Those
buying a title of nobility given by a more or less fantastic non
reigning king or prince, have to know that the title is worthless. These
kinds of titles will not increase any social status of the holder and
will be seen among the true nobility and high society as ridiculous and odd.
The feudal titles (such as Lord of the Manor) can be bought legally but
they will not give any noble status. A true title of nobility can only
be obtained if granted by an active head authority of the country such
as a Monarch, President, etc).
Although
bona fide orders have been created out of private initiative for
charitable, military or religious purposes, since the 19th century there
have been a large number of orders created either to satisfy personal
vanity, or to enrich a group of people (or both). Not all recently
created orders of chivalry need be rebuked by such an assertion, but
caveat emptor remains the rule.
Fons Honorum
What is “fons honorum” (fount of honor – right to grant honors)? The extent and contents of fons honorum
(according to particular traditions, epochs, places and customs,
include honorary distinctions of merit or other titles) encompasses
orders of knighthood, nobility, titles of nobility linked or not to a
peerage, noble titles devoid of nobility stricto sensu, recognized coat of arms, etc…(More at "Nobiliary Law" page).
It
is not the intention of the International and Association on Nobility
to be neither a competitor to nor a replacement for existing Heraldry
Societies or any existing Nobility Associations. We welcome their
contributions and efforts to promote the ideals of monarchy, nobility,
royalty and chivalry.
One
of the most important goals of this International Commission and
Association on Nobility is to educate the general public about the
International Nobility, topics related to it, and with representatives
around the world. Another important goal is to support in everyday
possible noble, royal, and imperial Houses by promoting activities to
unite the members and non-members and thus struggle together for our
most noble cause.
We
are living in a world of phantasy titles, illegitimate
pseudo-sovereigns and self-styled orders. Almost every day you go to a
formal meeting without seeing at least one person wearing an "Order".
Almost invariably, the wearer will tell you it was given to him by
Prince "This" or Prince "That", the last surviving scion of a Royal
House which you are convinced became extinct centuries ago.
At
one time the titles of baron were fashionable, today the invasion of
titles of self-styled dukes and princes seems obstinate, and even the
appearance of many pretenders with incredible fantasies of ancient
vanished kingdoms, empires, duchies and marquises, claiming sovereignty
having fons honorum to award titles of nobility and knighthoods
about cities and places that had never been under the sovereignty of
their alleged ancestors and predecessors.
Many
wearers of such "Orders" rest with the assumption that the average
person will have no idea what is and what is not a valid Order, and
those who do know would be far too polite to start an argument in
public.
There
are many "orders of chivalry" on the internet, however not more than a
good dozen is doubtlessly legitimate. Many of the so-called sovereign
princes and patriarchs make false claims to non-existing thrones and are
not a genuine fons honorum. Institutions which claim to be
"legitimate" are in fact self-styled and illegitimate. The honors which
are awarded by these pseudo-orders to anyone who is willing to pay the
fee are completely worthless.
The
various heraldic and genealogical agencies and societies cannot grant
legal recognition to a title of nobility, though many would have you
believe otherwise. Yet, accurate genealogical research is the only
mechanism that can prove a valid claim.
Totally
private organizations, as are the others, such as the Académie
Internationale d’Héraldique, the Académie Internationale de Généalogie,
the Confédération Internationale de Généalogie et de Héraldique, La
Commission d’information et de liaison associations de noblesse d’Europe
aka Cilane or C.I.L.A.N.E. and
others. Most of the organizations represented in Nobility Organizations
are private initiatives, particularly in nations where titles of
nobility are no longer recognized and therefore unregulated by law. They
are committees to liaise between associations, foster friendly
relations and mutual services, and promote exchanges between members. In
modern societies nobles have no obligations and expectations imposed
from outside their own circle.
There
are, however, several institutions which occasionally recognize Italian
nobiliary titles in some way, albeit not on behalf of the Italian
government. Although any association on nobility can be registered and recognized as a Cultural and Charitable Organization only.
Cultural conventions on the use of honorific titles in Italian
Language
allows the transmission of cultural information and it gives the
opportunity to pose questions on some uses which belong to a certain
nation. In fact, by analyzing some expressions typical of a language, we
can understand a lot about what a culture gives importance to, its
history and the mentality of that particular culture.
Through
the use of some linguistic forms we can understand to which extent
Italians give importance to honorifics when recurring to verbal
communication. People are used to addressing their interlocutors with
the following general nouns: Signore (used for men), Signora (used for married women), Signorina (used for unmarried women).
However,
when one knows the status or, even better, the level of education or
job of their interlocutor, the use of the right title becomes really
important, especially when it comes to formal relationships.
Usually,
titles are given according to one's job. You should address people by
preceding their name with the following nouns: architetto- architect,
avvocato- lawyer, commercialista- chartered accountant,
dottore/dottoressa (the first is used for men and the second for women)-
doctor, ragioniere- accountant, geometra- surveyor, ingegnere-
engineer.
This
classification includes the most popular titles, frequently used in
Italian, although some others, less frequent, can sometimes be required.
The words "dottore/dottoressa" need
an in-depth explanation. Clearly enough, they are used for people who
are doctors; however, Italians, unlike other European countries and the
US, which use the title "doctor" only for MDs and those who received a
PhD, Italians use the title"dottore/dottoressa" also for those
having a simple BA. Italy gives importance to honorific titles, when it
comes to people who graduated; perhaps we could read it as a way to
make a distinction between those who went to University and those who
did not.
However,
as strange it may sound in the rest of the world, where, as we said,
"doctor" is only for MSs and PhDs, in Italy people do it this way.
It is important to underline that this is not a rule; in fact, a lot of graduated people do not define themselves dottore or dottoressa. It also depends much on your personality and on the importance you give to titles and honorific expressions.
Italian Titles for nobles
The Italian Republic does not recognize titles of nobility. The Italian Constitution of 1948 abolished the Consulta Araldica,
and with it any official registry of titles of nobility in use up to
that time. There is, nonetheless, a private Organization, the Association of the Italian Nobility (Corpo della Nobiltà Italiana), which seeks to promote and continue the work of the former royal Italian heraldic regulatory entity, the Consulta Araldica
In
the past, noble ranks were of major relevance: they were a way to mark a
specific social status, and to set distinctions among social classes.
However, with the introduction of a law into the Italian Constitution,
which came into force in January 1948, aristocratic titles were no
longer recognized. This signed the end of the Consulta Araldica, the board in charge of the assessment and confirmation of aristocratic ranks.
Italy
may sound as the type of country which gives a lot of importance to the
image and status of people; perhaps this is partly due to its history,
but also to the will to differentiate the types of job. However, being
addressed to with titles is not an obligation, but rather a cultural and
social convention that foreign people can be exempted from.
DIVERSITY OF OPINION
It
is comprehensible that among different nationalities, cultures, social
sensitivities and personality there are different opinions on the
subject of nobility.
Different
opinions depend on which side a commentator is....or which side the
commentator receives "favors". Good decision-making depends on people
having reliable, accurate facts put in a meaningful context. All truths –
even the laws of science – are subject to revision.
To
criticize does not necessarily imply "to find fault", but the word is
often taken to mean the simple expression of an objection against
prejudice, or a disapproval of something. Often criticism involves
active disagreement, but it may only mean "taking sides".
Of
course, the critics may just want to provoke or vent a bit of
hostility, but it might backfire, because the people criticized may make
a nasty response. The nasty response may "prove" to the critics, that
the criticism was justified, but the critics have brought this on
themselves, they have produced their own viciousness.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We
are very grateful to those who make this organization possible and help
us get the word out to thousands of people and hope more will join us
so we can more fully fulfill our worldwide goals and ideals. You are
welcome to contact us, make contributions and/or become a part of this
significant cause.
On behalf of the Trustees and Regional Directors, we thank you for your inquiry and support.
Please contribute to the cause.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar