Artemisian Coronation

I dragged my feet a lot when it was time to write about this event.  I was surprised at how sad it was to say goodbye to my time as lady in waiting to now Duchess Clare and her Duke Ronan.  I really came to think of both of them as family, warts and all, and Clare has become one of the best friends I've ever had.  We didn't know each other well when she asked me to attend her at their first court as Prince and Princess just after Ronan's victory, and I was a bit starstruck then.  I loved getting to be a part of their reign, and I have lots of great memories of helping the queen with garb-making, braiding her hair before events, and sharing war stories on long road trips to and from events.

My one gratitude is that the two of them made a concerted effort to not make anyone cry, including themselves, when they stepped down.  They failed, and I definitely shed some tears as they sad their goodbyes.  I was so thankful that I got to attend Her Grace during that last court, and I stayed until the regalia was handed off to others, until the crowns came off and were passed to the populace to hold, and until we walked out for the last time.  I had a hard time letting go of my duties and walking out of the royal room, leaving then Duchess Clare to undress, pack up, and prepare for the stepping-up of the next monarchs alone. 

I know I'm overly sentimental and I get too attached, but this whole experience was a dream come true for me, and I'm so glad to have done it, and to have served such worthy and deserving monarchs.

Below is a slideshow of photos from the day, with captions to fill in the gaps.