Long ago, someone told me that the Duch de Coeur was not a "Royal Court", because it did not focus on "royalty", nor did it have an official "court". Bedrich therefore avoided saying anything after that. While it maybe true that the duchy has a different focus, the story of the royal courts can only be told in the broader context that includes the bourgeois. Despite poor decisions by the royalty that kept the kingdoms on the verge of bankruptcy (e.g. the revocation of the Edict of Nantes by King Louis XIV to ensure his peace with the Catholic popes), it was the bourgeois that continued todrive the economy.
The duchy is intended to be a respite from court life. Our focus is on natural beauty as opposed to the excesses of the rococo. We do the things that bind communities rather than tearing them apart. This is the place to get away from the politics and religion that seem bent on keeping the 99.5% of the population "in their place".
In short, with all of the turmoil in today's courts, it was time to speak out and say that the 18th century was a time of enlightenment. As an extension of the Renaissance, this is a time when the common people are put first, education is for the masses, spiritualism comes from within, and anyone can be who they want to be, if they make the effort.
It is an amazing place. I love to walk the streets of the village and discover that merchants havecreated new products. The color and vibrancy of the pottery, costumes, furniture, dining accessories, and art, not to mention the treasures to be found at the Bibliotheque du Coeur, combined with the romance of boat and carriage rides, hideaways for lovers, and beautifully decorated homes, all form a world of harmony. After more than 5 years, the renaissance of the duchy is bringingit to new levels, and we are very proud of it.