✦ Ceremonial Handbook for Staff ✦

CEREMONIAL HANDBOOK FOR STAFF

Imperial and Royal House of Bradley

Issued under the Authority of the Sovereign Prince

I. Purpose of the Handbook

This handbook provides clear, authoritative instructions for all staff involved in:

• State ceremonies
• Royal audiences
• Diplomatic receptions
• Investitures
• Banquets and formal meals
• Processions and heraldic displays
• Religious or cultural observances
• Internal Household ceremonies

Its purpose is to ensure uniformity, dignity, and flawless execution of all ceremonial duties.

II. General Conduct for All Staff

1. Bearing and Demeanor

• Maintain calm, disciplined posture at all times.
• Move quietly and efficiently.
• Never display confusion, hesitation, or disorder.
• Avoid unnecessary conversation.

2. Respect for Rank

• Bow or curtsy when appropriate.
• Step aside for members of the Royal Family.
• Never turn your back on the Sovereign unless instructed.

3. Confidentiality

• All ceremonial preparations are confidential.
• No staff member may discuss internal matters externally.

III. Dress Code for Ceremonial Staff

1. Formal Ceremonial Staff

• Black or dark navy attire
• White gloves
• Polished shoes
• Minimal jewelry
• Hair neatly secured

2. Heraldic and Processional Staff

• Household livery
• Insignia of office
• Gloves and ceremonial boots
• Heraldic tabards when required

3. Security Staff

• Dress uniform
• Decorations as authorized
• No visible weapons unless part of ceremony

IV. Roles and Responsibilities

1. Grand Chamberlain’s Staff

• Prepare audience chambers
• Coordinate seating and precedence
• Manage timing and flow of events
• Ensure all ceremonial items are in place

2. Heraldic Staff

• Announce dignitaries
• Carry and place banners
• Ensure correct heraldic order
• Maintain ceremonial scripts

3. Processional Staff

• Organize processions
• Maintain spacing and formation
• Cue musicians and heralds

4. Banquet Staff

• Set tables according to precedence
• Serve in synchronized order
• Maintain silence except for required communication

5. Security Staff

• Control access
• Escort dignitaries
• Maintain perimeter discipline
• Coordinate with foreign security

V. Ceremonial Procedures

1. Receiving Dignitaries

• Staff line the entry hall in two rows
• Herald announces the visitor
• Chamberlain leads the visitor to the Sovereign
• Staff maintain absolute stillness during the greeting

2. Royal Audience Protocol

• Staff open doors simultaneously
• Chamberlain announces the Sovereign’s presence
• Staff remain at attention until dismissed

3. Processions

• Form in order of precedence
• Maintain exact spacing
• Move at a measured, even pace
• Heralds lead; guards flank; Sovereign enters last

4. Banquets

• Staff serve from the Sovereign’s right side
• No dish is placed before the Sovereign is seated
• Toasting glasses are prepared in advance
• Staff withdraw silently after each course

VI. Heraldic Placement Duties

1. Placement of Arms

• Sovereign Arms always central and elevated
• Foreign arms placed to the dexter side
• Household arms placed only in secondary positions

2. Flags and Standards

• Sovereign Standard raised last and lowered last
• Foreign flags displayed only with approval
• No flag may overshadow the Sovereign’s

3. Banners and Insignia

• Must be clean, undamaged, and properly aligned
• Carried upright at all times
• Never touch the ground

VII. Communication Protocol

1. Verbal Communication

• Use formal titles

• Speak softly and only when necessary
• Address officers by rank

2. Non-Verbal Communication

• Use discreet hand signals for timing
• Maintain eye contact only when appropriate
• Avoid sudden movements

VIII. Emergency Protocol

1. In Case of Disruption

• Security takes immediate control
• Staff freeze unless directed
• Heralds maintain composure and silence

2. In Case of Medical Emergency

• Staff notify the Marshal
• Clear space for medical personnel
• Maintain privacy for the affected individual

3. In Case of Fire or Hazard

• Staff guide guests to exits
• Security leads evacuation
• Heralds maintain order with clear commands

IX. Discipline and Accountability

1. Expectations

• Precision
• Punctuality
• Professionalism

2. Violations

• Disrespect
• Disorder
• Breach of confidentiality
• Failure to follow protocol

3. Consequences

• Reprimand
• Suspension
• Removal from ceremonial duties
• Dismissal from the Household

X. Oath of Ceremonial Service

All ceremonial staff shall swear:

“I pledge my service, loyalty, and discipline to the Sovereign Prince and the Imperial and Royal House of Bradley. I shall uphold the dignity of the House, preserve its traditions, and execute my duties with honor, precision, and discretion.”