Count of Bursey
| His Lordship The Count of Bursey | |
|---|---|
| Baron Starbuck Companion of Westarctica
| |
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| In Office | 18 October 2019 - Present |
His Honor, the Count of Bursey is a member of Westarctica's Grand Ducal Court, and is also a member of the Peerage of Westarctica.
Biography
His Lordship was born in Germany and completed his compulsory military service at a rocket artillery battalion in northern Germany after graduating from high school.
Since 1993, he has worked as a civil servant in his hometown. In this capacity, he has been responsible for various tasks ranging from housing administration to the arrangement of road construction sites and application support for special municipal software. The ranks in German public service are comparable to military ranks, and during his career, he rose from a rank comparable to a Sergeant to a rank comparable to a Lieutenant Colonel.
His Lordship has also served as a lay judge at the local district court for many years. Prior to that, he was a lay judge at the county court.
Career with Westarctica
On 12 February 2019, he was granted the title Viscount of Bursey in recognition of his support of Westarctica. This occurred at a time when many Germans were seeking citizenship in Westarctica, and his arrival was part of a larger influx of German and Austrian nationals. His peerage title is derived from Mount Bursey in the Flood Range. During this time, he also joined the Westarctica Civilian Corps.
On 18 October 2019, on the advice of Prime Minister Farmer, the Viscount was appointed as a Justice in the Grand Ducal Court by Royal Decree from Grand Duke Travis. He was the second Justice appointed upon the Court's creation.
On 26 February 2022, as the Principality of Kolios was transitioning to a protectorate of Westarctica, His Lordship was granted the title Baron von Messenburg in the Nobility of Kolios.
In 2025, His Lordship was raised to the rank of count and granted the additional subordinate title Baron Starbuck, named for his connection to Starbuck Crater.
Charitable activities
In 2020, His Lordship adopted an orca named "Holly" on behalf of Westarctica through the WDC's whale adoption program.
His Lordship is patron of the Starbuck Crater Fund, named in connection with Starbuck Crater. This fund organizes financial donations for charitable causes around the world.
Personal arms
The Count of Bursey's arms bear the motto UT OMNES UNUM SINT ("That they all may be one"), and contains the following elements:
- Crest: A balance Gules, the pans pendant and balanced Argent
- Escutcheon: Argent, three chevronels Gules, in dexter canton a Southern Cross of estoiles Sable
- Badge: A roundel Sable charged with a Southern Cross of estoiles Argent
The arms were granted by the Ellsworth King of Arms on 6 September 2025.
Honors and awards
Baron von Messenburg since 26 February 2022
Companion of the Noble Order of Westarctica since 2 November 2021- Viscount of Bursey since 12 February 2019
