At the invitation and in collaboration with the E.G.S., a special Investiture was organized in Rome in the context of the Holy Year and during Holy Week.
The solemn Investiture took place in the Palazzo Cesi located on the Via del Conciliazione in the heart of Vatican City. Sixty-six guests and candidates took part in the intimate ceremony presided over by H.I.R.H. Karl von Habsburg, patron of the Noble Order, assisted by Chancellor/President Bart De Baere and Peter-Olaf Hoffmann Referendaris of the Order and Secretary General of the EGS.
The following laureates were honored for their national and international commitment to preserving tradition in the armorial guilds and historical associations.
- Albert-Henri Prinz de Merode – Commandeur
- Dr. Erzbischoff Heiner Koch – Ere- Commandeur
- Hubertus Prinz zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg – Ere-Commandeur
- Sema Prinzessin zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg – Ere-Dame
- Leendert Noordzij – Commandeur
- T.C.M. Alofs – Officier
- Harrie Hoffmans – Officier
- Theo Hoorens – Officier
- Ralf Kremer – Officier
- Wolfgang Manz – Officier
- Marcel Sturm – Officier
- Pastor Dieter Moors – Officier
- Luc Vander Stock – Officier
- Steven Visser – Officier
- Margriet Ackermans – Gouden medaille
- Eberhard Boekers – Gouden medaille
- Peter Blom – Zilveren medaille
- Luc Desoete – Zilveren medaille
- Patrick Tamsin – Zilveren Medaille met Bronzen Papegay
The special session was excellently led by Clerk Luc Borgions and Treasurer/Lady of Ceremonies Monique Van Put.
The Noble Order thanks the E.G.S. (Europaische Gemeinschaft Historischer Schützen), its Praesidium and in particular Secretary General Peter-Olaf Hoffmann for the pleasant cooperation and sponsor of the event, Mr. Dr. Courtial of Courtial Reisen and Courtial -International.
H.I.R.H. Karl von Habsburg thanked all those present for their commitment to the tradition and the preservation and protection of this heritage that has now received national and international recognition by Unesco.
The special ceremony was followed by a reception offered by the Noble Order and all those present were presented with a special pin as a memento of this extraordinary event.
Photos of the Investiture can be found via this link.
The next Investiture will take place in Helmond-Netherlands, on 22/11/2025, applications are now open: here is the link.
More information about the E.G.S. e-g-s.eu