The new monarches Empress Saybeline and Emperor Frankie, enjoying the pageantry of their ascension ceremonies. Photo by Rink.

The newest reigning monarchs were crowned Saturday evening on Feb. 26 at the San Francisco Galleria in the San Francisco Design Center during the 46th annual Imperial Coronation Ball, entitled “All Aboard Flight 45 – San Francisco to New York, Broadway Bound.” The results of the public vote held the week prior were His Most Imperial Majesty Frankie Fernandez and Her Most Imperial Majesty Saybeline Fernandez elected to serve the Bay Area Monarchy for this year. They will be officially installed at a ceremony to come at a time and place to be announced in the future. 

“Our congratulations and best wishes for a successful reign as our court starts its 46th year as the Founding Mother Court of the International Court System,” said Empress 19 Remy Martin, secretary of the Imperial Council of San Francisco. “We would also like to extend our best wishes and thank you to both La Monistat and Ray McKenzie for their outstanding campaigns for the offices of Empress and Emperor respectively.” She added, “Long live the Monarchy and Empress I Jose, The Widow Norton!” 

“I would like to congratulate our newest wuzzies, Emperor 38 after Norton of San Francisco Mr. Stephen Dorsey and Absolute Empress 45 of San Francisco Miss Renita Valdez, on a terrific year. You both have made San Francisco very proud,” said Carlos Medal Romanoff, Grand Duke 35 of San Francisco. “I also would like to congratulate our newest Monarchs of San Francisco, Emperor Frankie Fernandez and Empress Saybeline Fernandez. You two have big shoes to fill, and I am sure that you both will do a great job. I am looking forward to seeing you around the circuit and city - but most importantly, have a fun time.” He added, “To the two other wonderful and inspiring candidates, Miss La Monistat and Mr. Ray McKenzie, congratulations on a truly wonderful campaign. The two of you have shown San Francisco and our neighboring cities what fun, love, involvement, community, and friendship is all about. You two are truly winners in my book.” He said, “I will see you both out and about, continuing to serve our community and inspiring people to be more involved.” On a personal note to McKenzie, he thanked the candidate for having him in his production number. “We all enjoyed your number ‘Keep it Gay,’ and tore the house down with applause.” Grand Duke Carlos gave congratulations to the Imperial Council of San Francisco on a very successful coronation, saying, “The location was beautiful, and it went so smoothly.” He added, “Congratulations to the San Francisco Ducals for showing so much support. We were out there in numbers, and it did not go unnoticed (we filled that stage).” He beamed, “I am just so proud to be a part of the SF Ducals.” 

“I would like to thank my San Francisco community for their support,” said stepping down Emperor 38 Stephen Dorsey. “This community opens their hearts for charity. They came with their money, their love, and their support for charity. That is why I love my city of San Francisco.” He gave his thanks to the Imperial Council of San Francisco, which “opened their arms to me and advised me on how to do great work for my community and for charity.”

To his Empress Renita, he said, “You made my year as my Empress. We have laughed and cried together, but we have always remembered to keep smiling and to love each other.” 

After 18 years involved with the Ducal Court of San Francisco and being Grand Duchess not once but twice, stepping down Empress 45 Renita Valdez reminisced on her reign as Empress last year. “Many of my friends asked me why I waited so long, and I told them I had my reasons. Five years ago I wanted to run for Empress of San Francisco, but my heart told me I wasn’t ready financially and mentally.” She said, “But my dream finally came true. I have made many friends during the last 18 years involved with the courts systems.” To her Emperor Stephen she said, “I want to thank you for coming into my life. I was blessed to have an Emperor that treated me with love and respect.” She added, “I want to thank you for your love, your hard work, your dedication, and your commitment to our community.” 

And THAT is what the Imperial and Ducal Court Systems are all about!