West Kingdom Duke or Duchess Wording

Kingdom Text:

(Insert optional beginning if desired) We, (Insert King's first name) and (Insert Queen's first name), King and Queen of the West, in recognition that (Insert full name of recipient), has twice been King/Queen of Our Realm, do hereby acknowledge him/her Duke/Duchess and do affirm his/her Sole, Unique, and Exclusive Right to bear the following Arms by Letters Patent in this Our Kingdom of the West: (Insert Blazon).

(Insert optional ending and do not forget the date the award was given.)

Alternate Kingdom Text:

(Insert optional beginning if desired) We, (Insert King's first name) by Right of Arms King of the West and (Insert Queen's first name) by Grace and Beauty Queen of the West, give Greeting.

Whereas Our Right Trusty and entirely Beloved Cousin, the Most Noble (Insert full name of recipient with all their titles and Rank), has twice Reigned over this Our Realm, in Honor and Grace, by Service in possession of the Crown thereof, and Whereas by that Service the aforesaid (Insert full name of recipient), is by Law entitled to claim the Rank, Estate, Style, Title, and Degree of Duke/Duchess.

Now therefore do We Will and Command that the aforesaid Duke/Duchess (Insert full name of recipient), to be in all places of Honor Admitted, Accounted, and Taken to be a Peer of Our Realm, with all Rights, Privileges, Insignia, and Precedence appertaining thereto as fully and as freely as any Person hereto hath done the Same. Furthermore We confirm unto him/her the Right to bear certain Ensigns Armorial, to wit: (Insert Blazon). In Testimony whereof We have caused to be made these Our Letters Patent.

(Insert optional ending and do not forget the date the award was given.)

[Source: The West Kingdom’s Scribe’s Handbook]

Outlands Duke / Duchess Wording

We,_____ and ______, King and Queen of the Outlands, to all and singular send Greetings. Whereas _______ has, [as a result of his/her great valor on the field of honor][through the valor of [his/her] champion], ruled twice as a [King/Queen] in this Realm, We do this day acknowledge [him/her] a [Duke/Duchess]. We hereby affirm those Arms conferred by Letters Patent registered by the College of Arms, to wit: <BLAZON> for [Duke/Duchess] ________'s sole and unique use throughout the lands of the Known World as a symbol of his/her high rank. By Our hands this ___ day of ___, Anno Societatis ____, being ____ Gregorian.

_______________, King ______________, Queen

The College of Arms, finding no impediment to the arms here blazoned, has assigned their exclusive use to <NAME>.

_______________, White Stag Principal Herald

ALTERNATIVE:

Let all know that We,  _____ and _____, King and Queen of the Outlands, in rightful succession to <Past King’s first name> and <Past Queen’s first name> do hereby recognize that <Recipient’s full name> has twice served as [King/Queen] of this Realm. [He has demonstrated his valorous skills in battle,] [She has offered her grace and courtesy to all] and given of [his/her] wisdom in council and in court. It is Our will that [he/she] at this time be invested as [Duke/Duchess]. We hereby affirm those Arms previously conferred by Letters Patent, to wit: <BLAZON> for [Duke, Duchess] ________'s sole and unique use throughout the lands of the Known World as a symbol of [his/her] high rank.

In testimony whereof We set Our hands this ____ day of ____ in the ____ year of the Society, being _____ Gregorian.

________, King _________, Queen

I, White Stag Principal Herald do attest by my signature that this document bears true Arms.

Signature of White Stag

[Source: Kingdom of the Outlands Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Middle Kingdom Duke (Duchess) Wording

(This version is for the person who served as the Sovereign.)

All Gentles and Nobles know by these presents that we (name of Sovereign), King (Queen) by right of arms of the Middle Kingdom, and (name of Consort), our Queen (King), in rightful succession to (name of previous Sovereign) and (name of previous Consort), and mindful of the excellent man ner in which (name of recipient) has served the Crown of the Middle Kingdom, giving of his/her valiant efforts in battle and of his/her wisdom in council and court, are most pleased to acknowledge him/her as Duke (Duchess). And though a Duke (Duchess) holds no authority or power to command, yet is he/she to be granted such honor and respect as befits a person of great worth and courtesy.

He/she shall be known by his/her coronet of gold, embellished with strawberry leaves, and his/her counsel shall be weighed as befits one who has twice borne the crown of the Middle Kingdom. Done by our hands this __ day of ___, Anno Societatis (A.S.) __, in our (location of event).

ALTERNATIVE:

(This version is for the person who served as the Consort.)

All Gentles and Nobles know by these presents that we (name of Sovereign), King (Queen) by right of arms of the Middle Kingdom, and (name of Consort), our Queen (King), in rightful succession to (name of previous Sovereign) and (name of previous Consort), and mindful of the excellent manner in which (name of recipient) has served the Crown of the Middle Kingdom, giving of her/his wisdom in council and court, are most pleased to acknowledge her/him as Duchess (Duke). And though a Duchess (Duke) holds no authority or power to command, yet is she/he to be granted such honor and respect as befits a person of great worth and courtesy. She/he shall be known by his/ her coronet of gold, embellished with straw berry leaves, and her/his counsel shall be weighed as befits one who has twice borne the crown of the Middle Kingdom. Done by our hands this __ day of ___, Anno Societatis (A.S.) __, in our (location of event).

[Source: Middle Kingdom Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Meridies Duchess Wording

Let it be known to all that (Recipient's name), having twice inspired her champion to win for her the Crown of this fair Kingdom, and having borne the mantle of Queen with dignity and grace, has hereby earned the noble title and estate of Duchess of Meridies. We, (Sovereign's name) and (Consort's name), King and Queen of Meridies, do joyfully invest her with all the rights, dignities, and honors appertaining thereto. Done this (number) day of (month) Anno Societatis (Society year), being (year) Gregorian.

-To be signed by Sovereign and Consort, with space for their seals. This award carries precedence and must also be signed by Beacon Principal Herald, with places for a third signature and seal.

[Source: A Handbook for Scribes of the Kingdom of Meridies (doc)]

Meridies Duke Wording

Proclaim unto all to whom these presents come that (Recipient's name), having by his valor, skill and strength of arms twice won the Crown of this fair Kingdom, and having ruled justly and graciously as King, has thereby earned the noble title and estate of Duke of Meridies. We, (Sovereign's name) and (Consort's name), King and Queen of Meridies, do joyfully invest him with all the rights, dignities, and honors appertaining thereto. Done this (number) day of (month) Anno Societatis (Society year), being (year) Gregorian.

-To be signed by Sovereign and Consort, with space for their seals. This award carries precedence and must also be signed by Beacon Principal Herald, with places for a third signature and seal.

[Source: A Handbook for Scribes of the Kingdom of Meridies (doc)]

Lochac Duke/Duchess Wording

Let it be known that We Name by right of Arms King of Lochac and Name by grace and beauty, Queen of Lochac give greetings.

We are pleased to confer unto recipients name the rank and Title of Duke/Duchess of the realm of Lochac. He/she ruled our fair realm twice/thrice with skill, grace and courtesy, he/she has achieved a diverse range of accomplishments that have improved the running of the Kingdom as well as the respect of their populace. He/she has extended themselves by supporting and promoting a whole range of activities which has been a further enhancement. Through his/her service he/she has enriched the participation and involvement of our populace and we have inherited a Kingdom in good health and wealth.

We further confer a Patent of Arms and confirm to wit; enter arms as registered with the college of heralds.

Done by our hand and seal this day of month anno societatis year being year in the common era.

Suitable titles ie King, Rex etc Queen, Regina etc

[Source: Lochac College of Scribes Handbook (pdf)]

East Kingdom Consort as Duke / Duchess Wording

Let it be known to all and sundry that (name of recipient), having twice reigned over these Eastern lands, being Crowned first upon (date of first Coronation) and yet again on (date of second Coronation), and having borne the mantle of Consort with dignity and grace, has thereby earned the esteemed and worthy title of Duke/Duchess of Our realm. We, (King’s name), rex, and (Queen’s name), regina, do therefore most joyfully invest him/her as Duke/Duchess (name of recipient), with all the rights, dignities, and honors appertaining thereunto. In witness whereof We set Our Hand this (number) day of (month), anno Societatis (year) at (event name) in Our (name of host group).

King’s signature space            Queen’s signature space

[Source: East Kingdom College of Scribes Handbook (pdf)]

East Kingdom Duke / Duchess Wording

Be it Known to all to Whom these presents come that (name of recipient), having by his/her great courage and prowess at arms twice won the Crown of the East, being first Crowned on (date of first Coronation) and again on (date of second Coronation), and having therefore twice reigned as Sovereign of the East, has thereby earned the right noble title and estate of a Duke/Duchess of Our realm. erefore do We, (King’s name), rex, and (Queen’s name), regina, most joyfully invest him/her as Duke/Duchess (name of recipient), with all the rights, dignities, and honors appertaining thereunto. In witness whereof We set Our Hand this (number) day of (month), anno Societatis (year) at (event name) in Our (name of host group).

King’s signature space            Queen’s signature space

[Source: East Kingdom College of Scribes Handbook (pdf)]

Caid Duchess Wording

Nobles and gentles throughout the Known World unto whom these presents shall come, We, King's name and Queen's name, King and Queen of the Realm of Caid, send greetings! Henceforth, Name shall be known as a Duchess/equivalent title in the Society for Creative Anachronism, in recognition that she has twice borne the mantle of Queen with dignity and grace. Furthermore, We confirm by these Royal Letters Patent her right to bear the arms Blazon. We here charge Duchess/equivalent title {recipient's first name} to continue the traditions of this rank; in token whereof, We grant her the privilege of augmenting the achievement above her shield, in whole or in part, with a ducal coronet Or environed of a wreath of roses Or and strawberry leaves vert, set upon a golden helmet, with mantling Color  doubled Metal. She shall hold said rank from this day, date and month, in the year of Our Lord AD year, and of the Society SCA year, unto the end of her days. In testimony whereof, We have caused to be made these Letters Patent, which We have signed, and the Great Seal of Caid to be hereunto affixed.

_____________________________     _____________________________
King's Name, Rex Caidis                      Queen's name, Regina Caidis 

_____________________________________
Crescent Principal Herald, Kingdom of Caid

[Source: The Caidian College of Scribes – Scroll Texts]

Caid Duke Wording

Unto all nobles and gentles throughout the Known World, We, King's name and Queen's name, King and Queen of the Realm of Caid, send greetings! Henceforth, Name shall be known as a Duke/equivalent title in the Society for Creative Anachronism, by virtue of having borne the burden of Kingship twice. Furthermore, We confirm by these Royal Letters Patent his right to bear Blazon. We here charge Duke/equivalent title {recipient's first name} to uphold the dignity of this station; in token whereof We grant him the privilege of augmenting the achievement above his shield with a ducal coronet Or set upon a depiction of his helmet in gold or other metal, with mantling Color  doubled Metal  [, as can be more clearly seen in the margin hereof]. He shall hold said rank from this day, date and month, in the year of Our Lord AD year, and of the Society SCA year, unto the end of his days. In testimony whereof, We have signed these Letters Patent, and caused the Great Seal of Caid to be hereunto affixed.

_____________________________     _____________________________
King's Name, Rex Caidis                      Queen's name, Regina Caidis 

_____________________________________
Crescent Principal Herald, Kingdom of Caid

[Source: The Caidian College of Scribes – Scroll Texts]

Atlantia Duchess Wording

It shall be known to all that <name>, having twice inspired her champion to win for her the Crown of this fair Kingdom and having borne this mantle of Queen with dignity and grace, has thereby earned the noble title of Duchess. We, <name> and <name> rightful Sovereigns of Atlantia, do joyfully invest her with all the rights, dignities and honors appertaining thereunto and reaffirm her right to bear by Letters Patent <blazon>. Done this <date> of <month>, A.S. in our <branch>, at<event>.

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

I, Triton Herald of Atlantia, do attest that the said arms have been duly registered with the College of Arms.

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*

Text adapted from East Kingdom source.

ALTERNATIVE:

Roses are fair and beautiful, yet some roses are even more precious than rarest furs or costly gold. Such a one is the well-beloved <name>. She has twice inspired Her Champion to place Her in honor above all others. It is right that this should be so. Twice has this Fair Kingdom of Atlantia been blessed by Her Majesty and twice has this Fair Kingdom of Atlantia been the Happiest of Realms. Therefore We, <name> and <name>, King and Queen of Atlantia, most joyously proclaim that She is a Duchess of Our Realm. Her Grace, Duchess <name> is a treasure of Our Realm. (Further We do reaffirm her the sole and exclusive right to bear arms, by Letters Patent, to wit: <blazon>.) Done this <date> of <month>, A.S. <year in Roman numerals> in our <branch>, at <event>.

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

(I, Triton Herald of Atlantia, do attest that the said arms have been duly registered with the College of Arms)

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*

By Gyrth Oldcastle

ALTERNATIVE:

Know all men by these presents that We, <name> and <name>, King and Queen of Atlantia, in recognition that Our subject, <name>, has twice ruled as Queen of this realm, do hereby invest her as Duchess of Our Fair Kingdom. We do further reaffirm her the right to bear by Letters Patent<blazon>. By Our hands this <date> day of <month> A.S. <year in Roman numerals> at <event> in Our <branch>.

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

I, Triton Herald of Atlantia, do attest that the said arms have been duly registered with the College of Arms.

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*

ALTERNATIVE:

Let all know that We, <name> and <name> by rightful succession King and Queen of Atlantia, do recognize that Our loyal subject <name> has twice served this realm as Queen, offering her grace and patience to all and giving of her wisdom in council and court. Therefore We are pleased to invest her as Duchess and to reaffirm her right by Letters Patent to bear <blazon>, further We do award her the privilege of embellishing her achievement with a coronet of strawberry leaves. In affirmation of her investiture, We here set Our hands this <date> day of <month>, A.S. <year in Roman numerals>(Our

Court being held at <event> in Our <branch>)>

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

The College of Arms, finding no impediment to the arms here blazoned, has confirmed their exclusive use to <name> .

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*

Text adapted from Calontir Kingdom source.

ALTERNATIVE:

Wondrous is the Majesty of Our Queens. With a soft word, do they inspire chivalry. With a gentle smile, do they encourage courtesy. With humble thanks, do they inspire a people's love. Twice has the fair and noble <name> inspired her champion to win the Crown. Twice has the good and beloved <name> reigned with our King at court and at war. It is Our happy task, therefore, to create her a Duchess of Our Realm for <name> is a rose whose beauty and worth are due Our highest honor. (Further We do affirm her the sole and exclusive right to bear arms, by Letters Patent, to wit: <blazon>.) Done this <date> of <month>, A.S. <year in Roman numerals> in our<branch>, at <event>.

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

(I, Triton Herald of Atlantia, do attest that the said arms have been duly registered with the College of Arms.

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*)

By Gyrth Oldcastle

ALTERNATIVE:

Know all men by these presents that We, <name> and <name>, King and Queen of Atlantia, in recognition that Our subject, <name>, has twice ruled as Queen of this realm, do hereby invest her as Duchess of Our Fair Kingdom. We do further reaffirm her the right to bear by Letters Patent<blazon>. By Our hands this <date> day of <month> A.S. <year in Roman numerals> at <event> in Our <branch>.

(*Place confirmation text here if required*)

*Space for Monarchs' signatures*

I, Triton Herald of Atlantia, do attest that the said arms have been duly registered with the College of Arms.

*Space for Triton Herald Signature*

[Source: Atlantian Scribes Handbook (pdf)]

Atenveldt Duke Wording

To all and Singular do We, (names of King and Queen), by Right of Arms o f the Realm of Atenveldt King and Queen send Greeting. In Recognition of Our Subject, (name of recipient) who by his Valor and Skill at Arms has twice ruled as King in Our Realm, do

We now elevate him to the Rank and Station of Duke. We now further affirm his Right to bear Arms by Letters Patent in the Society for Creative Anachronism, without Let or

Hindrance, said Arms herein more plainly described and depicted, to wit: (blazon).

In Witness Whereof, We set Our Hand this ___ day of ____ Month, Anno Societatis

(roman numerals), being (modern date) in the Common Era.

_________________________________ __________________________________

 Rex Atenveldtus                                       Regina

 By Mairi Broder

[Source: The Kingdom of Atenveldt Scribe’s Handbook (pdf)]

Ansteorra Duchy Wording

Know ye that we ______ King and Queen of Ansteorra in recognition of the honor and grace with which our well-beloved and faithful ______ has twice reigned over this our realm before us in possession of the Crown thereof and in keeping with our laws the aforesaid is entitled to claim the Rank <Estate Style Title and Degree> of {Duke/Duchess/or approved alternate title} with all responsibilities and privileges thereto appertaining. This is so done and given in our ________ on the ______ day of ______ Anno Societatis ______ being Anno Domini ______.

_______ ______

 King      Queen

[Source: Official Award Texts for the Kingdom of Ansteorra]

Æthelmearc Investiture of a Consort as Duke or Duchess Wording

Let it be known to all and sundry that (name of recipient), having twice reigned over these Sylvan Lands, being first Crowned on (date of first Coronation) and again upon (date of second Coronation) and having borne the mante of Consort with dignity and grace, has thereby earned the esteemed and worthy title of a Duke/Duchess of Our Realm. We (name of King and Queen) Rex and Regina, most joyfully invest him/her as Duke/Duchess (first name of recipient) with all of the rights, dignities and honors pertaining thereunto. In witness whereof We have set Our Hand this (#) day of (month) Anno Societatis (year) at (event) in Our (Name of hosting group).

(Signatures of King and Queen)

[Source: Kingdom of Æthelmearc Sample Scroll Wordings site]

Æthelmearc Investiture of a Sovereign as Duke or Duchess Wording

Be it known unto all to whom these presents come that (name of recipient), having by his/her great courage and prowess at arms twice won the Crown of AEthelmearc, being first Crowned on (date of first Coronation) and again upon (date of second Coronation) and therefore having twice reigned as Sovereign of AEthelmearc, has thereby earned the right to the title and estate of a Duke/Duchess of Our Realm. Therefore do We (name of King and Queen) Rex and Regina, most joyfully invest him/her as Duke/Duchess (first name of recipient) with all of the rights, dignities and honors pertaining thereunto. In witness whereof We have set Our Hand this (#) day of (month) Anno Societatis (year) at (event) in Our (Name of hosting group).

(Signatures of King and Queen)

[Source: Kingdom of Æthelmearc Sample Scroll Wordings site]

An Tir Duke Wording

Unto all nobles and gentles throughout the Knowne World, We ____________ King, and ____________, Queen of An Tir, send greetings. Henceforth, ________________________ shall be known as Duke by virtue of having borne the burden of Kingship twice. Furthermore, We confirm by these Royal Letters Patent his right to bear [BLAZON]. He shall from this day on be known by his coronet of gold, embellished with strawberry leaves, and his counsel shall be weighed as befits one who has twice borne the honors, privileges and duties as are assigned one of such rank within this Our Kingdom. In affirmation of his investiture as Duke, We have this day set Our hand and affixed Our Great Seal to these Royal Letters Patent. Proclaimed this ___________ day of (month)______________ A.S. _____ 

By seal and signature, Black Lion Herald testifies that the armories depicted and blazoned herein belong unto the said _________________________ to use, bear, and show forth at all times.

 [Source: An Tir College of Scribes site]

Trumbrand the Wanderer and Kaylah the Cheerful, Ducal, 2013

It was well with Ealdormere when came the Prince and Princess of the North to serve in their turn, and seeing this King Trumbrand and Queen Kaylah, and a quantity of loyal people to them, made ready to travel to their private estates near Wesbellford.

And then the throne was empty, and they, the celebrated Duke Trumbrand and Duchess Kaylah went to winter in peace, to hold golden coronets, high honours, and thanks to stand for the term of their life as the rights of Ealdormere accord their service.

Then, King Nigel and Queen Adrielle having taken the throne, wished them well, and with both the noble and common people raised their voices for Trumbrand and Kaylah, and swore to remember their deeds and kindnesses, and all present took peace on the events of the Coronation day which was the 28th day of September, in the 48th year of the Society, and this was written in the Chronicles of the Inland Seas.

This was the year that there was singing in the reign of favourite things.

By Brand Thorwaldsen. Based on Chronicles of Novgorod 1016-1471, Translated From the Russian by Robert Michell and Nevill Forbes.

Etain au Naval, Ducal, 2011

In the presence of Our noble and powerful Dukes and Duchess, Counts, Earls and Countesses, Barons and Baronesses, Laurels, Pelicans, Knights and their squires, ladies and lords, and all in the future as well as the present, We greet you on this 30th day of April in the 45th year of our society, in our beloved lands of Ben Dunfirth, a place suitable and convenient for this.

In accord with all that is proper, attend and witness the decree of their Lupine Majesties. Since those things which are done lapse with the passage of time, and unless they are supported by written testimony will easily slip the memories of men, We wish it to be known to all people both now and in the future that We, Aaron and Rustique, King and Queen of Ealdormere, would make Our will known and proclaim to all that Etain au Naval is henceforth a Duke of Our Realm. Let all peoples grant him the respect he has earned and the honor he has gained.

To be a King is good. To be a good King is better. Twice for love has he won a crown. Twice has he ruled with wisdom, strength, and grace Our kingdom. And twice with gladness have his people offered him their love. As is due by virtue of having borne the burden of Kingship twice we hereby confirm by these Royal Letters Patent the privilege of embellishing his achievement with a coronet of strawberry leaves upon his helm.

We here charge His Grace Duke Etain to uphold the dignity of this station; and he shall hold said rank from this day unto the end of his days. In order that no misrepresentation may arise in the future, and in order that all doubt may be removed, We have strengthened this appointment of Ours, corroborating it in writing before those here assembled and in testimony whereof, We have signed these Royal Letters Patent, and caused the Great Seal of Ealdormere to be hereunto affixed.

By HRM Adrielle Kerrec

Valfreya Greenspeare, Ducal, 2011

To the Dukes and Duchess, Counts, Earls and Countesses, Barons and Baronesses, Laurels, Pelicans, Knights and their squires, ladies and lords, and all in the future as well as the present, to whom these letters come, greetings.

Predecessors of sharper memory more experienced in literary work commended monuments of things accomplished to the notice of their successors inspiring by this example lest they slothfully neglect something worthy of memory to future times. Since the memory of men slips away swiftly, lest any difficulty or controversy should arise over this among those to come, We Aaron and Rustique, King and Queen of Ealdormere, do signify to the future as well as the present by these letters represent, that It is Our happy task to create Valfreya Greenspear a Duchess of Our Realm for she is a rose whose beauty and worth are due Our highest honor.

Wondrous is the Majesty of Our Queens. With a soft word, do they inspire chivalry. With a gentle smile, do they encourage courtesy. With humble

thanks, do they inspire a people's love. It shall be known to all that Valfreya, has twice inspired Her Champion to place Her in honor above all others and to win for her the Crown of this fair Kingdom and having borne the mantle of Queen with utmost patience and grace, has thereby earned the noble title of Duchess.

As is due by virtue of having borne the burden of the Crown twice we hereby confirm by these Royal Letters Patent to her the right and privilege of embellishing her achievement with a coronet of strawberry leaves.

And that these decrees may be valid forever we have ordered this document to be confirmed by the authority of our seal, and by the character of the Royal name, signed below. Done in our Barony of Ben Dunfirtth in the 45th year of our society, on the first day of our reign, being the 30th day of April.

By HRM Adrielle Kerrec