Text Box: Text Box: The Latest News And Important Dates
Text Box: The People’s Republic of Petoria has declared war upon the Kingdom of Ruritania on this day, January 24th, 2011.  Her Majesty, Queen Anastasia, requests that everyone remain calm and carry on with their normal duties.  The Order of the Blue Primrose and Royal Cuirassiers have been activated and will defend the borders of Ruritania against all invaders.  We do not consider this a credible threat, nor are we concerned for the general safety of our citizens.  Text Box: On January 26th, 2011, the Two Day War was officially ended.  An armistice was reached between Ruritania and the People’s Republic of Petoria, although no formal treaty was signed.  The Chancellor’s Office was informed that The People’s Republic of Petoria has since ceased to exist.  The Grand Duchess Julianna feels this is good riddance.
Text Box: On January 6th, 2012, the Royal Family gathered to celebrate the birthday of Her Royal Highness, The Grand Duchess Lydia. The event was hosted by the German Ambassador.  In recognition of the event, Her Highness was bestowed with commorative beer stein made of cut crystal for her private collection.  As a special surprise, Her Highness’ cousin, the Duke of Wintenberg, was able to attend.  A rousing polka was written in her honor.  The Princessen Polka will now be played in addition to all other Epiphany celebration music in Ruritania.
Text Box: In honor of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Her Royal Majesty, Queen Anastasia has had the Ruritanian Embassy gardeners plant special shrubberies.  The new plantings are of the Spirea or “Bridal Wreath” variety, and will henceforth be known as the “Wiltz and Kate” shrubs.
Text Box: On April 22nd, the Kingdom of Ruritania celebrated Queen Anastasia’s birthday with a Royal Celebration.  All members of the Royal House were present.  Members of the Italian Consulate participated in the festivities, and a enjoyable time was had by all.
Text Box: Queen Anastasia and The Grand Duchess Julianna attended the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, in London, on April 29th, 2011.  They were seated on the right of the nave, twenty seven rows back.  Her Majesty wore an emerald green coat dress of dupiani silk designed by Yves Saint Laurent, with a matching hat trimmed in peacock feathers.  The Grand Duchess wore a saffron yellow sheath dress designed by Vera Wang, accented with the Ruritanian Ruby Fluer-de-Lis brooch on the left shoulder, and a white hat embellished with white roses and larkspur.
Text Box: It would appear that the Bloody Swiss may have struck again!  On Tuesday, May 17th, the anniversary of King Wilhelm-Rudolph's death, Her Majesty, Queen Anastasia, was miraculously spared from seriously injury while driving during an automobile accident.  She was returning home from placing a wreath at the burial site of Her late husband at the Cathedral of Saint Michael and All the Angels in Strelsau, when the brakes failed on Her personal Rolls Royce.  She was taken to Saint Swithin's Grace Hospital for treatment and was proclaimed fit to perform Her Royal Duties.  Initial reports have shown that Her brake lines were cut.  However, considering the timing of the incident and the persisting rumors concerning King Wilhelm-Rudolph's death, the Order of the Blue Primrose are investigating the possibility that this could be yet another attempt by the Swiss Consortium.  Long live the Queen!
Text Box: The weekend of July 1st, 2011, Her Majesty, Queen Anastasia, and Her Royal Highness, the Grand Duchess Lydia, journeyed to the Principality of Monaco for the wedding celebrations of Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock.  For the church ceremony, Her Majesty wore a dark teal Yves Saint Laurent A-line, tea length, silk dress, with a matching wide-brimmed hat.  The hat was trimmed with white roses and baby’s breath.  Her Royal Highness arrived in a burnt orange Isaac Mizrahi sleeveless, chiffon, v-neck, wrap around dress.  Her Royal Highness accented her ensemble with gold Bandolino shoes and handbag.  As a wedding gift, Her Majesty presented the royal couple with service for twenty four in Venetian, hand-blown, crystal goblets.  
Text Box: It is our honor to announce that the Prince Aggelos’ of Imvrassia has bestowed upon Her Majesty the title of Grand Duchess of Imvrassia.  
Text Box: By order of Her Majesty the Queen, Ruritanian citizenship and select titles are currently being offered to any and all interested parties.  Further information and forms may be received by contacting the Chancellor’s office at chancellorvonbernenstein@ruritania.net 
Text Box: Her Majesty, Queen Anastasia, made a Royal visit to the Las Vegas consulate, maintained by the Duchess of Tarlenheim.  Among events on the itinerary was a State Dinner, which was attended by the comedians Penn and Teller.  Her Majesty’s journey to Las Vegas took her through Athens, Venice, Monte Carlo, and Paris.  Her Majesty is proud to report that while gambling was involved in her trip, she did not lose the crown jewels.
Text Box: On October 22nd, 2011, Her Grace, The Grand Duchess Julianna, visited the County of Pumpkenya for the annual carving of the pumpkins.  Her Grace’s efforts can be seen below, as those of the finalists in the pumpkin carving contest.
Text Box: Her Majesty, Queen Anastasia, has made the following address to the people of Ruritania:
Greetings to the People of Ruritania!   This last year has seen all of us face many challenges.   The world economy has adversely affected even our remote and isolated land.  Many of us have had to reconsider past decisions, re-think our attitudes and policies, and retrench our positions merely to survive.  These outside threats have been both physical and emotional, as well as financial.  Some have been devastating.   
Yet, as always, we persevere.  We have reached deep within us and found the strength to carry on through great loss.  We have met these challenges as we have met our enemies and, despite all odds, we have survived.  This is our greatest treasure.  The Will and the Determination of our people has carried us through centuries of threats from the world outside our borders.  The People of Ruritania, much like the ancient Spartans, fight for what we hold dear and refuse to relinquish our goals or our way of life.   
The coming year, 2012, will bring new challenges for all our citizens.  This is inevitable.  The world turns and our lives change.  Our spirit remains.  Our strength lies not in vast numbers or huge armies, but in our individualism.  Our separate talents join together to make a greater whole.  We will go forward, confident in the knowledge that beside and behind each of us are those upon whom we can depend.  Should we fall, should we fail in our endeavors, others will give us aid and another will take up our standard to carry it on.  We are Ruritania! 
Text Box: Diplomatic treaties of Friendship and Recognition have been signed and their names will shortly be added to our list of friends of allies.  Her Majesty apologizes for the delay in updating our website.