An Exclusive Interview with HRH The Crown Prince Davit Bagrationi-Mukhrani, from the oldest Christian royal dynasty in Europe
"When I repatriated in 2003, it was a whirlwind of exciting sensations! I remember I couldn't sleep for 3 days. I recall visiting the Svetiskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta. It was a dream come true!"
The Bagrationi Dynasty is considered one of the oldest Christian royal families in Europe. According to the Georgian Royal Family accounts, their origin comes from the ancient province of Speri, today’s Turkey, and they consider that the lineage could be traced back to King David of the Jews.
The Bagrationi have been ruling kings since the sixth century, and “kings of the Kartvels (Georgians)” since the ninth century. The current Bagrationi dynasty ruled in Georgia from the early ninth century to the beginning of the 19th century, thus ruling for more than almost 11 centuries.
During this time, the most notable members of the Bagrationi family were Davit IV “the Builder” (1089-1125), and Saint Queen Tamar (1179-1213). These were times in which the Georgian state reached the peak of its splendor and power.
During their reign, the Bagrationis bolstered the Georgian Orthodox Church and contributed to culture, science, and law. Their most prominent kings were also recognized for their roles in the church and in the military, exemplifying a blend of religious devotion and statecraft.
Despite historical upheavals, the Bagrationi family remains a symbol of Georgian heritage. Today, HRH The Crown Prince Davit Bagrationi Mukhran Batonishvili serves as the current head, maintaining the legacy and cultural significance of the dynasty in modern Georgia.
The Georgian government recognized the position and rights of HRH Crown Prince Giorgi Bagrationi as Head of the Royal House as well as his legitimate right as heir to the Crown of Georgia. He is also the Grand Master of three dynastic orders of the Royal House of Bagration:
The Order of the Eagle of Georgia and the Seamless Tunic of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The Order of Saint Queen Tamar
The Order of the Crown
The Order of the Eagle of Georgia and the Seamless Tunic of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The Order of the Georgian Eagle and the Seamless Tunic of Our Lord Jesus Christ is a prestigious family dynastic institution of the Royal House of Georgia, originally founded by Saint Queen Tamar in the late 12th century. It was reconstituted in 1939 by HRH Prince Irakly Bagrationi Mukran.
The Order symbolizes the historic and spiritual heritage of Georgia, with the Tunic of Our Lord as its emblem, believed to have been brought to Georgia and buried in the Cathedral of Svetitskhoveli. It is awarded in five categories for both Knights and Dames, recognizing the dedication and achievements of its members in promoting the legacy and values of the Georgian monarchy.
Notable recipients of the Order of Eagle
The Royal Order of the Eagle of Georgia boasts many notable recipients, such as, among others, HM Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, HM King Humberto II of Italy, HM Tsar Boris III and HM Tsar Simeon II of Bulgaria, HM King Leka of Albany, HRH Don Duarte de Bragranca, HRH Nikola Petrovic Njegosh Crown Prince of Montenegro, Prince Jaime de Borbón, Duke of Anjou and Segovia, HIRH Grand Duke Wladimiro Kyrilovich Romanov and many others.
The Order of Saint Queen Tamar
The Order of Saint Queen Tamar, established during World War I, was created to honor Georgian soldiers who exhibited extraordinary service towards Georgia's independence. Named after Saint Queen Tamar, the Order carries her legacy, celebrating her significant contributions to Georgian history and culture. It Is awarded in two grades, Senator or Lady Senator of The Grand Badge and Knight or Lady of the Grand Badge.
The Order of the Crown
To correctly compensate the followers of the Georgian Monarchic Cause who have earned a special reward for their extraordinary and exceptional contribution H.R.H. Crown Prince Davit Bagrationi-Mukhrani created the Order of the Crown of Georgia, which will be awarded by motu proprio by the Head of the Royal House.
In this exclusive interview, HRH Crown Prince Davit Bagrationi-Mukhrani of Georgia shares his insights into his roles and responsibilities, reflecting on the enduring values of the Royal House of Bagrationi, as well as his views on the orders of chivalry in today's world.
The Investiture: Your Royal Highness, can you tell us about the significance of the Bagrationi dynasty and its impact on Georgian culture and identity today?
Prince Davit: The Bagrationi dynasty ruled Georgia for 11 centuries. Given the region and such a long period, it is natural that they left a significant impact on all aspects: culture, religion, state symbols, coats of arms, and the current national flag. National holidays are still celebrated on the birthdays of kings or to commemorate their great military achievements.
The Investiture: As the heir of one of the oldest Christian ruling dynasties, how do you balance your traditional family royal duties with the demands of modern society?
Prince Davit: The responsibilities are the same as those my father and grandfather had, just like members or leaders of other historic families might have. I believe we must continuously evolve and not be anchored in the past, but we should also have a deep understanding and respect for it. Modern society is very different from what it was 20-25 years ago and will be different in another 20-25 years. That's why evolution is essential while maintaining deep traditional roots that we should preserve and be grateful for.
The Investiture: How do you see the role of the Chivalric Orders in the contemporary world?
Prince Davit: Orders of Chivalry have the ability, aside from carrying out charitable works and many other tasks, to be able to bring together people from all over the world with very high traditional values and common interests. In the case of the Royal Orders of Georgia, they also serve as a tool to promote the country, as Georgia remains largely unknown to many people, and to support the Georgian royal cause, which is involved in a possible monarchical restoration in the future.
The Investiture: Through your paternal and maternal grandparents, you are related to, among others, the Houses of Bourbón, Wittelsbach, Habsburg-Lorraine, and the Romanovs. How do you nurture those family ties in today’s society?
Prince Davit: They are very different from each other; their current duties are also different. The Bourbons have all the duties and functions of a constitutional monarchy, while the other houses do not reign today. It is always a pleasure for me to travel and participate in meetings that are held with other royal houses.
The Investiture: What were your thoughts and feelings when you repatriated back to Georgia with your family in 2003?
Prince Davit: It was a whirlwind of exciting sensations; I remember I couldn't sleep for three days. I recall visiting the Svetiskhoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, the family pantheon of the Bagration Dynasty. When we came around a curve in the car, there it was the cathedral. It was like a dream come true. I had heard about it, read about it, seen photos, and even had a small bronze model of the cathedral, but seeing it in person truly moved me.
Those first months were very intense. It was important to learn about the country's political reality and understand the possibilities for the future. It was a Georgia that looked nothing like it does today. Much progress has been made without completely forgetting the traditions.
The Investiture: Your father, HRH Jorge de Bagration y de Mukhrani, was a famous race driver, almost entering the Formula 1 world. Can you share some pivotal moments from his life and your fondest memories?
Prince Davit: My father, Jorge, was one of the few drivers to beat world champions in both Formula 1 and rally, such as Emerson Fittipaldi and Ari Vatanen. He was a very versatile driver who, due to bureaucratic issues, couldn't participate in two Formula 1 Grand Prix. I believe the most decisive moment for him was returning to Georgia in 2006. Those were the last two years of his life, which we spent together daily, discovering and learning about our country.
The Investiture: What are your passions and hobbies and how do you like to enjoy your free time?
Prince Davit: Everything related to motor racing has been a part of my life. Since I was 12 years old, I have participated in car and motorcycle races, with the most recent one just two years ago. It's a passion that gets passed down through generations. My son Jorge also has an interest in racing and has been competing since he was 8 years old. It’s a very interesting hobby.
The Investiture: What hopes do you have for your son, HRH Prince Giorgi, as the heir apparent to the Georgian throne?
Prince Davit: As the future heir, I wish him happiness, to be able to help his country, and to give continuity to the dynasty.
The Investiture: How do you see the future of the Georgian royal tradition and its relevance to younger generations?
Prince Davit: Georgia as a country is immersed in the search for a better future. The last two centuries have been a real catastrophe, with losses of territory and identity. The Soviet period left a mark not only on politics but also on mentality. The new generations are the future, and it’s complicated. Maintaining progress and peace is the most important thing at this moment. The monarchy would provide stability that does not exist today; we are always on the edge of a precipice. The future is difficult to predict. The idea of a monarchy can be very popular one day and not the next; it all depends on how things are managed and the direction the country is taking. What is certain is that it is our duty to be prepared and, in the meantime, to support the country in any way we can.
The Investiture: What message would you like to convey to the readers of The Investiture and those interested in the chivalric orders in contemporary society?
Prince Davit: Thank you for taking the time to read this interview. The world of chivalric orders is fascinating in many aspects; it fosters great friendships and enriches people culturally. In my opinion, it is undoubtedly a source of values and principles for good people.