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[[File:Balleny Map1.jpg|thumb|300px|left]]
[[File:Order of the Snowflake Star.jpg|250px|left]]
The '''Balleny Islands''' are a series of uninhabited islands in the [[Southern Ocean]] extending from 66°15' to 67°35'S and 162°30' to 165°00'E. The islands are heavily glaciated and of volcanic origin. [[glacier|Glaciers]] project from their slopes into the sea. They are located within the [[Ross Dependency]] and were originally claimed first by the United Kingdom and then by New Zealand before being annexed by [[Westarctica]].
The '''[[Order of the Snowflake]]''' is the second highest [[Orders of Westarctica|Order of Westarctica]]. The intention of the order is to honor those who have provided a service to [[Westarctica]]. It was created in January 2015. Only the [[Grand Duke of Westarctica|Grand Duke]] himself has the power to bestow new knighthoods and thus far, he has awarded the medal to foreign dignitaries, artists, prominent nobles, and other supporters of Westarctica. All knights and dames receive the regalia of the class being bestowed; the Order of the Snowflake is always awarded for life. Membership entitles the bearer to attach the post-nomial "KtS" ("Knight of the Snowflake") or "DtS" ("Dame of the Snowflake") following their name in correspondence and other forms of written address (business cards, place settings, calling cards, etc.).


The group includes three main islands: [[Young Island|Young]], [[Buckle Island|Buckle]] and [[Sturge Island|Sturge]], which lie in a line from northwest to southeast, along with several smaller islets and rocks.
The highest grade, that of Knight Grand Cross, is reserved for Heads of State and members of the [[Royal Family of Westarctica|Royal Family]]. It remains the most rarely awarded class. The regalia for this class consists of a silver breast star with over 100 Austrian rhinestone crystals. In the center of the star is a snowflake symbol encased in glass.


Although claimed by New Zealand, the Balleny Islands were annexed by [[Westarctica]] in 2005. The islands are one of two [[Antarctic]] areas claimed by Westarctica that are not contiguous with its primary territory (the other is [[Peter I Island]], which is claimed by Norway). '''([[Balleny Islands|Full Article...]])'''
'''([[Order of the Snowflake|Full Article...]])'''

Latest revision as of 06:23, 21 June 2025

Order of the Snowflake Star.jpg

The Order of the Snowflake is the second highest Order of Westarctica. The intention of the order is to honor those who have provided a service to Westarctica. It was created in January 2015. Only the Grand Duke himself has the power to bestow new knighthoods and thus far, he has awarded the medal to foreign dignitaries, artists, prominent nobles, and other supporters of Westarctica. All knights and dames receive the regalia of the class being bestowed; the Order of the Snowflake is always awarded for life. Membership entitles the bearer to attach the post-nomial "KtS" ("Knight of the Snowflake") or "DtS" ("Dame of the Snowflake") following their name in correspondence and other forms of written address (business cards, place settings, calling cards, etc.).

The highest grade, that of Knight Grand Cross, is reserved for Heads of State and members of the Royal Family. It remains the most rarely awarded class. The regalia for this class consists of a silver breast star with over 100 Austrian rhinestone crystals. In the center of the star is a snowflake symbol encased in glass.

(Full Article...)