The following protocol applies to the ceremonial investitures of the House Order of Albrecht the Bear:
1) Dress code
- For holders of the Medal of Merit and Knights, dark suits are required in church and tuxedos at the gala dinner.
- For commanders and grand cross bearers, a morning coat is required in church and a tuxedo or tailcoat at the gala dinner.
- Further information, including on the purchase of clothing, can be obtained from our order member Count Finckenstein.
2) Decorations
Orders, miniatures, or medals are to be worn at events. Further information regarding the Order’s own decorations can be obtained from our Order member Thomas Schilling.
3) Protocol for the investiture
The Order members enter in an orderly and dignified manner during the organ prelude in the following order:
- The Grand Master/Protector
- Those to be invested
- Grand Cross bearers and ladies
- Commanders
- Knights
- Holders of the Medal of Merit
- Guests take their seats in the gallery at the top of the castle chapel
4) Seating arrangement
- 1st row: Grand Master/Protector and those to be invested
- 2nd row: Grand Crosses, ladies, and commanders
- 3rd row: Knights
- 4th row: Holders of the Medal of Merit
- Spouses and guests are requested to take their seats in the gallery
5) The exit
The exit from the chapel takes place in an orderly manner, as with the entrance.
6) Table speeches
To ensure that the evening gala dinner runs smoothly, table speeches must be registered in advance with Count Finckenstein.