The 25th, 26th, 27th, and 28th Royal Houses

Coronation Theme: “Silver JubileeAn Evening of Silver Elegance in Old San Francisco”

1998–1999

The 26th Royal House of Food, Fun, and Friendship Grand Duke XXV Phillip 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 Phillip 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 Josephina 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 https://www.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-ina-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 AfricanAmerican Grand Duke.