#henry in a kilt

[holylulusworld]

Good

[exoticb-utters]

Hank would look neat in a Scottish Kilt

HE ABSOLUTELY WOULD!!! I offer a colored sketch I did in a rush, pls forgive me 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[spineless-lobster]

In lieu of @motions1ckn3ss ‘s absolutely WONDERFUL essay about ellwood’s relationship with poetry, I’ve been inspired to post my history essay that analyzes the way WWI is shown in In Memoriam! (Strap in this will be long lol)

Nothing Is Worth This: How In Memoriam Portrays WWI

Alice Winn’s debut novel In Memoriam is a hidden gem amongst the growing popularity of historical fiction. Published in 2023, the novel follows the lives of English schoolboys Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellwood. As the First World War breaks out in 1914, they face two battles; the Western Front and their growing feelings for each other. Together they watch as friends die around them, and as the war changes their lives forever.

The novel explores tumultuous conditions soldiers faced in the trenches, such as mud, poor rations, and gas attacks. Classism, social dynamics during WWI, attitudes towards homosexuality, and trauma are also touched on.

When one thinks of trenches, the first image that comes to mind is likely muddy, rat-infested mazes that snake around a war-torn No Man’s Land. Winn perfectly portrays the horrors of trench warfare throughout the novel, one notable interaction is from a letter Gaunt sends to Ellwood when he reaches the front:

“I throw myself to the ground, and the mud is foul. It’s not like mud, Elly, it’s cursed. It’s– Like everything else, I can’t explain” (Winn, 35).

There is no greater example of the terror of mud in the Western Front than the fields of Passchendaele. In August of 1917, Belgium saw unprecedented amounts of rain which led to treacherous conditions. Bombardier JW Palmer, 26 Brigade Royal Field Artillery, writes in his account:

“It was mud, mud, everywhere: mud in the trenches, mud in front of the trenches, mud behind the trenches. Every shell hole was a sea of filthy oozing mud. I suppose there is a limit to everything but the mud of Passchendaele – to see men keep on sinking into the slime, dying in the slime – I think it absolutely finished me off” (Battersby).

One of the most dreaded side effects of mud was trench foot, an infection that ravaged soldiers. It is caused by prolonged exposure in cold, damp and unsanitary conditions. Symptoms include swelling, numbness, blotchy skin, and if it develops enough, blisters and dying skin tissue (CDC).

When not on the battlefield, men were treated to daily food rations. Rations in the trenches consisted of corned beef, bread, plum and apple jam, tea, whiskey and rum. Water was often disinfected with chlorine and had a chemical aftertaste. The novel discusses food supply on both the British and German sides, and even touches on food shortages throughout the rest of Europe. A scene where Ellwood and Gaunt’s sister, Maud, eat at a cafe details the pitiable amount of butter on their scones. At the front, flies and rats infested everything, eating the men’s rations and spreading disease. British infantryman Victor Silvester wrote in his diary:

“That night I had been asleep in a dugout [for] about three hours when I woke up feeling something biting my hip. I put my hand down and my fingers closed on a big rat. It had nibbled through my haversack, my tunic and pleated kilt to get at my flesh. With a cry of horror I threw it from me.” (Hamilton, 18).

A few passages in the novel are dedicated to the conditions of the food. Often it is writtens in a way that a reader may interpret as gallows humour.

“The flies plagued them, feasting on the dead and then coming to sit amicably on the men’s rations. They got stuck in the jam, which was always plum and apple […] As to apples, the sour, fly-covered substance that they ate with bread at five each evening had as little relation to them as the ‘meat cutlets’ had to meat” (Winn, 91).

“‘D’you want a cup of tea?’

‘Will it taste of disinfectant?’

‘’Fraid so.’

‘Well, better have it all the same’” (Winn, 95).

It is often described that soldiers had two emotions at the front: boredom and terror. One of the harbingers of terror included poison gas. First used at the Second Battle of Ypres on 22 April 1915, the Allies were devastated by the chlorine gas that was unleashed in unprecedented quantities by the Germans.

The British then managed to use gas at the Battle of Loos, prompting both sides to develop protections against gas attacks. These defences started out as cotton pads covering their mouths, soaked in chemicals–or in desperate situations, urine–and goggles to protect their eyes. Throughout the war the makeshift masks developed into more sophisticated gas masks.

The brutality of poison gas in warfare was so acute that it was outlawed by the Geneva Protocol in 1925. Just ten years after its initial use. Renowned poet Wilfred Owen captures the trauma of gas in his famous poem Dulce Et Decorum Est.

“Gas! GAS! Quick, boys!—An ecstasy of fumbling/Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time,/But someone still was yelling out and stumbling/And flound’ring like a man in fire or lime.—/Dim through the misty panes and thick green light,/As under a green sea, I saw him drowning” (Owen, 9-14).

A similarly moving passage is found within the novel, when Gaunt is faced with Algerian soldiers fleeing from gas at Ypres.

“More Algerians came flooding by. Some were only choking, but others were coughing up scrambled bits of lung, their lungs were melting inside them and drowning them” (Winn, 75).

Gaunt continues to reflect on the effect colonialism has on war and the useless attempts to try and make war ‘civilised’ by using laws such as the Hague Convention, which are so easily ignored.

“We swarmed through Africa and America because we were better than they, of course we were, we were making war humane, and now it has broken down and they are dragged into hell with us. We have doomed the world with our advancements, with our democracy that is so much better than whatever they thought of, with our technology that will so improve their lives, and now Algerian men must choke to death on their own melted insides in wet Belgian trenches” (Winn, 75).

Empires such as Britain invaded countless countries, stealing their resources and enslaving people. They exploited those countries so they had to rely on their economy, and used it to justify their ownership. All because they believed that they were more civilised than everyone else; despite the ungodly circumstances modern warfare put soldiers in.

Winn captures the grime, fear and misery that comes with living in the trenches. From vivid descriptions of shellfire and gas, to the bland and occasionally humorous details regarding a soldier’s diet. Undoubtedly, one can imagine themselves slogging through the muddied land of war-torn Belgium with each turn of a page.

Moreover, one theme that is prevalently explored throughout the novel is classism and how it affects soldiers during the war. Gaunt and Ellwood come from privileged backgrounds, going to a public school called Preshute and immediately receiving their commission when they enlisted. When writing to Gaunt, Ellwood discussed how he was even able to choose his own regiment.

“When we next meet I shall be a second lieutenant in the Royal Kennet Fusiliers, Third Battalion. I’m glad I was able to pick my regiment! (It’s all about who you know)” (Winn, 80).

Having connections with the higher class means receiving certain privileges that others don’t have access to. Officers frequented the same upper class social circles, due to there being so few prestigious universities in England. Favours for friends or family members was extremely common and gave commissioned officers opportunities that weren’t available to the working class.

By contrast, they meet a fellow junior officer Lieutenant David Hayes, who did not come from a rich background. Throughout the book his uniform is described as poorly fitting, due to his inability to afford a proper tailor. Hayes quickly becomes friends with Gaunt but is wary of Ellwood, the stark contrast between their socioeconomic positions leading to a strained relationship.

“‘I say, is it really true he was a factory worker before all this?’

‘He’s awfully sharp, isn’t he?’

‘Do you think he’d take offence if I recommended him a new tailor?’

‘Yes,’ said Ellwood, flatly” (Winn, 269).

“‘Said it’s a stone ginger.’

‘...Translate,” Gaunt said to Hayes, as they climbed into the train carriage. Hayes understood Cockney and trench slang far better than the public school officers did” (Winn, 120).

“I’ve been made captain. Seems a well-tailored uniform and the right accent make me a better candidate than Hayes, despite his years of experience” (Winn, 77).

Additionally, Gaunt writes in a letter that one of their schoolmates would hypothetically refer to Hayes as a “temporary gentleman.” This phrase was used throughout WWI and continued into the interwar period and WWII. The phrase refers to non-commissioned officers who gained a temporary commission for the duration of the war, especially if they came from outside the upper class.

“He’s what someone like Burgoyne would call a ‘temporary gentleman’ (disgusting term), that is to say, he was a factory worker in Lewisham before he joined the War” (Winn, 40).

Gaunt continues further, noting that lower-class officers related more to the men, and were more effective on the battlefield. While both Gaunt and Ellwood know that Hayes is a more than capable officer, Hayes recognizes that due to his class, it is unlikely he will ever be promoted to captain.

Life in the trenches caused a mixing of race, class, religions, etc. Before the war, commissioned officers were upperclassmen who were educated in public schools and universities, sometimes coming from previous military backgrounds. The ideal “officer material” of the time was more akin to the “perfect gentleman” than a skilled soldier. When the war started, junior officers had an extremely high mortality rate. Officer training schools could not keep up with the demand, so soldiers and NCOs were promoted and received commissions (Root, 3-4).

English poet Robert Graves wrote about his wartime experiences in his autobiography Goodbye To All That. He details that certain social manners and behaviours among officers were more relaxed than in civilian life. Graves was also an instructor at an Officer Cadet Battalion in 1916, in order to train new officers. All recruits were treated and trained equally, and though he disparages that many men lacked the proper manners; he understands that this new way of training was considerably more effective (Root, 5).

“Their greater efficiency in action amply compensated for their deficiency in

manners” (Root, 5).

Another famous war poet from the time, Siegfried Sassoon, had a similar view. However, he held greater scorn for the lower class officers. In May of 1916 he wrote in his diary:

“Of all the officers having dinner, I saw no face with any touch of distinction in it. They were either utterly commonplace or self-satisfied, or else tired-looking, feeble, goggle-eyed, or otherwise deficient. Why does one see so few proper-looking officers?” (Root, 6).

But he also found that some commissioned officers had acute character flaws. Such as an interaction he had with an officer who was constantly drunk and “quite irresponsible and not trustworthy.” Thus, we can see how life on the frontline can blur the lines between classes. Men judged each other on their personal merit rather than their alma mater.

With much more relaxed ideas of social responsibility being so prevalent amongst soldiers, it allowed for more men to engage in relationships that were heavily frowned upon at the time.

In Memoriam is a love story first. Gaunt and Ellwood spend a large amount of the novel pining for one another, understanding the great amount of risk that comes with pursuing such a relationship. Ellwood is more outwards with his homosexuality, he is revered throughout the school and is able to get away with more risky behaviours. This is opposed to Gaunt who keeps any sort of interaction of that nature a secret. The politics of homosexuality in public schools at the time are explored in the novel and are indeed quite interesting, but it differs from attitudes in the trenches.

During the early 1900s, homosexuality was at the forefront of moral panic. Public trials from previous years such as that of Oscar Wilde and the Eulenburg Affair brought a topic that was usually brushed aside into the spotlight. Homosexuality was punished with jail time and years of hard labour under the Gross Indecency Law. Alongside that was social discrimination and the loss of reputation amongst family and loved ones.

In the late 1800s, Germany had a large scandal known as the Eulenburg Affair. Members of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s cabinet were outed for being gay, resulting in several trials and court-martials. As a result of this public scandal, the British found homosexual acts to be ‘unpatriotic’ and associated with German sympathies (McGhee).

Within the British army, punishments for homosexuality included court martialing, loss of rank, and imprisonment. “Cashiering” was a humiliation ritual that was performed when an officer was dismissed for scandalous misconduct. It involved ripping off insignias, badges and other symbols in front of other officers (Bronskill). This concern is portrayed in the novel by characters such as John Maitland, who warns Gaunt about his letters between Ellwood, and Hayes who warns Ellwood about his behaviour with a lower ranking soldier.

“‘Shut up. I’m not reporting you. I’m trying to help. Can’t you see that if you let Sidney write this sort of letter, you’ll get him imprisoned?’” (Winn, 66).

“‘Do you know what would happen if someone caught you and him? They’d say he assaulted you. That it was all his fault. He’d be court-martialed and shot so fast for daring to besmirch his precious public school captain—’ Ellwood stared at Hayes. It hadn’t occurred to him, any of it” (Winn, 192-3).

Despite all of this, the trenches fostered a culture of male affection that was able to be masked within the realm of hyper-masculinity and the guise of being bonded by war. Figures such as Robert Graves, Siegfried Sassoon (who were the inspirations for Gaunt and Ellwood), E.M. Forster, Ethel Mary Smyth and Wilfred Owen all served in WWI and are widely understood to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Attitudes towards homosexuality on the front varied. In rare cases some men were able to come out to their comrades, being met with acceptance. But generally it was frowned upon.

The very foundation of an effective army is camaraderie, and when men are facing constant traumas together a kind of brotherhood is formed. These homosocial behaviours allowed for more physically affectionate relationships. Even heterosexual men found these special friendships to be a relief from the stresses of war.

“Thomas Kühne has argued, men celebrated the “softer” side of comradeship, including bonds of love and friendship that sustained them in the other-worldly environment of the trenches” (Crouthamel).

Within these bonds, homosexual men were able to find an avenue for building lasting romantic and sexual relationships with other men under the guise of it being platonic. The novel delves into these kinds of relationships in passages such as a scene in the officer’s train carriage. We see it again in a discussion between Gaunt and Ellwood about using a sexual relationship to distract them from the war.

“Ellwood’s head drooped onto Gaunt’s shoulder. Gaunt stiffened, but when he looked around the carriage, he saw that the other officers were all in physical contact with one another. Huxton had his feet in Hayes’ lap. Hayes rested his head against the arm of an officer from C Company. Men sprawled all over each other. In the hyper-masculine atmosphere of war, they were not overly concerned with manliness” (Winn, 120).

“‘Did it help you forget about the War?’ pressed Ellwood. Gaunt nodded once, jerkily.

‘Well, then.’

‘And after the War? asked Gaunt.

‘It’ll be as if it never happened. I promise.’

‘You promise, do you?’

‘Yes. It doesn’t mean anything, Henry. Only that we want to forget things, once in a while” (Winn, 108).

Letters were another way for men to bond with one another, though it was a hazardous form of communication. Officers would read through letters and censor them before they were sent. If any illegal actions were mentioned the sender or recipient was at risk of being reported. Wilfred Owen’s letter to his cousin in 1918 reflects this anxiety:

“There are two French girls in my billet…Naturally I talk to them a good deal; so much so that the jealousy of other officers resulted in a Subalterns' Court Martial being held on me! The dramatic irony was too killing, considering certain other things, not possible to tell in a letter” (The Week).

A particularly striking scene in In Memoriam touches on this topic.

“He lifted the cover and looked at the first sheet of paper, instantly recognizing Gaunt’s neat blue handwriting: My dearest, darling Sidney,” (Winn, 189).

After the war, Germany had a spark in their gay rights movement. Many men felt that they had fought the war for nothing, with gay men knowing that they fought for a country that did not allow them rights as citizens (Marhoefer). Men used their military service as a reason to be accepted into society, showing it as proof of their patriotism and dedication to their country.

Magnus Hirschfeld opened his Institut für Sexualwissenschaft (Institute for Sexual Science), which pushed for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and was one of the pioneers of gender-affirming surgery. The Scientific Humanitarian Committee was one of the leading gay rights groups in the world during that time. This progress continued throughout the interwar period, with Weimar Germany becoming a hotspot for LGBTQ+ individuals. Berlin’s nightlife thrived with gay clubs before the Nazi party rose to power.

Near the end of the novel, Gaunt’s sister Maud explains how she is moving to Berlin to study at the Scientific Humanitarian Committee and encourages Gaunt and Ellwood to visit. She even mentions Paragraph 175, which was a law criminalising homosexuality in Germany. Paragraph 175 wouldn’t be abolished until 1994.

“The Weimar Republic is more open to progress than the governments of Englnd and France. I know you miss Europe. I hope you miss me. I cannot say whether Paragraph 175 will be revoked this year, or this decade, but I can tell you that there is a world for you and Sidney here. There has never been a movement like this before” (Winn, 371).

As previously mentioned, men used close intimate connections to deal with the trauma of war, but the rest of the world was less kind to those relationships. Similarly, those struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder also faced social ridicule. PTSD, formerly known by many names such as shellshock, war neurosis and combat fatigue, was seen as a new phenomenon amongst men returning from war. Despite this view, soldiers from across history had suffered from the psychological effects of warfare. About 80 000 British soldiers suffered from shellshock after the First World War. There is a wide variety of symptoms but prominent ones include tremors, nightmares, insomnia, anxiety, flashbacks, amnesia and paralysis (Jewell). The effects of trauma are heavily explored in the novel, with Gaunt suffering from vivid nightmares and insomnia and Ellwood undergoing a complete change in personality after the war.

“Gaunt never seemed to sleep. Sometimes Ellwood would return to the dugout to find him lying on his wire bench, candlelight glinting in his bloodshot eyes” (Winn, 93).

“Ellwood did not say anything. He could not explain why that drop of blood on his mother’s finger had so appalled him, when he had seen West’s brain pulse with his last heartbeats and felt nothing except dispassionate curiosity” (Winn, 181).

Charles Myers, one of the first to write about shellshock, theorised that exposure to explosive blasts caused a form of brain trauma that aligned with the symptoms. After various tests, his ideas were disproven. As PTSD became less linked with physical injury, it became closer associated with cowardice (McDonald et al.).

At the time, a large ideal men strived for, especially amongst the upper class, was fulfilling the idea of bravery. The widows of men who were executed for cowardice often weren’t financially compensated. The ideal soldier at the time was one who would fight ‘for King and Country’ and a large amount of shame was put on those who, quite naturally, fled during the line of fire.

Cowardice is shown on multiple occasions in the novel. One officer by the name of Carrington suffers from severe PTSD, being shown screaming in the faces of other soldiers and having bouts of paralysis. He’s ashamed of his unwanted behaviour and confesses to Ellwood through tears about his cowardice.

“Ellwood threatened to shoot him if he didn’t get up. Carringon tried and collapsed again. Ellwood trained his pistol at his head.

‘You’d better do it.’ said Carrington. ‘I’m a dreadful coward. I know I am.’

[...]

‘There’s nothing wrong with his legs, he just wants to go home!’

‘I do,’ said Carrington, miserably. ‘I do want to go home. I know that’s shameful.’

[...]

Carrington was taken away, whispering ‘I’m a dreadful coward!’ in between spasms” (Winn, 187).

“Don’t know if you heard that Lantham was shot by firing squad. Anyone could see he had neurasthenia; it’s a scandal, but he didn’t go over the top on July 1st, so General Haig signed off” (Winn, 323).

Due to misconceptions at the time, doctors tried many different ineffective and harmful treatments for shellshock. One famous treatment is electroshock therapy. Electroshock therapy was used for a variety of mental disorders throughout the 20th century. Painful electric shocks were administered to the head and neck, in hopes of treating symptoms. These treatments were undergone without any anaesthetic, and often it did not relieve all of the symptoms (McDonald et al.).

Today we have electroconvulsive therapy, which uses controlled shocks on certain parts of the brain to induce seizures in order to treat mental illnesses such as severe depression and bipolar disorder (Psychiatry.org). These treatments are done under anaesthetic and in controlled environments, with studies proving it to be effective.

More often than not, soldiers would self-medicate their symptoms, leading to alcoholism and substance abuse. Alcohol was already offered to soldiers, and drugs such as morphine and cocaine were used during treatments or to boost morale and performance (Kamieński).

“‘Bring out the whiskey,’ said Gaunt, as he did at every meal. Daniels twisted his hands.

‘There’s only one more bottle, sir.’

‘What’s happened to them all? Have you been at them?’

‘No, sir! There were seven, and six have been drunk, sir.’

‘By whom?’ demanded Gaunt.

‘Well, sir, there was the one you had on our first day, and two the day Lieutenant Ellwood arrived—’

‘All right, all right, no need to enumerate them like crimes. Fetch the last one, and we’ll have rum tomorrow.’

‘Yes, sir.’ Daniels hurried away” (Winn, 93-94).

Luckily, not all treatments were dangerous or ineffective. An army physician by the name of Arthur Hurst developed talking therapies after the war. His treatments included using films and simulations to reconstruct soldier’s experiences in order to talk them through the traumatic memories. His treatments boasted vastly higher success rates and his focus on treating cognitive and behavioural symptoms was the blueprint for modern PTSD therapy (Butterworth).

In the modern day, there are many effective treatments for PTSD and trauma, but there is still an underlying stigma that prevents people from seeking out proper care for their mental health.

Although In Memoriam is a fictional retelling of real historical events, there is no doubt that Winn put extensive amounts of research into her novel. Her vivid writing style captures the inhumanity of the First World War and its effects on the psyche of characters and the greater world around them. The novel shows us the love between friends, comrades, family and lovers while tackling topics such as classism, trauma, and LGBTQ+ rights through the lense of our schoolboy protagonists; giving us a glimpse into history while telling a compelling story of love, death, and heartbreak.

Works Cited

“An army marches on its stomach.” National Army Museum.

Battersby, Eileen. “Passchendaele: A killing field of mud – The Irish Times.” The Irish Times.

Bronskill, Jim. “WWI: Study details punishment for soldiers' sexuality.” CTV News.

Butterworth, Benjamin Russell. “What World War I taught us about PTSD.” The Conversation.

McGhee, Beth. “Homosexuality in the First World War - WW1 East Sussex.” East Sussex WW1.

Crouthamel, Jason. “Sexuality, Sexual Relations, Homosexuality | International Encyclopedia of the First World War (WW1).” International Encyclopedia of the First World War.

Dwyer, Kassandre. “Trench Warfare in World War I: Rot, Rats, Ruin.” The Collector.

Freedman, Russell. The War To End All Wars: World War I. Clarion Books, 2010.

Hamilton, John. Trench Fighting Of World War I. ABDO & Daughters, 2004.

Kamieński, Łukasz. “Drugs | International Encyclopedia of the First World War (WW1).” International Encyclopedia of the First World War.

Marhoefer, Laurie. “How WWI Sparked the Gay Rights Movement.” Smithsonian Magazine.

McDonald, MaryCatherine, et al. “From shell-shock to PTSD, a century of invisible war trauma.” The Conversation.

Owen, Wilfred, et al. “Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen.” Poetry Foundation.

“Psychiatry.org - What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?” American Psychiatric Association.

Root, Laura. “Temporary Gentlemen” on the Western Front: Class Consciousness and the British Army Officer, 1914-1918.” UNF Digital Commons.

“Second Battle of Ypres 22 April – 25 May 1915.” Imperial War Museums.

“The secret history of the gay soldiers who served in the First World War.” The Week.

“Trench Foot or Immersion Foot|Natural Disasters and Severe Weather.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Washington, Nicole. “Shell Shock and PTSD: Connections, Symptoms, Support, More.” Healthline.

Winn, Alice. In Memoriam: A Novel. Alfred A. Knopf, 2023.

[officalroyalsofpierreland]

Wedding of HRH Prince Oliver, Duke of Rothsey & HIH Madame Hortense of Francesim Part 2

Stéphane: Meanwhile, we are seeing King Alexander and Queen Marie-Christine depart for the cathedral from Holyrood Palace. I’m seeing a trend of red today in ensembles! The King and Queen of the Scots are also a union of nations, with Queen Marie-Christine being the younger sister of Emperor David of Pierreland! Travis: So, the two emperors of Europesim are about to be related? Stéphane: That seems to be the case! It is quite beautiful given the levels of mentorship that are between the emperors.

Stéphane: Speaking of Emperor David, his family is now arriving at the cathedral. Empress Katalina is breath taking as always. This is also the first time we are seeing the green sashes and medals, Travis, what are they? Travis: That is the Order of the Thistle, the Kingdom of Scots’s highest order of chivalry. Emperor Napoleon V, Madame Hortense, and Madame Mere were inducted into the order prior to today with Emperor Napoleon IV being posthumously inducted, reportedly at the urging of Prince Oliver. Which is a first in Scots history and to a very deserving man. Stéphane: And Empress Charlotte? Travis: We have been told she will be inducted at a later date, just as Empress Katalina was when she joined the order on King Alexander and Queen Marie Christine’s 20th wedding anniversary and the imperial children of Pierreland who were inducted when they all turned 15. Stéphane: It is an interesting tradition! What are its roots? Travis: The roots stem to the early 1300s, when King David I of Scots created the Order and said that all members of the royal family are granted status in the Order along with “those who share their blood.” Over time, spouses like Empress Katalina and in the future, Empress Charlotte, were granted status in the Order, out of respect for the hopefully strongly forged union.

Stéphane: Absolutely fascinating! Loyalty to family seems to be a cornerstone to the Scottish Royal mythology. Meanwhile we see that Her Royal Highness Princess Magdalena of Lunaria has arrived with the Pierreland family, she looks beautiful in light blue while the Crown Prince wears the summer uniform of the Pierreland Imperial Military Academy, where he studies. The uniform has a white uniform jacket and dare I say, he is walking the line between acceptable and faux paus on this occasion. Travis: A bold choice that is for sure! But I am sure that the uniform was cleared with his aunt and uncle. He’s still a student learning uniform protocol and I think the couple understand that. I do say it does look excellent. It is rarely seen outside of Pierreland. Stéphane: Absolutely, protocol must be followed.�� And I do believe that the public can forgive him for wearing white if the bride can! Meanwhile, his siblings are keeping it safe with our first kilt spotting on Prince Henri!

Travis: He has gone for a very traditional look with the kilt providing the majority of the color and a tweed jacket and waist coat. Meanwhile his twin sister Princess Maria Aisha looks beautiful in a light peach color, and I do believe she does have some hair jewelry that is from the Pierreland territory of Oderia which is a lovely nod to Pierreland’s vastness but also her maternal culture.

Stéphane: And we are seeing the first live look at the Emperor and Madame Hortense preparing to leave Aubigny House in one of the state coaches. And she is looking ethereal today in a dress designed by Lady Evie McPherson, a friend of both Prince Oliver and Madame Hortense. Travis: It is the first time we’re seeing one of Lady Evie’s creations on someone else and it is a big moment to have your design debut! From what we can see, I’m loving the sliver accents and the amazing lace work that came from the Royal School of Needlework. Stéphane:  It is also quite amazing that the place where Madame spent her last night as a single woman was named after Aubigny, the single town that the old kings of Francesim gave to a Scottish soldier as thanks for help in war. The historic nature of this alliance is not lost on anyone today!

Travis: And we are seeing the first images of Prince Oliver and his best man, Captain Callen MacDonald. The two servicemen are passing the Cenotaph, the kingdom’s war memorial. Stéphane: Why would Prince Oliver choose a non-family member to be his witness today? Travis: Excellent question! Captain MacDonald or Lord Callen has been Prince Oliver’s best friend since they were wee tots. Granted, Prince Oliver could’ve picked his cousin Prince Magnus but I have it on good authority that Prince Magnus stepped back saying that the best friends should do this together.

Stéphane: Speaking of Prince Magnus, he is now arriving. He is escorting his grandmother Dowager Queen Victoria or the Queen Mum and wearing the uniform of the Blues and Royals which Prince Oliver was seen in at the coronation! Travis: Yes! The cousins share this unit association and it is quite a dashing uniform. With the Queen Mum and Prince Magnus is Prince Dominic who is also sporting a kilt today! Stéphane: So two kilts? Travis [laughing]: Yes! Prince Dominic is the middle child of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll who are now also arriving!

Stéphane: I find it bold that the Duchess has gone for a bare face today. Meanwhile, HRH the Duke of Argyll is looking distinguished sporting quite a lovely beard. Travis: I gotta say, the Stuarts do very well with their beard growth!

Travis: Speaking of Uncles, HIH Imperial Prince Henri of the French and his family have arrived to the cathedral with two of his four daughters, meaning that two are most likely in the bridal party. Stéphane: The two daughters, TIH Princesses Amelie and Armance, were definitely on my short list for the bridal party so it is not a surprise. Unlike Princess Olympia’s interesting choice of dress color.

Stéphane: More key players are making their arrival such as Pope Gregorious XIX who will be the main celebrant today. The Holy Father will be joined by several of the Scots esteemed clergymen such as Cardinal McGregor who is the Archbishop of Edinburgh, Cardinal MacMillian the Archbishop of the Isle of Sky, Bishop McClellan of Rothsey, and Father Andrew Carter who is today’s homilist. Travis: It is quite a swath of clergy doing a once in a life time thing, serving with the Pope. Father Carter especially, quite an honor for this humble paratrooper chaplain.

Travis: And we are seeing that Madame Hortense and her brother, Emperor Napoleon V, have now reached the Royal Mile with their French guard of honor. Stéphane, who are this guard and why is it significant they’re here? Stéphane: Excellent Question! It is the elite cavalry corps known as the Cent-Gardes, re-established by Napoleon IV as his personal protectors.The French guard has it's historical roots in the Scottish-French relationship that goes back to the 13th century with the Auld Alliance. They are Scots cavalry men who are at least 5'11" who are actively serving with the Scots military.

Travis: They are very much like the Pope's Swiss Guard but for the French no? Stéphane [laughing]: That is one way to put it! it is very fitting that they are escorting Madame Hortense on her way to marry into the Scots Royal family, to her own Scottish Cavalryman. Travis: It is very poetic, very romantic and seemingly very on brand for this couple! We are getting a closer look into the carriage at the siblings, an emotional day for them I am sure. But back here at the cathedral, I am hearing the screams of the crowd through the windows. That can only mean one thing.

Stéphane: The arrival of HRH Prince Oliver of the Scots, Duke of Rothsey and his best man, Lord Callen MacDonald. I must say, the screaming is quite intense. Travis: It must be from all the hearts of young women in Scots breaking as Prince Oliver is soon to be officially, religiously, and legally off the market. Stéphane: As long as those are the only hearts he breaks young Travis [Travis laughs] he is looking very regal in his kilt!

Stéphane: Inside the cathedral we see that Empress Charlotte and Madame Mere are greeting the Scottish cardinals. This is very different than the wedding of Emperor Napoleon V, where there was a legal ceremony and then the nuptial mass. Travis: Indeed it is Stéphane. In Scots for those who are religious, the religious component takes precedence over the legal portion where in Francesim there seems to be a preference to the legal portion. I am loving the shades of blue on the Empress and Madame Mere.

Travis: Further up in the nave, we see that Prince Oliver is making his rounds with the royal guests, currently in a deep conversation with his aunt and uncle. Stéphane: perhaps some advice is being shared? Travis: Maybe or a funny story to relax the groom.

Stéphane: And outside, His Majesty King Alexander III and queen Marie Christine have arrived at Saint Andrews to fanfare. His Majesty is looking very sleek in his black uniform of the Royal Aberdeen Regiment while the Queen is looking beautiful in red.Travis: They both look every inch the proud parents.

Stéphane: And now the arrival of the bridal party! The group consists of HIH Princess Armance of Francesim and Lady Mackenzie MacDonald as bridesmaids; HRH Prince Andrew of Argyll, HRH Prince Lenerd of the Ionian Union, and Mr. Charles Everett, son of the King’s private secretary, as pages; and HIH Princess Amelie of Francesim, the maid of honor. Travis:  An illustrious crew filled with people who are dear to the couple. Stephane: And the uniforms of the pages? Travis: That is the regency era uniform of the King’s Highlanders uniform. And I believe we are zooming into get a better shot

Stéphane: On Prince Lenerd no less! The cutest model for the uniform. Travis: It has only increased his cute factor! Anyway, the uniform shares some pieces with its modern counterpart, such as the dark green jacket, the tartan pattern, which is known as the Black Watch, an older name for the King’s Highlanders. Their tartan has become the standard tartan for the Scots military due to its history. And Stéphane, I do believe I am hearing more cheers

@empiredesimparte @simsroyallegacy

[unpopularvivian]

"Pulling A-" Ttte Edition:

Thomas: Got a sugar high after eating too many Jolly Ranchers and crashed into a pile of coal, a pond, etc.

Edward: Destroyed a karen authority figure's career by revealing embarrassing stuff about them, telling that information to Sodor's Gossipers and managed to get them fired on the third day.

Henry: Ate nothing but raw fish sandwiches, tuna eyeballs and octopus sushi and workers ended up puking when they saw him.

Gordon: Got offended after somebody made a bad sex joke and give a 40 minute lecture on why it's not okay to do that. (Is neutral about the topic but hates it when people treat it like a sitcom)

James: Started throwing haymakers at a group of young teenagers after they argued which fashion brand was the best.

Percy: Called another version of Toby "Dad" again and slapped themselves mentally because every time he sees different versions of Toby: His mind just circles back to MC Toby.

Toby: Accidentally adopted a group of kids and has no idea how he radiates "caretaker energy".

Duck: Started ranting about Moral Orel and why Orel Puppington is the best character to ever exist in adult television. Ironically, both of them have very similar personalities and backgrounds.

Donald and Douglas: Got asked by people if they were femboys because they were wearing "skirts". They wear kilts, NOT SKIRTS. Donald started swearing at them in Scottish while Douglas was trying to calmly explain the situation.

Oliver: Ran out of bandages and had to run to the nearest supermarket to buy them. Has scars and they don't heal normally.

Emily: Got caught cuddling with her girlfriend, Rosie, with the door open and immediately tried to cover it up.

[samheughanswife]

It has always been Sam and Caitriona who have talked about what’s under the kilt.

From Sam’s tongue in cheek ‘Sam Huge one’ to the above.

It’s pull and push. Allude to his cock and the size when it’s fun and banter. But then object (Caitriona many times), to not to reduce Sam to his looks and tackle under the kilt in pursuit of being a serious ACTor. It’s such an 🙄

The strategy is to get new young female fans , anything to move away from the old OL granny base. And the pink money - the LGBT community. Just like Henry Cavill.

The Departures pitch is for the Platinum/Black card audience. But seriously who reads the mag. We get it delivered and it’s straight to recycling.

Sam just needs to embrace his 🇬🇧 roots. Tailored bespoke suits, beautifully tailored coats and FTHTSI (financial times how to spend it) casuals. He has the perfect silhouette. And the progression to his booze will follow. He needs to loose Tash the Sassenach smuggler and the mommies posting his unopened booties of booze. He needs the whisky club crew. English country weekends, cigars and quality whisky and gin.

He is a vanilla man trying to be someone else.

[thetruthwilloutsworld]

Instagram drgotts

The 'man in kilt' glorious #SamHeughan is a delight. Even though we are both UK based and have been in the same locality, our shoot actually took place in West Hollywood recently. We spent over an hour chatting before I captured his lovely chops with my camera.

When you have someone in front of your lens who has a vast audience of fans who are used to seeing portraits on magazine covers which have been 'skin softened', filtered, edited, retouched...my portraits of the raw face sometimes isn't their cup of tea. I'm from the school of Henri Cartier-Bresson and capturing the 'decisive moment', the actual 125th of a second of time you capture when you press the camera shutter. That beautiful unique moment in time that will never ever happen again. Not from the school of 'lets throw it in Photoshop and make it look perfect!'

As Ringo Starr said "Andy Gotts is the Ansel Adams of faces." A title that I am very proud of.

[sgiandubh]

'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers'

It is one thing to disprove and even despise The Shire and its netizens. It is a whole other affair to violently bash S's skills, based on absolutely nothing else than spiteful disappointment.

We are being told by Mordor's basement polymaths the man cannot act. It is probably by an unelucidated strike of luck or by charity that he was cast by *** to embody book boyfriend JAMMF, when he has only 5 (five) known facial expressions in his quiver. He was the weakest link of Season 1 cast: I suppose the BJ/Frank Randall 2-in-1 does have a fan club, after all. His acting is wooden. He has chemistry only with C and by Her grace only, because you know, gay as a bag of popcorn. He is a semi-literate hunk, with documented spelling problems. Even more so, when we conveniently toss aside the mounting hysteria during Quarantein Ha-wa-wee disgrace (hey Pooks and all the sock account Dobermans: I hope you remember your Twitter blaze of glory moment every single morning while brushing your teeth). And (also a favorite) he doesn't read, he doesn't prepare, he is sloppy, like that.

God forbid you'd try to set this colossal unfairness straight. You are automatically signed up to the Mommies for Sam Committee and labeled accordingly. Brainless victim (of what, since he is basically useless, but let's not embarrass ourselves with logic), unapologetic limerent inamorata, romantic whale, delusional rural shipper, conspiracy theory troll. Anything goes, really and we know the tune by heart, at this point in time.

Not so long ago, I was re-watching the oath sequence of (5.01) The Fiery Cross, for which I suppose all background/context is superfluous. The only clip I could find has appalling sound, but should still immediately take you back to the Return of the Kilt (starts at 0:56):

It immediately reminded me of this:

This is the extraordinary Henry V Saint Crispin's Day speech. Pure Shakespeare and unmatchable Olivier. It is also a well-documented kamikaze moment of the Battle of Agincourt (1415), when a heavily outnumbered English army defeated in an almost miraculous turn of events the French. Granted, the real speech must have been way more concise, but nevertheless a potent affair, with Henry's cunning use of rumors having it that the French would cut two fingers off each captured archer's right hand, to virtually neutralize them. And his army was, essentially, an army of longbows.

Whatever it was, it worked. It worked so well, that it even gave Winston Churchill the idea of asking Laurence Olivier to broadcast this speech for the BBC some time around 1942 and then make a movie of the whole play, in 1944. Again, context is important -it always is, by the way - and it sheds the right light on Olivier's performance. More than acting, it is damn effective war propaganda, a wonderful patriotic act and completely representative for the "we shall fight them on the beaches and we shall never surrender" spirit. It is also all about acting as summoning of energy: Olivier manages to channel Henry V, he is Henry V and this immediately gives an irresistible depth and truth to his performance.

For contrast, one could compare his version with Branagh's 1989 interpretation (https://youtu.be/y1BhnepZnoo), which I am not adding here for the sake of levity. The main difference is, for me at least, palpable: Olivier completely suppressed his ego, which I am afraid is something impossible to achieve for Branagh. His take on the speech aims to be more modern and natural, and yet it is still all about Branagh promoting his art. And we know it immediately. A fairly honest tableau vivant, but no depth and nowhere near as majestic as the other.

I am not saying here that S is on par with Laurence Olivier. That would really mean being a romantic whale and I am the one you start to get, I hope, acquainted with. What I am saying is that this guy you just love to humiliate and endlessly cackle about every single day God makes, really, deliberately knows what he is doing in there. I would bet handsome money on S carefully watching and re-watching Olivier's Saint Crispin's Day monologue, in order to prepare for that particular scene. The similarities are, to me, evident, as is the consistent hard work and - dare I say it?- massive talent. It's all about owning the scene and being in the moment. And it is arresting, at times.

All of this is not exactly some shipper far-fetched speculation. S wrote, after all, in Waypoints (and the reference is way too spot on to believe in a kind gesture of the ghostwriter) that he "devoured"

I see great things. I see a very gifted guy who has no ego (C was spot on and for an actor, that is a blessing) and also probably no idea of his (considerable) acting range. I also see a guy who, spare for OL, has been grossly, unfairly miscast and overlooked. And who was determined to take whatever was available or easy on the schedule, in order to remain relevant. I may not be a good client for his booze, but I would pay handsomely to see him in something along the lines of For Whom The Bell Tolls. Or even (if you want a more exotic but oh, so rewarding alternative) a still inexplicably missing Western adaptation of Bulgakov's Master and Margarita (probably not the best times for that one, but still: Bulgakov was, after all, born in Kyiv and not really a fan, to say the least, of tyrants). That's exactly how damn good he is.

How was it, Kidneystone BIF? Oh. "No boundaries. No respect. No class." Exactly, madam. You said it yourself.

[kayatoastkkat]

the result of a sleep-deprived night:

we have Jekyll in a kilt and Hyde in a maid dress

...Henry looks like a schoolgirl I can't-

(also now the Lodgers know he's Scottish what are the chances they'll force him into a kilt please I need this to happen)

maid dress Edward is drawn as a middle finger to my friend

let's hope future me forgets about this and denies any evidences of such

[maximumwobblerbanditdonut]

Henry Cavill will take on the iconic role of the Highlander himself Connor MacLeod – portrayed in the original by Christopher Lambert.

Lionsgate Moving Forward With Henry Cavill & Chad Stahelski ‘Highlander’ Reboot As Action-Fantasy Pic Heads To AFM To Enliven A Strike-Hit Market

By Andreas Wiseman

October 27, 2023 8:17am

EXCLUSIVE: In the world of Highlander reboots, there can still only be one…and it’s a good one at that.

For the first time, Lionsgate will be launching sales at the AFM on their long-gestating fantasy reboot which has Henry Cavill aboard to star as the eponymous Scottish swordsman and John Wick filmmaker Chad Stahelski set to direct.

We hear this will be a big-budget proposition, north of $100M. Stahelski himself has previously talked about it as akin to John Wick with swords. The team is eyeing a 2024 start.

This will be welcome news for AFM buyers whose pool of pre-sale projects has been diminished by the ongoing strike.

The new movie will be based on the 1986 original, which starred Christopher Lambert, Sean Connery and Clancy Brown as immortal beings, hunting down one another and collecting more power. The time-jumping film — with its “There can be only one” tagline — spawned four sequels and three TV series including the popular USA series starring Adrian Paul. Queen memorably provided the soundtrack for the original movie.

Producing the reboot are Joshua Davis, Fast And The Furious producer Neal H. Moritz, Stahelski (thru his 87Eleven Entertainment production company) and Louise Rosner.

The current draft of the screenplay is by Mike Finch. The late Peter S. Davis, the producer of the original Highlander, initiated the development of the new film. Summit first acquired remake rights to the original in 2008.

Former Superman and The Witcher actor Cavill remains in high demand. Among movies in post are Matthew Vaughn’s Argylle and two Guy Ritchie projects, including WWII pic The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

Stahelski has directed all four John Wick films, which have been a goldmine for Lionsgate, taking more than $1BN. He previously talked about the new Highlander as the first in a trilogy but we’ve not had word whether that’s still the case.

Cavill and Stahelski were attached and reported before the strike.

The arrival of the Highlander reboot is a shot in the arm for the AFM, whose business has been hampered by the SAG-AFTRA strike. This and Kevin Costner’s Horizon movies, which we told you this week would also be on sale, are the two biggest-budget prospects revealed for the market so far. A number of packages haven’t come together or aren’t being officially announced due to strike restrictions or anxiety over optics. Frankly, given the limitations posed by the strike, I’ve been surprised at the number of new or reworked projects that are on sale (many are shooting in Europe). There are still a handful of pre-sales packages for buyers to get their teeth into, even if more action may be done this market on completed and near-completed movies.

I'm all for Henry in a kilt! 😊

[dross-the-fish]

Since Hyde is Scottish dose, he ever wear a kilt?

Given that Henry wasn't advertising his Scottish heritage much he probably doesn't.

The Victorian era was an interesting time to be Scottish. An actual Historian would be able to tell you more because Scottland and England have a complex and historically tense relationship and I honestly can't touch on all the nuances of being Scottish in 19th century England in one tumblr post.

But here's what my research yielded while I was developing my Jekyll/Hyde Anti-Scottish sentiment was at it's peak in the 18th century but in the 19th century Scotland experienced something of a socio-economic boom but that prosperity came at the cost of traditional Scottish identity. In an effort to keep up with more modern British sensibilities Scotland underwent what some historians refer to as a period of "self-colonization" where they eschewed many of their traditions.

Ironically, it was the British Monarchy that brought back an interest in kilts and tartans because Queen Victoria had a fondness for the Scottish Highlands which contributed to Scottish culture becoming somewhat fashionable around the mid 19th century I feel like from Jekyll's perspective it might have been a bit surreal to see kilts cropping up as fashion statements when he had gone through most of his childhood trying to sand off any sign of Celtic heritage so as not to stand out too much among the aristocratic English children. It still would have been expected that an upper class English gentleman would behave like an upperclass English gentleman so him showing up to events in a kilt and tartan would have raised uncomfortable eyebrows. It was trendy and romanticized by the ruling class but ordinary Scottish people were still largely ignored and if Jekyll wanted to be taken seriously as a doctor of law and medicine it was wiser for him to downplay his cultural connection.

[emmanuellececchi]

WAIT!

Wait... wait.... waiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit.

There are going to make a new Highlander...

With Henry Cavill as Connor McLeod?

I mean... They're doing the 1986 movie (with Christope Lambert and Sean Connery and Clancy Brown) anew?

@littlefreya: Did you know? Henry in kilt!!! And Connor was such a beautiful character!

[gremlinboykevin]

Here’s Henry’s outfit without the chunky coat and gloves!

He wears boots with either knee or thigh high socks, a loose shirt, sash, and a skirt. Not a tunic or a kilt, no, a SKIRT. He WILL get upset if anyone tries to change what it is for their own fragile views of masculinity. Henry LOVES wearing skirts. They’re pretty, they’re comfortable, he feels good and confident in them ✨✨✨

[viking-raider]

So, No Henry in S4 of the Witcher, they cancelled MoS2 and supposedly cut him out of the Flash movie. UGH. At least, there's still hopes for Enola 3, the Argyle movie and that Guy Richie project! Oh, and hopefully him in a kilt for the Highlander remake.

[officalroyalsofpierreland]

Scotland State Visit Part 3

On the third day began with TRH the Duke and Duchess of Rothsey visiting the Scottish Embassy in Windensen. The Duchess stunned in a red dress from Scottish retailer Heather & Hues while the Duke wore a standard Simarni pinstripe suit with a red tie to match his wife.

The Pair were greeted by Ambassador Kayla Calvert, who has been in her post for the past 2 years. The couple also unveiled a new portrait of HM King Alexander III that will hang in the embassy before they met with the Ambassador to discuss the Kingdom's priorities in their centuries long alliance with Pierreland.

Later in the day, TRH were joined by Prince Magnus and Princess Magdalena of Lunaria for a Garden Party at the Embassy celebrating Scottish-Pierrelander relations and Scottish expats who are making waves in Pierreland.

Reports are saying that this is Prince Magnus & Princess Magdalena's first engagement together as a couple with Princess Magdalena supporting her boyfriend and engaging with others at the party. Princess Magdalena has grown up around the Imperial Family of Pierreland and has known Prince Oliver over the years however she met Prince Magnus two years ago when she began attending university in Pierreland.

That evening, the Scottish royals attended a State dinner at Palais de Royal Rouge hosted by Their Imperial Majesties where the jewelry of all nations were on display.

HRH the Duchess of Rothsey was seen wearing the Tiara now known as the Rothsey Wedding tiara, comissioned by her husband as a wedding gift along with a string of pearls from her in-laws. In honor of the host nation, she is wearing a red dress from Pierreland fashion house Alexander Patel which nods to the Oderians of the Empire, alongside the sash of tartan of the Rothseys and the Order of the Thistle. She is being escorted by the Emperor who was wearing traditional white tie with the sash of the Order of the Lion. The Emperor and Duchess were overheard to be talking about art and possibly touring the Imperial Art archives.

Next to enter is HIM Empress Katalina was seen wearing the Oderian Durbar Tiara alongside the Jubilee Sapphire and Pearls set from the Imperial Vault. The Empress wore a blue dress by Scottish design house Catherine Caledonia alongside her purple sash of the Order of the Lion. She was escorted by her nephew, HRH the Duke of Rothsey who was seen wearing white tie with a kilt and his sash for the Order of the Thistle. The aunt and nephew were seen animatedly discussing some laws that Oliver had questions on.

Behind them is HIH Crown Prince Louis and Prince Magnus of Argyll. The Crown Prince wore the white tie of PIMA cadets while Prince Magnus wore white tie with a kilt and a sash for his recently awarded Order of the Thistle. The two Princes are rumored to be at odds but seemed to be having a casual conversation about polo.

And at the end are HRH Princess Magdalena of Lunaria escorted by HIH Prince Henri and HIH Princess Maria Aisha. Princess Magdalena & Prince Henri were seen discussing the musical performance of the previous night as the Princess dazzled in a custom Sior dress in turquoise while wearing the Lunarian Turquoise Parure which is on loan to her from the Crown Princess of Lunaria, HRH Crown Princess Minerva. HIH Princess Maria Aisha was seen wearing a red off the shoulder number from Alexander Patel alongside the Aurelian rubies, a necklace belonging to her great grandmother and last seen on her aunt, HM Queen Marie Christine of the Scots.

The Duke of Rothsey spoke on the close relationship that Scotland and Pierreland have had over the centuries, brought closer through familial ties. He thanked his uncle and aunt for their hospitality and their warmth on making this trip a smooth transition from honeymoon to work.

The Emperor also spoke of the two countries close ties, and offered his congratulations to the newlyweds. He spoke of his hopes for the future of the alliance and that he hopes it should strengthen through the generations.