By Kippy Marks–
When a candidate campaigns to become a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess, there is always a representation of colors that allows voters to know who they are voting for. In most cases, candidates will also have a “catchphrase” and a coronation theme for their step-down. Here is a look back at what those were from 1997–2000.
1997–1998
The 25th Royal House of Guts and Glamour
Grand Duke XXIV Shawn Dru Colony
Colors: orange and yellow
Symbol: Aztec sun
Grand Duchess XXV Patty Mae (deceased)
Colors: pink and silver
Symbol: sterling silver hamburger
Coronation Theme: “Silver Jubilee – An Evening of Silver Elegance in Old San Francisco”
1998–1999
The 26th Royal House of Food, Fun, and Friendship
Grand Duke XXV Philip Seddon (deceased)
Colors: none
Symbol: sterling silver spider
Grand Duchess XXVI Kristy Cruise
Colors: none
Symbol: full plate baby el-e-plant
Coronation Theme: ” A Night in San Francisco with the Royal Family – An Old Fashion Russian Ball”
This was a very exciting year for The Grand Ducal Council due to the creation of the Royal Daddy contest. The reigning Grand Duchess Kristy Cruise and Grand Duke Philip Seddon began the process of renewing ties between the Leather community and the Drag community. This inaugural contest was held at Daddy’s bar (now 440 Castro) and has continued throughout the years at strengthening our Leather and Drag communities’ togetherness.
1999–2000
The 27th Royal House of Elegance and Romance
Grand Duke XXVI Michael Parsons
Colors: pink, black, blue, and red
Symbols: Union Jack of England, tea cup & rose
Grand Duchess XXVII China Silk
Colors: blue and gold
Symbol: Asian eye with the word “Love” written in Chinese
Coronation Theme: ” A Royal Russian Wedding – A Wedding of a Decade … A Love That Lasts Forever”
This was another spectacular year for the Grand Ducal Council. It was during the reign of Grand Duchess China Silk and Grand Duke Micheal Parsons that the White Knight and Miss Debutante Contest was created. The first White Knight was Darrell Starrling and the first Miss Debutante was Carlotta Osmon Ashton, who would go on to become Grand Duchess XXIX. (more on Carlotta in the next column).
2000–2001
The 28th Royal House of Commitment and Compassion
Grand Duke XXVII Greg Osmon (deceased)
Colors: none
Symbol: triple star
Former Grand Duchess Angelina Josphina Manicotti
Coronation Theme: “A Russian Space Odyssey”
On September 22, 2023, the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco will celebrate 50 years of Camp and Fundraising. The celebration will take place at the Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Please consider becoming a sponsor.
Inquiries: 50thanniversary@sfducal.org
Tickets ($60) are now on sale through August 25, 2023, with a hard stop on that final date. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime historic event, so we hope to see you there!
Kippy Marks is Grand Duke XL of The Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco. He is the first ever elected African-American Grand Duke.
Celebrating 50 Years of the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco
Published on March 9, 2023
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