Breaking News (Pre-Coronation Imperial Family Banquet)

Today we feature our second post since our previous one unofficially announced what was essentially the first post of Coronation Week. This week has seen the influx to the city of Londinium of many diplomatic VIP's, Heads of State and Royalty from the world over to attend the Imperial Coronation.

The Duke of Swann, cousin of the Emperor, flew in on Tuesday with a small plane and minimal security.

The King of Syldavia's official car was also spotted by photographers yesterday making it's way from the airport. All these arrivals do count as State Visits but are not individually given a full State Reception due to the protocol surrounding the Imperial Coronation

Another sign of a foreign Royal presence in Londinium has been spotted by a paparazzi photographer. The raised Royal Standard of the Grand Duke of Hanoveria at the Hanoverian Embassy signifies that His Royal Highness Grand Duke George is in residence.

Among the official dignitaries descending on Londinium the new Emperor has many close family ties. As such the public event of the upcoming coronation is also an intimate family celebration. For this purpose the Emperor hosted a private function for his direct family at the Aldarian Palace last night. The Imperial Family Banquet was allowed media coverage although the invited guests only included the Emperor's immediate family. An entirely separate Coronation Banquet in honour of all the diplomatic VIP's is to be held after the coronation ceremony on Saturday evening but will be allowed no media access. 

The Aldarian Palace has not seen glamour on par with the Imperial Family Banquet since before the 96 Revolution. A happy mood has now begun to entirely wipe away the bitter memories of the past for the entire Scot-Britanian people. This private banquet set the tone for what is to be a most remarkable weekend of festivities. In the photo above we see the members of the Emperor's Family arriving at last night's event. 

Her Imperial Highness Princess Augusta arrived with the Duke of Swann. Her Alison Couture dress was perfectly complimented by her ruby parure.

Princess Kirsten Youssopoff  arrived with her cousin the Duke of Banbury as her very busy husband was only to join the family on Sunday after the coronation.

Prince Dillon, the Heriditary Prince of Swann arrived with his aunt and uncle.

The Arch Duke and Arch Duchess of Fulco D'Este. The Arch Duchess poignantly chose to wear a necklace that belonged to Empress Crystobel in honour of her aunt's memory.

The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Hanoveria at right followed by the King and Queen of Syldavia ascend the staircase of the entrance hall to the Aldarian Palace to meet their cousin the new Emperor.

Queen Maxima looked radiant in a copper dress by Hilegonda Couture and Yellow diamonds.

Grand Duchess Alice chose white and the Hanoverian Aquamarines.

Their Imperial Majesties were decidedly happy to welcome their family as guests on this significant and intimate dinner. 

Empress Odeliah looked positively majestic in the Crown Amethyst Parure and Stephanie Couture dress.

Protocol dictated the men bow and the ladies curtsy before the Imperial Couple. Aside from these small formalities the evening was a very relaxed affair.

The banquet table was set with the Imperial dinner service last used at the coronation of the previous Emperor and Empress.

A family portrait photo opportunity availed itself for posterity.

After the formalities and dinner the guests danced the night away.

The Empress sported an up-do for the first time in public and it truly did the Crown Aquamarines justice.

The Grand Duchess of hanoveria was also wearing Stephanie Couture in true Imperial style.

The jovial relaxed mood was genuinely celebratory for this intrinsically familial event and historic victory over the tragedies of the revolution.

Even the unmarried Duke of Swann got to take on the dance floor with his aunt-in-law, Princess Augusta.

 Today, as we report, was declared a bank holiday in advance of Saturday's Coronation Celebration. Our next three posts will be our Saturday feature on the coronation ceremony itself. The Coronation Banquet will receive no media coverage to allow for the VIP guests a respite after this weeks stringent media coverage. We can now but wait excitedly for the happy day.

Breaking News (Swann Abdication Part 2 - Ceremony)

Following last week's announcement from the Principality of Swann we post the latest update in the abdication saga. In what has been called the most bittersweet moment of the century the "Hero of Europa" as he was informally named by his cousin the Emperor, the Duke of Swann, signed his Instrument of Abdication at Duke's Court Palace today in order to serve God in a more "spiritual" way. 

The Palace and old city of Swann was abuzz with the news which most citizens consider to be inspiring. The Duke of Swann invited a news crew to film the day's proceedings.

To start, His Royal Highness unveiled a new painting he had painted over the last few months as he wrestled with the Mithrandir's offer to succeed His Holiness. The painting symbolizes the Duke's decision to accept the offer and the consequences upon his own life.

The painting is of a flaming swan rising into the air from the pond upon which it rested. The symbol of the swan is representative of the Duke taking flight into his new future as Mithrandir. The fire represents the spiritual nature of the call to the office of the Mithrandir and the pond represents His Royal Highness' life up until now. It is poignant that the swan remains a swan even though it takes on a new supernatural form. This alludes to the Duke's identity and familial roots that will always remain the predominat flavour of personality even though his office may change.

After the unveiling of the painting, the press were treated to a mid-morning tea while the Duke got dressed for the formal ceremony. The ceremony saw His Royal Highness in uniform and regalia giving a short speech detailing the events and his intent.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Swann making his abdication speech as broadcast to the world. 

The Instrument of Abdication was then signed.

The Hereditary Prince of Swann, Prince Dillon was also in attendance to acknowledge him as the preeminent successor to the throne of Swann at this pivotal point. If the Mithrandir dies, then the Duke of Swann will succeed His Holiness and Prince Dillon would become the new Duke of Swann.

A photo opportunity was given to the press.

After the short ceremony and photos, the Duke of Swann and Hereditary Prince appeared on the palace balcony to acknowledge the crowd awaiting the finale of the morning's proceedings. 

A happy and still very popular Duke of Swann has now embarked on his new path while still remaining in office. He is expected to officially visit the Mithrandir in the near future to receive His Holiness' Blessing of Induction into the Office of Grey Cardinal. 

Prince Dillon looked remarkably elated on the balcony as he waved. He is the fresh face of the future of Swann and bring a colourful anticipation with a broad smile.

Breaking News (Swann Abdication Part 1 - Referendum and Imperial Consent)

An Official Report from the Principality of Swann: 

His Royal Highness, the Prince Daniel, by Grace of God, Sovereign Duke of Swann has declared that he will assume the Most Holy Honour of Grey Cardinal in Succession of the Mithrandir. 

Upon the passing of the Mithrandir, Prince Daniel will renounce all earthly obligations and become the next Mithrandir. He will then be succeeded by the Hereditary Prince of Swann, Prince Dillon who will then become the new Duke of Swann.

It is reported from Swann that, the Mithrandir made his desire for the Duke to become his successor known during last year's Arcwhite crisis when both His Holiness and the Duke worked closely to avert disaster. There was no obligation placed on the Duke to comply to the Mithrandir's request but the opportunity is of such a nature that finally the Duke chose in favour of it after months of thought and purported prayer. It is a very exciting yet bittersweet time for Swann and its beloved Duke as now His Royal Highness, after years as sovereign, may look forward to serve in an even higher call than that as ruler of Swann.

The Duke of Swann is seen above making the Royal Declaration this morning from Duke's Court Palace. It is officially viewed as a type of abdication but in stasis, where the Duke of Swann does not directly step down from the throne but has it on hold for the future event of the Mithrandir's death. The final announcement was made after an internet referendum run over the last two weeks. The results of the poll showed 89% of Swanobian citizens in favour of the Duke following his heart, especially in pursuit of this particular vocation of international self sacrificial service. The poll was run to gauge popular opinion as a courtesy to his people, as in the Principality of Swann, the Duke's autocratic power does not require a referendum to sanction his acts of state. It is now being written into law and after some ceremonials to follow, will be signed and enacted. Once done, the Duke will continue to rule as normal but will begin focussing more on being discipled by the Mithrandir. As such, His Royal Highness will gradually pass more Royal duties to Prince Dillon in order to teach him to become accustomed to his future role as ruler. The unmarried Duke will also officially then be committed to celibacy. He will also have the style Eminent Highness and title of Grey Cardinal added to his own.

His Royal Highness was officially visited earlier this week by his cousin the new Emperor and Empress of the United Empire. The visit was a friendly courtesy and show of familial support in this very special time. The Emperor was the first to know of the Duke's decision before today's official announcement and flew over to see his cousin in person on Sunday. These private photos of the visit was made available to this blog especially for our report. The Duke of Swann was also very happy to show his support  and excitement in return for the upcoming coronation of the Emperor on the  3rd of July.

Empress Odeliah looked radiant on what most consider to be a farewell of sorts as both the Duke of Swann and the former Crown Prince Imperial embark on entirely new life directions.

A poignant handshake was recorded on camera as the future Mithrandir is congratulated by the new Emperor. A new day dawns for Europa and indeed the world.

God save His Royal Highness, Prince Daniel, the Duke of Swann, Prince of the United Empire, Knight of the Order of the Diamond Star, Grand Master of the Order of the Purple Swann and Eminent Grey Cardinal.

Breaking News (Europan Council Declares Emperor)

After a tabling of possible candidates for the proposed role of Emperor in Europa on Monday this week, a final verdict has been reached.

It is official, the Crown Prince Imperial, King of the Scots and King of the Britons was unanimously elected by the Europan Government Council as Emperor. His Majesty has officially accepted the offer via phone to the Chairman but is expected to make an announcement on SNN News Live. Henceforth the former Prince Christian-Victor will be known as His Supreme Majesty, Emperor Christian-Victor of the United Empire, King of the Scots, King of the Britons and Crown Prince Imperial of Scot-Britania and all her Realms. His wife will bear the same feminine title but will be known as Empress Odeliah in short.

 It was a already truly proud moment for the peoples of Britania and Scotney a few weeks ago when a restoration of their separate monarchies was announced. Now their nations will be represented in this very auspicious way by having their King presiding as ceremoniously Emperor of  the States of Europa and chairman of the Europan Council in practice. 

At the Europan Council Meeting it was also decided to use the already existing Crown Jewels as the Regalia for the newly created title of Emperor of the United Empire. His Majesty will be invested with these symbols of office as part of the coronations ceremony already planned for him in regards to his Royal role in the Kingdoms of Scotney and Britania.

The Emperor's personal standard will also be the very same one currently accepted as the Imperial Standard for the Head of the House of Aldarian.

We are all overwhelmed with excitement and can feel the tangible surge of festive jubilation beginning to grow as we look forward to a coronation. This will be the event of the century.
Long Live the Emperor and Empress!

Breaking News (Europan Council Votes on Swanobian Proposal for United Empire)

Earlier this week, in the most bold turn of events, the Principality of Swann's ruler has made a shocking yet not entirely unfounded proposal at this year's Europan Council's Head of State's Summit. 

Switzer Federation is the home of the Europan Council where once annually and in emergencies, the independent countries of Europa's rulers meet to propose and vote on actions to be taken for the benefit of the continent as a whole. This week saw the greatest turning point Europa has been presented with in over 20 years.

Chancellor Johnston of the Democratic Republic of Europa had all focus on himself for the fact that he is chairman of the council and for the changes that have been happening in Britania in recent months. By mid 2015, Britania would have transitioned from a pure democratic republic to a constitutional monarchy.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Swann, ruler of a council member nation with veto rights was to table the revolutionary proposal to the council.

Many other monarchies were represented along with all the other voting members of the council. Here we see the Princess of Wallachia arriving.

Not all member nations were physically present. Absent members included Arcwhite, Normandia, Ruskiana, Franconia and Fulco DÉste. They were voting by telephone and opinion polls were streaming live as they occurred. In the above photo we see the full gathering being opened by Mr. Johnston of Britania.

First the agenda was worked through and reports of previous actions were heard.

Queen Ukulunghile of Ohiri in Africania was officially representing all the non-Europan nations as an observer and commentator.

Here we can see from left, King Nikolas of Syldavia, Princess Xenia of Wallachia and the Duke of Swann.

Queen Maria of Hispania is photographed here next to her Hanoverian counterpart, Grand Duke George.

Chancellor Johnston of Britania, and Chairman of the Europan Council then announced the segment where new proposals are tabled. The Duke of Swann can be seen at is right, ready to take the microphone.

The Duke of Swann's proposal at first came as a surprise but as his presentation progressed not only seemed plausible but actually more economical and efficient system of management. His Royal Highness proposed a neutral chairman for the Europan Council, with executive power and a trans-Europan unifying agenda. He revived the precedent set in 1480 when  King Christian of Scotney was elected Holy Emperor of Europa. That position of Emperor was only for life and could not be succeeded to outside of election, it did not have regional governmental authority, did not negate local culture but unified Europa in economic and defensive affairs. Thus the Duke of Swann called for the position of Emperor be reinstated and that the most suitable person for the role be elected. Possible persons for the role would be tabled after his proposal was accepted.

The vote was unanimous for the position of Chairman of the Europan Council to be replaced by a neutral Emperor from the end of April when Chancellor Johnston's term ends. Possible persons for the role is will now be submitted and the results of a final election will be announced within the next few weeks.

The Europan public are abuzz with the controversial developments but popularity polls are already showing results in favour of it.