Before becoming Queen Consort of the historic cocoa kingdom in Osun State, Nigeria, Queen Angelique-Monet Gureje-Thompson of Eti-Oni once lived full-time in the Hamptons, where she was part of the arts community, spearheading cultural initiatives and philanthropic work.
On October 18 in Rome, during the Holy See’s Year of Jubilee, Queen Angelique-Monet Gureje-Thompson became the first woman in history to receive the Gran Collare, the highest honor of the Associazione Cavalieri di San Silvestro Papa (Pope Saint Sylvester), one of the five Pontifical Orders of Knighthood of the Holy See.
The Gran Collare recognizes individuals of exceptional merit in faith, culture, and humanitarian service. The historic recognition reflects a trajectory whose early chapters were shaped in part by the East End’s creative and philanthropic environment.
The Presidential Council organized the ceremony under the direction of Monsignor Luigi Francesco Domenico Casolini di Sersale, Marquis of Sersale and Duke of Rocca San Marco — Rector President of the Association, Prelate of the Church of San Silvestro in Tivoli, and President of the Cathedral Chapter. It was attended by members of the Silvestrina family from across Italy, as well as those from the diplomatic, ecclesiastical, and cultural sectors.
The private conferral of the Gran Collare took place at the ancient residence of the Centi-Bolognetti Family, with more than eight centuries of heritage in the City of Rome, overlooking the Lucretili Mountains and the Aniene Valley.
The event began at 5 PM with a garden reception attended by members of Italian nobility, Knights of San Silvestro Papa, and representatives of other Papal Chivalric Orders, including the Deputy Mayor of Tivoli, Dr. Giorgio Strafonda, and his spouse, and Avv. Gennaro Famiglietti, Consul General to the Republic of Bulgaria.
Queen Angelique-Monet Gureje-Thompson appeared in a couture adire coat-dress from The Queen’s Collection, a vibrant symbol of South-West Nigerian artistry. Inside the chapel, she wore custom ceremonial regalia in gold-and-cream flowered damask — a regal gown and cape also from The Queen’s Collection.
The ceremony opened with remarks by Italian actress and presenter Isabel Russinova, who praised the Queen’s devotion to children and her creative use of ventriloquism to bring joy and empathy, while outlining the human, educational, and cultural traits. Monsignor Don Luigi Casolini di Sersale then delivered an oration, recalling the Queen’s long-standing relationship with the Order for close to a decade.
“Many years ago, in Rome, Your Majesty joined the ranks of our Association, allowing us to experience your warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm — that profound humanity which approaches people not to receive but to give. In acknowledgment of your noble charitable commitment, which has grown stronger and more widespread over the years, we are honored to confer upon you our highest distinction, the Gran Collare, and we are proud to note that you are the first woman to receive it,” he said. “As a symbol laden with meaning, the Gran Collare was last given to the President of Uganda seven years ago. Today, for the second time in history, it is bestowed upon you — the first woman ever to receive it.”
Queen Angelique-Monet Gureje-Thompson advanced to the chapel’s center, where the Gran Collare was placed upon her neck. The gilded chain, featuring the white-enameled Maltese Cross of Saint Sylvester, was handcrafted in Rome by Guccione of Via del Corso, jeweler of the Papal Orders.
The ceremony concluded with a concert performed by the top brass bands of the Armed Forces of Italy — the Carabinieri, Red Cross, Army, and Navy. The young Quartetto di Sassofoni delle Forze Armate Italiane delivered a stirring performance.
From the Sala degli Specchi (Room of Mirrors), the Queen delivered an emotional address reflecting on her early childhood, the challenges she overcame, and her lifelong dedication to service.
“My journey has not been a conventional one. I did not speak until the age of five; I faced learning disabilities and bullying. The arts gave me a voice — and through ventriloquism, confidence. Much of the work I do is unseen, yet today reminds us that nothing done with a pure heart is unheard or unseen. God sees all, for He is the All-Knowing.”
“This honor is not mine alone but belongs to all who strive to make the world gentler through service. To receive the Gran Collare during the Jubilee Year is a divine reminder that faith transcends title, geography, race, or creed — it unites those who act in love,” she continued.