Our Third Anniversary.

It is with great pleasure we announce our third anniversary of our founding. It has been a quiet and humble start. Most things of value begin small, and move deliberately with considered presence of mind as do we. Rheinbergen is an inclusive Principality. Our borders and our possibilities both personally and as a country are only set within ourselves. To know ourselves, is to control our destiny. To define our boundaries means we can then challenge them, and push past limitations others might wish to impose upon us and as a country. 

Welcome to Rheinbergen! Your opportunities are what you craft for yourself. They are only as limited as you allow yourself to be. 

A Founding Day Message from HSH Gerard Sovereign Prince of Rheinbergen:

My people, take a moment on this auspicious day to look around you. Our world is currently in flux. Change is inevitable and ongoing, therefore it is a force to be embraced, not feared. When viewing media announcements of this President or that President making political moves upon the world's stage do not fear. People have always vied for power or influence, even going so far as to fight a war or conflict. It is not however the end of the world. Nor will it be yours.

Those are the negatives of a changing political world. And for some a reality in their despair or depression they embrace. It is not our willingness to give into fear or worry. For every unsettling time, in every instance of conflict there are the peacemakers; healers and diplomats arise to ensure those affected by change are soothed and healed. Look for the helpers, volunteers and peacemakers, they will arrive when needed.

We define ourselves by what we embrace and the values we hold fast to, in the midst of the raging winds of change which might blow down upon us.

I am reminded of a quote by Canadian Jack Layton a Member of Parliament who once said, “My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.”

We are starting our third year. Let us share our love, keep an optimistic attitude, help our friends and neighbors not because we would be recognized for our assistance but rather it is the right thing to do. And above all keep others in our hearts. 

Lastly I would remind you, to keep hope alive. With every storm, there comes a second sunrise, and sunset. Life goes on. And as it does so shall Rheinbergen! 

I wish you a wonderful and prosperous New Year!

Gerardus Furst von und zu Rheinbergen.

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays and Season Greetings

From 

The Principality of Rheinbergen!

Their Serene Highnesses Gerard and Naomi

wishing all, a wonderful holidays season.

Hoping Peace and Prosperity

visit you and your families

in the coming year.

Our National Anthem and its composer David Solomons

It is with a great deal of excitement we announce our National Anthem has been completed. It has been an evolutionary process, which has resulted in a classic and ageless recording, one which captures the majesty and grandeur of our country.

We were fortunate to have an interview with its composer David Solomons.

RR: At what age did you decide to study music and composition?

DS: I started composing around the age of 14 - little pieces on the violin. However I didn't actually study: I picked up ideas and did my own thing. By the age of 16 I had picked up classic guitar and began to realise the joys of harmonic improvisation.

RR: I take it then you have your own home studio?

DS: I used to use a studio, but these days I use notation software (Finale) and also commission live performances in various places including Hungary and the USA.

RR: Now I am curious. Did you become a professional musician or composer? And when did that journey start?

DS: It was a slow process. I earned my daily bread by translating for the Customs service (UK) and the music was just a hobby. I retired at the age of 54 and from that time I think I can consider myself professional composer although I have depended on my pension for my daily bread in any case.

RR: How did you meet our Prince?

DS: HSH Gerard, had heard a selection of my previous work, and we started a correspondence. It progressed from there. He wanted a piece that would capture the spirit and majesty of Rheinbergen. I hope I have given that to him.

RR: Just out of curiosity, with your experience in Customs, how many languages do you speak? Or are comfortable using?

DS: I can translate from French, German, Italian and I understand a little Dutch and Greek but only in written form. Obviously I picked up a few other languages in my job but not a lot stuck. My favourite word is the Lithuanian for "Thank You" which is Aciu (ie the sound of a sneeze!)

RR: Where was our national anthem actually recorded?

DS: As to the recording of the the National Anthem - I had planned to do recordings of The Pipes are calling and considered that it would be useful to tie the forces in to do the anthem as well, since much of the instrumentation was similar, so I asked the Prince if he would like me to do that and he was delighted.

I commissioned Budapest Scoring to do a version with baritone solo initially and the Prince suggested we also do a choral version - since I had luckily thought of doing a karaoke version of the instrumental parts. And the actual recording took place in Budapest, Hungary.

(Another great example of a country with a proud riverine history.)

RR: What does the future hold for David Solomons?

DS: I have many projects currently in the work. Please take a moment and come to my webpage where you can see them.
At the moment I am currently working on several Christmas pieces.

(We will post all links below.)

Thank you David Solomons!

Listed below are links to Solomons webpage and his efforts. We will start off with the direct link to his composition for our beloved Rheinbergen with full orchestration and choral arrangement:

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/rheinharmorch

National anthem of the Rhine mountains (National anthem of Rheinbergs) harmonized choir a cappella:

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/rheinharm

Nationalhymne von Rheinbergen (Karaoke Version)

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/rheinkar

David Solomons personal website with a comprehensive listing of his work and his current projects!

http://www.dwsolo.com/

A Birthday celebration and a quiet conversation with HSH Maxwell James Everhard Cornielje.

October is a special time in Rheinbergen. It is the natal birth month of our Prince's heir, HSH Maxwell James Everhard Cornielje Erbprinz von und zu Rheinbergen and he is turning eighteen years old.

To celebrate his birth and his becoming a legal adult within our Principality we asked if we could have a brief conversation with him, as he is finishing his baccalaureate at the prestigious International School of London, Qatar. His Serene Highness was gracious enough to take a break from his studies to speak to us.

-Thank you.

RR: Your Highness, what are your plans after you finish college this term?

HSH: Well I intend to take a gap year following college in order to take the opportunity to explore the world and see what life has to offer. I will be applying to universities under a deferred application, however I do have an interest in following a military career such as my father and his father before him and so on.

RR: Would you consider following in your father's footsteps and become a Grenadier Officer in the 11th Painfbat Garde Grenadiers?  

HSH: No. I would join the British Military due to my better understanding of the English language and the English system. I would preferably like to join the Royal Marines as I like to push myself.

RR: Wonderful! Would you hope to become an officer? We ask as most officers in the Royal Marines undergo Commando training.

HSH: Indeed, should I choose to join the armed forces, I would like to enter officer school following service in the Royal Marines, possibly two or three years after.

RR: That would definitely be a life changing and challenging career path to follow. What do you wish to study at University?

HSH: I am currently writing my application to study Politics and International Relations should I choose to go to University. As I feel I have always had an affinity for politics and dealing with various and differing types of people.

RR: How do you envisage yourself and your role as the future ruler of Rheinbergen?

HSH: Well, obviously it is an important role with various responsibilities that could be challenging, however, I feel I am fully capable of following in my father's footsteps and ensuring I make my family name proud, as well as the people relying on me.

RR: This might be a bit premature, however how would you like to see our nation progress or grow in the future?

HSH: While I may not have the answer to such a question at this current moment in time, I do believe following University and studying politics along with international relations I will be better equipped to aid Rheinbergen emergence into the international spot-light, and be a diplomat for Rheinbergen to the rest of the world. Once I have a better understanding of how the world actually works.

RR: How do you like living in Qatar?

HSH: While life can get boring at times, living here provides me with a good opportunity to experience and learn about a new culture, as well as allowing me to further my education in college, as I am doing now.

RR: Do you think it will be a big challenge to adjust to life in the United Kingdom after spending so much time living in a dry desert environment?

HSH: In my view, and due to my English heritage, I have always found the adjustment back to England easier!

RR: A special surprise has been given to us, to show to our Prinz on his birthday from his father. 

The Rheingold Ehren Orden are the Companions of Honour to Fürst von und zu Rheinbergen. This singular honour will include a very small number of friends and associates with direct personal ties to the Fürst who will be accorded this special status within the micronation of Rheinbergen. Membership in this order does not require citizenship or activity directly related to Rheinbergen. 

This order is conferred for life or until the appointing Fürst and all members of their family decline continuation as the Royal Family of Rheinbergen. The members of the extant Rheingold Ehren Orden will become known as the Rheingold Ehren Orden von Cornielje.

We believe the wording in the proclamation says it all:

Wir wünschen unserem Prinzen alles Gute zum Geburtstag!

Birthday Celebration of our Prince!

Today we mark the anniversary of our Prince's birthday! Gerardus Cornielje Furst of Rheinbergen. It is also at this time, we take a moment to reflect up the events of this natal year. It has been a difficult time in the world. There have been conflict, strife and terrorist attacks.

It has been with great sadness, and contemplation our Prince has viewed these global events. He has cautioned against emotions ruling our actions, married to a firm resolve asking us to not give in to hate, or allow the actions of a few dictate what is right, what is just, and what is noble in all of us.

 From our Prince:

"Regarding the Russia-Turkey incident: Rheinbergen asks both parties to restrain from actions and judgement before all facts have been established and verified. Let's not get into any actions that could start larger conflicts."

In regards to the tragic events from Paris:

"I speak to you today of the sad events in France.

Humanity as a whole has to stand up against the madness of extremism in every direction. We shall not give into despair, and we shall stand united in our resolve to not give up our freedom out of fear and suspicion. We must fight the darkness of barbarism with the beacon of light humanity offers in the worst of times. We will fight extremism and hate with love and determination."

Our Prince has helped to steer us a safe passage through the shoals and hidden reefs, of hate and suspicion. We are profoundly grateful for his calm resolve. 

It has also been a time of change within the House of Cornielje and of Rheinbergen as a whole. We are growing and expanding our influence across the globe. We are a conservative nation by design, as we make friends, and alliances gradually with a great deal of deliberation and gravitas. While pursuing economic opportunities in the Kingdom of Thailand, our Prince, has made the first of many important contacts, and wishes to put forth this year's birthday honors list, of those who have helped, aided and promoted Rheinbergen.

Our first honoree is:

 Arnaud C.M.C. Verstraete. Born in Antwerp, Belgium. He served for fifteen years in the armed forces. He is from an old established noble family with distant familial ties to our Prince. He is an accomplished helicopter pilot, businessman and philanthropist. Upon leaving the military, he moved to the Kingdom of Thailand, where he has pursued economic opportunities, along with establishing a firm relationship with the Thai people and their unique culture. He has long been involved in the Rotary organization, and has been a chairman, and president of Rotary Clubs in Thailand, Rotary Foundation Member, Benefactor, and Major Donor to the many philanthropic causes the Rotary organization supports in Thailand.

Arnaud C.M.C. Verstraete has been involved with such diverse projects to include, clean drinking water and library starter kits, for rural communities. Assistance programs for the handicapped, or those with hearing or sight issues. He has tirelessly promoted sustainable projects in Thailand designed to help children, the economic disadvantaged, schools and hospitals. We are proud to call Arnaud C.M.C. Verstraete our first ever Ambassador.

From Gerard Furst von und zu Rheinbergen:
To all and other Our Subjects whatsoever to whom these Presents shall come, GREETINGS!
Know now that We by Our grace and certain knowledge do by these presents appoint and create
Arnauld Charles Marie Celine Verstraete, to the said degree dignity and title of Baron von Rohrweihe!

From Gerard Furst von und zu Rheinbergen:

Know that by virtue of Our great confidence in Baron Arnaud Verstraete, We hereby appoint him Ambassador of Furstentum Rheinbergen to the Kingdom of Thailand.

The last birthday present for this year's honor list goes to Baron David S. Baker. 

From Gerard Furst von und zu Rheinbergen:

For dedication of purpose, resolve and the pursuit of excellence in promoting Rheinbergen and your dedication, and steadfast loyalty to our Principality and to the House of Cornielje, coupled with your proven leadership skills, know that:

Gerard Furst von und zu Rheinbergen to David S. Baker Baron von der Bergquelle, Know that by virtue of Our great confidence in Baron David S. Baker We do hereby appoint him Landgraf of the province of Alp-Rheinbergen, and do empower him to the said office at our pleasure, to be among our privy counselors as a member of the Staatsrat.

The dimidated arms of Landgraf David S. Baker

Official Website of Rheinbergen:

https://www.rheinbergen.de/

From their Serene Highnesses Gerard and Naomi!

Official Announcement!

For Release:

Date 5/9/2016

Time 15:00 GMT

For more information contact:

Principality of Rheinbergen:

Am Furtbach 17

8106 Regensdorf

Switzerland

https://www.rheinbergen.de/contact.html

The Chamberlain's office shall

keep the subjects of 

Rheinbergen updated

with progress of the pregnancy,

and the

name of the newest member 

of the family

in the following months.

Rheinbergen Annual Honors List

It is our greatest pleasure to announce the 2016 Honors List:

Baron Johannes (Hans) Geradus Maria Cornielje Brother to our Prinz, has been invested with Rheingold Eheren Orden.The Rheingold Ehren Orden are the Companions of Honour to Fürst von und zu Rheinberg. This singular honour will include a very small number of friends and associates with direct personal ties to the Fürst who will be accorded this special status within the micronation of Rheinbergen.

The award is given to honor the familial and brotherly love, Hans Cornielje has shown to his brother. Through life's travails and struggles he has consistently shown how an open heart and a firm resolve can keep hope alive in others even when he has struggled with life's depredations. It is our greatest pleasure to award him our Rheingold Eheren Orden. You are the best example of what a brother can be and so seldom is. -Thank you.

 It is also our pleasure to announce the formal Emblazon of the Greater Arms of Rheinbergen as painted by Heraldic Alexander Liptak:

The coat of arms of the Fürst von und zu Rheinbergen consists of a shield quartered of the Rheinbergen provinces surmounted by an inescutcheon of the Fürst's personal arms. The supporters are each an amalgamation of a bird and fish native to the Rhine, the final decision having been decided by popular vote of the micronation's citizens. The sinister supporter is a creature half black Woodpecker and half Bullhead, while the dexter is composed of a Kingfisher and Salmon.

Orden der Rheinberge
The Orden der Rheinberge is an order of merit which is awarded by Fürst von und zu Rheinbergen and has three degrees. The initial degree is Ritter der Rheinberge and can be awarded to Bürger of Rheinbergen who have shown themselves to be dedicated to the goals and aspirations of Rheinbergen, or who are providing continuing service to the improvement of the principality of Rheinbergen.

Thus it is with happy heart and joyous tidings we bestow the rank of Ritter der Rheiberge, which has been conferred upon Alexander Liptak for his services to the Prinz and to Rheinbergen as a whole.

A brief biography of our newest Knight is order:

My name is Alexander Liptak, I was raised in central Illinois where I currently reside. I am a self trained artist, and art is only a secondary income for me.

Since my childhood I have been interested in art, and history. Heraldry provided a connection between the two. Other forms of artwork, architecture and symbols were also of interest, but heraldry made a rather consistent appearance and I became intrigued over time in learning the traditions, to better understand the science of the art.

I've taken to the Germanic style, artists like Ströhl, Hupp and Dürer stand out to me. They used so much detail that their charges and creatures became grotesque, they would balk at the Italian ideals of beauty and symmetry but still end with a masterwork. 

The Germanic style contrasts with the simple British fashion that has dominated heraldic art the past century, and against the minimalist style popular with graphic artists. This type of beautiful grotesque should be maintained, the old Germanic styles should be represented in heraldic art in this modern era.

Which I am happy to do with the realization of the Greater Arms of Rheinbergen

Alexander Liptak's Art can be found at:

http://xanderart.tumblr.com/

http://xanderart.tumblr.com/post/134112944283/rheinbergen