As this was the first in-person coronation the primarily drag social group was able to host since 2019, due to the pandemic, outgoing Emperor Rainier 46 Rob Haggard and Empress Olympia 49 Ladie Chablis were able to step down after a two-year reign, ending it by hosting over 250 guests, from as far as Florida and Georgia courts to local nonprofits and Seattleites.

After a three-week campaign and a community vote of 213 for the 50th empress, Londyn Bradshaw beat out the other candidate, Jessica Paradisco, and was crowned along with former Emperor Paul Paradisco.

"Paul and I have been friends since 2011...and now we are title partners," said Londyn this week during their first interview. "We would like to get the community involved more than ever. We would also like to digitalize all of the history and preserve it this year, since we are the 50th reign, while keeping the court moving forward."

The board of directors had the arduous task of planning nine events at six locations during the week. Even as late as last month, they were unsure if they were going to be able to hold the traditional event, due to the recent Omicron outbreak. Attendees had to adhere to safety measures, including temperature checks, showing proof of vaccination status, and keeping masks on.

As there were two sets of monarch anniversaries, the court was able to also add a special 50th Anniversary Gala at the Madison Renaissance on Saturday evening. Special moments included the celebration of the first empress, Scotty I, crowned in 1971, special lip-synch performances, heartfelt tributes, and video presentations. The evening was hosted by six former monarchs.

Another new event added to the week was an after-party following the coronation at the Westin on Sunday, featuring RuPaul Drag Race stars Bebe Zahara Benet, Brita Filter, and Killer Queen from Spain, hosted by Anita Spritzer. They, along with over 13 drag entertainers from around the greater Puget Sound region, featured their best numbers in the grand ballroom on a 50-foot runway with professional lights and sound.

Ladie Chablis said, "Rob and I are amazed how amazing the week was. We are very honored how the Westin lit up the two top towers with the pride colors from Thursday to Sunday to honor the courts, and that we had guests from all over the country."

Other highlights from Coronation 50 was the keynote address of Queen Mother of the Americas and Latinx activist Nicole from San Diego, as it was her 15-year anniversary since ascending to the leadership role of the Imperial Court system here in Seattle. She gave national awards to local leaders, including Joe Bento from GLSEN, Deaunte Damper of BLM/NAACP Seattle/King County, Dog House Leathers, Taffy Maenae from UTOPIA, and politician Nikkita Oliver.

"As I have always said, a community, indeed a movement, that does not know where it came from or whose shoulder it stands on, doesn't know where it's going," Nicole began. "And since the 1970s, the Seattle LGBTQIA community has been able to count on the Imperial Court of Seattle and indeed stands on the shoulders of many emperors and empresses and pioneers of Seattle and the state of Washington."

In addition, the Imperial Court of Seattle awarded $12,000 in scholarships to LGBTQIA students to help continue their education.