Francis O'Toole, Gaelane O'Toole, Lord and Lady Nicholas Monson, Ratu Muda Princess Karen Cantrell, HIH Princess Saba Kebede with HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, Lij Anania Abebe, GOSE, ADC Major, Imperial Guard Regiment - President of Moa Anbessa Institute and W/t Rahel Molaligne
Los Angeles, California. 26th April, 2023. The Royal Society of St. George (RSSG), California held two events this past weekend welcoming His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, President of the Crown Council of Ethiopia, and Trustee with the RSSG, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The RSSG Black Tie Gala was held in his honor on Saturday evening, April 22nd, and a luncheon and awards ceremony was held on Sunday, April 23rd, welcoming the new president of RSSG, Marquis John A. Blakemore. On Saturday, April 22nd, 2023, HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie delivered the keynote speech titled, "The Importance of the Preservation of Heritage - Peace and Hope for 2023."
HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie
Prince Ermias was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1960, and following the early passing of his father, HIH Prince Sahle Selassie, was raised by his mother and grandfather, His Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I, until he was later sent to the United Kingdom for his education. He was in Great Britain when the coup of 1974 occurred, overthrowing the Emperor. He attended college in the United States at the University of California in Santa Barbara, and then at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. He has been widely honored for his contributions to peace and international relations. He is a patron and the chief driving force behind the Water Initiative for Africa (WIA), which has developed unique water purification technologies for African communities. As President of the Crown Council, he is also sovereign of all of the Imperial Ethiopian Orders.
The Crown Council of Ethiopia is the Constitutional Body which advises the reigning Emperors of Ethiopia and, during an interregnum, actually acts as the Crown. The Council’s members are initially appointed by an Emperor, and subsequently sustained in their posts or replaced under the direction of the President of the Council. The Crown Council is currently raising funds to renovate Ethiopia's Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, now over eighty years old and in serious need of repair and preservation.
The Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA) was a Gold Sponsor of the events which featured the sabering of champagne led by Philippe Milgrom, US Ambassador for Confrérie du Sabre d'Or and Dr. Jeanne Ruderman, Maître du Protocole for Confrérie du Sabre d'Or. The Confrérie is based in France and promotes the wines of Champagne and the "Art of Sabrage", the act of opening a bottle of Champagne with a sword. HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie successfully sabered a bottle of champagne and was given a certificate of membership into the Confrérie du Sabre d'Or.
HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie and Philippe Milgrom, US Ambassador for Confrérie du Sabre d'Or
Philippe Milgrom, US Ambassador for Confrérie du Sabre d'Or, Princess Karen Cantrell, Consul General Southern California for Confrérie du Sabre d'Or, HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie and Dr. Jeanne Ruderman, Maître du Protocole for Confrérie du Sabre d'Or
The welcome dinner on April 22nd was hosted by Princess Karen Cantrell, Chairman of the RSSG California Branch, and Marquis Peter L. Eckert. In the welcome speech, Marquis Peter L. Eckert stated:
Marquis Peter L. Eckert
"We are all gathered here tonight in support of HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, grandson of the late Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie. His Highness is part of the Solomon dynasty, a descendant of King Solomon. His purpose with us tonight is to share his support for the RSSG and raise funds for the restoration of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the resting place of his ancestors and a center of Christianity. Ethiopia essentially contains the oldest history of Christianity in the world."
The distinguished guests included Lord and Lady Nicholas Monson, Lij Anania Abebe, GOSE, ADC, a Major of the Imperial Guard Director of the Moa Anbessa Institute, w/t Rahel Molaligne, British philanthropist Francis O'Toole and his wife, Zehra Sun of MDSun, Dr. Vance L. Whippo, Dr. EnRico Melson, LABA founder Joey Zhou, Viscountess Miranda Kramer, and Brenda Yang, Honorary RSSG member and President of the JinGuo Committee.
HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, Joey Zhou, Zehra Sun, and Princess Karen Cantrell
Marquis John A. Blakemore, newly elected president of the RSSG California branch, gave a background on the life of HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie:
“HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie was born in Addis Ababa on June 14, 1960 and is the only son of Prince Selassie of the Sahel and Princess Mahisente Habte Mariam of Ethiopia. He is the grandson of Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia and Dejazmach Habte Mariam Gebre-Igziabiher, the third and last Moti or ruler of the Kingdom of Welega, also known as the state of Leqa Neqamte."
After the prayers of Ethiopian nobleman Lij Anania Abebe, GOSE, ADC, the welcome dinner officially began. During the dinner, Lord Nicholas Monson of the British royal family recounted his anecdotes with King Charles III as well as the late Princess Diana and members of the British royal family. Afterwards, the Royal Society RSSG held an award ceremony. Princess Karen Cantrell, Chairman of the RSSG California, and Maryanne Parker, Vice President of the RSSG California, respectively gave HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Sellassie the RSSG Humanitarian Award, and Princess Saba Kebede was presented with the Presidential Lifetime Service Award.
Lord and Lady Nicholas Monson, Princess Saba Kebede, and HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Sellassie
Before the end of the dinner, the RSSG thanked the institutions and individuals who sponsored this event and gave donations to Ethiopia’s Holy Trinity Cathedral. The event raised $10,000 towards the restoration of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, with the RSSG California donating $2,000, and the members donating $8,000 as of this date. An additional $1,000.00 was also donated to the Ukraine by the RSSG California. Those that donated included Raja Muda Dr. Enrico Melson, HRH Don Leopold Isu Nisnoni, Raja of Kupang and Liural of Sonbai-Kecil, LABA International Art Festival, Laura Angelini, Ratu Muda Princess Karen Cantrell, Brenda Yang, Sandro Monetti, Christopher Alan Chambers, Ratu Muda Princess Malka Bas Rueven, Viscountess Miranda Kramer, Marquis Peter Eckert, and Chevalier Pedro Casillas-Capettillo.
The luncheon on Sunday, April 23rd, began with a champagne sabering ceremony. Philippe Milgrom, US Ambassador for Confrérie du Sabre d'Or and Dr. Jeanne Ruderman, Maître du Protocole for Confrérie du Sabre d'Or led the sabering ceremony. Following the successful sabering by HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, Jonathan Boulangeat, Joey Zhou, and Dr. Vance L. Whippo also received their certificates from the Confrérie du Sabre d'Or.
Princess Karen Cantrell, Chairman of the RSSG, California Branch, and Ike M.I. Khamisani, President of the United Nations Association of the USA, Inland Empire Chapter, welcomed the guests and award recipients. The guests included Sandro Monetti, Vice-Chairman and Trustee of the RSSG, Philippe Milgrom, US Ambassador for Confrérie du Sabre d'Or, Dr. Jeanne Ruderman, Maître du Protocole for Confrérie du Sabre d'Or, Laura Angelini, Honorary RSSG member and music artist, Sons Excellence EnRico Viconte Melson de St. Luke, Joey Zhou, Honorary RSSG member and Founder of LABA, Marquis Peter L. Eckert, and others.
Joey Zhou read a congratulatory letter from LABA Blue-chip artist Jiannan Huang and gave a presentation about the royal family and nobility in China, Xiaoping Deng’s visit to the United States in January 1979, and the common people’s perception of the royal family and nobles today. Zhou said, "In today's China, we can talk freely about the nobles and the royal family, but no matter in the past or now, no matter whether you are a nobleman, a king, or even an emperor, during the festival, everyone will send blessings to each other."
Princess Princess Karen Cantrell and LABA founder Joey Zhou
The calligraphic work titled, "Blessing" by LABA Blue-chip artist Jiannan Huang, was presented to His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie. Huang is one of the world's finest artists, specializing in Western oil painting and Chinese ink. He is ranked third on the 2020 Hurun China Art List and 19th on the Hurun Global List. He is a decedent of the Qing Dynasty in China, and an honorary member of the Royal Society of St. George, California Branch. He was awarded the title of "Earl" by the Indonesian Royal Family. In 2021, he received the RSSG "Master of Arts" Award and the LABA Most Influential and Most Valuable Artist Award in 2022.
LABA Blue-chip artist Jiannan Huang
Joey Zhou, LABA Founder, HIH Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, Todd Williamson, artist and co-Chairman of the LABA International Art Festival
Sandro Monetti, Vice Chairman and Trustee for the RSSG California Branch, introduced Leathem Stearn and did the presentation of his RSSG Medal of Valor award. Princess Karen Cantrell and Maryanne Parker awarded the RSSG Medal of Valor to Dr. EnRrico Melson.
Princess Karen Cantrell and Leathem Stearn with his RSSG Medal of Valor
Dr. EnRico Melson with his RSSG Medal of Valor and Maryanne Parker, Vice President of RSSG California Branch
The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Service Awards were presented by Ike M.I. Khamisani, President of the United Nations Association of the USA, Inland Empire Chapter. They were awarded to Leathem Stearn and Dr.EnRico Melson respectively, in addition to receiving the United Nations Associations Humanitarian Awards.
Ike M.I. Khamisani, President of the United Nations Association of the USA, Inland Empire Chapter and Leathem Stearn
Ike M.I. Khamisani, President of the United Nations Association of the USA, Inland Empire Chapter, Dr. EnRico Melson, and Maryanne Parker
The new members of the RSSG California Branch were presented certificates and membership medals by Princess Karen Cantrell and Maryanne Parker: HRH Dr. Vance L. Whippo, H.H. Marquis of Sicily GC, Sir Laurent Khaiat, Marquise of Yamashiro GC, Lady Kayo Ishikawa, Elise Papazian, Oliver Scott Pritikin, William Martin, PhD, James Lewis L.P. Jackson II, Dr. Spencer Dayton, Maria Rossing, and Christopher Hulbert. Finally, Princess Karen Cantrell presented the official title of Raja Muda of Kupang to Dr. EnRico Melson that was awarded by HRH Don Leopold Isu Nisnoni of the Indonesian Royal Family of West Timor, Indonesia.
Princess Karen Cantrell, Chairman of the Royal Society RSSG California, presented the official title of "Raja Muda of Kupang" to Dr. EnRico Melson
The Royal Society of Saint George is broadly recognized worldwide as the leading English patriotic society. It was established in 1894 to encourage interest in English customs, traditions and the English way of life.
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by JHSZ International Art Institute
- The Beverly Arts
Updated: Apr 26, 2023
Princess Karen Cantrell, Chairman of the Royal Society of St. George, California Branch, Joey Zhou, TV host and founder of LABA and Todd Williamson, artist and co-Chairman of the LABA International Art Festival
Los Angeles, California, USA. 20th April, 2023. The Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA) will be attending two Royal Society of St. George (RSSG), California Branch events this weekend as a Gold Sponsor. On Saturday, April 22nd, the RSSG will be hosting a Black Tie Gala Evening featuring a keynote speech by His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie, President of the Crown Council of Ethiopia, and Trustee of the Society of St. George, California Branch. The title of his speech is, "The Importance of the Preservation of Heritage - Peace and Hope for 2023." On Sunday, April 23rd, there will be a "Welcome Ceremony" for the new President of RSSG, Marquis John A. Blakemore. His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie will be delivering another keynote speech to the audience.
The Crown Council of Ethiopia is the Constitutional Body which advises the reigning Emperors of Ethiopia and, during an interregnum, actually acts as the Crown. The Council’s members are initially appointed by an Emperor, and subsequently sustained in their posts or replaced under the direction of the President of the Council. They are currently raising funds to renovate Ethiopia's Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa, Eithiopia, now over eighty years old, and in serious need of repair.
LABA Blue-chip artist Jiannan Huang
LABA founder, Joey Zhou, will be attending both events as well as LABA board member and co-Chairman of the LABA International Art Festival, Todd Williamson. LABA Blue-chip artist Jiannan Huang will be doing a presentation of his artwork via video conference with Joey Zhou. Both Joey Zhou and Jiannan Huang are Honorary Members for The Royal Society of St. George, California Branch.
Jiannan Huang is one of the world's finest artists, specializing in Western oil painting and Chinese ink. He is ranked third on the 2020 Hurun China Art List and 19th on the Hurun Global List with sales of $29 million. Jiannan holds several positions - Director of the Chinese Traditional Culture Promotion Association, member of the French National Artists Committee, art consultant for the World Low Carbon Cities Alliance, and France Jiny City Gold Medal Honorary Citizen. He was awarded the title of "Earl" by the Indonesian Royal Family. In 2021, he was given an honorary membership into the Royal Society of St. George (RSSG), California Branch, and received the RSSG "Master of Arts" Award and the LABA Most Influential and Most Valuable Artist Award in 2022.
The Royal Society of Saint George is broadly recognized worldwide as the leading English patriotic society. It was established in 1894 to encourage interest in English customs, traditions and the English way of life.
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by JHSZ International Art Institute
- The Beverly Arts
Author: AI SMITH CHATGPT
Literary editor：Joey Zhou - he gave CHATGPT his own original English poem "Hands"
Music: https://youtu.be/rdH2K10Duco (recommended by Joey Zhou)
In the hands of earth are mountains high,
And green valleys that between them lie,
But what of the dark green hand out of sight?
The hand of the sky is white clouds that sail,
Through wind and rain and misty veil,
But what of the hands of the wind and gale?
The thundering hand is lightning bright,
That strikes with power from height to height,
But what of time and space's own hand's might?
The universe's hand is gravity's grasp,
Black holes in stars that for aeons last,
But what of the black hole's own hand's clasp?
Nothingness reigns, all-consuming breath,
Creating, devouring, in birth and death,
But what of the soul in life's hands' depth?
For the human hand is the spirit's home,
Guiding and healing, and reaching to roam,
And in this, our soul's true hands are known.
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by JHSZ International Art Institute