Praetonia
07-02-2007, 21:14
Three days ago...
The Royal Coach clattered towards Parliament much as it had done on this day every year since the Reaccession. Ensconced in gold livery and surrounded by the glinting metal of the breastplates and drawn sabres of the King's Household Cavalry, the assembled masses that thronged either side of the road struggled to see their Sovereign wave to them through the lines of blue-helmeted policemen that prevented the excited crowd from spilling out into the path of the oncoming eight-tonne house-drawn coach. More than two or three paces back from the front of the crowd, seeing anything was impossible and so the mass of spectators simply stood back, waved their little Purple Ensigns and cheered their beloved monarch on his way.
As the Coach drew to a halt outside Parliament, the King stepped out the walk the last few paces in open air. The Household Cavalry dismounted to join their sovereign on ground level. The crowd here consisted of dedicated royal watchers who had pushed their way to the prime viewing spots. Cameras flashed as journalists vied for the best front-page snap for the next morning's Dailys. The King raised his hand to greet the cheering crowd, who responded by intensifying their shouts of praise and rapid-fire photography.
The King continued to wave and smile to his adoring Subjects as he progressed regally towards Parliament, where several Parliamentary Footmen waited to escort him inside. For this special occasion, the Purple Ensign was being flown alongside the Parliamentary silver-portcullis-on-black-background flat. Both flags were fluttering in picture-postcard manner despite the absence of any wind, helped on their way by a wind generator embedded in the roof out of sight of those below. Before crossing over the portal into the ancient gloom of the Parliamentary palace, the King turned and waved to his Subjects one last time.
Once through the doorway the King was escorted into the House of Lords and took his rightful place at its head on a throne rarely ever used.
"My Lords, pray be seated."
The assembled nobility did as they were commanded.
Next, the House of Commons was lead through into the Other Place to join the Lords and their King.
The Mace of the House of Commons is laid before His Majesty alongside the Mace of the House of Lords and the King's Sword of State. The King's Sceptre remains tightly clutched in his right hand as he began his customary speech.
"My Lords and members of the House of Commons, My Government will continue to reform the Crown Commonwealth for the betterment of the liberty and prosperity of My Subjects and continue to pursue those foreign policy objectives such that the position of My Realm and the liberty of others is furthered. My Government will also act to insulate My Realm against the rising possibility of threat from without.
"To this end, My Government will reduce general taxation by 2% and invest the balance from economic growth in promoting the position of Praetonian business in the world and improving My Fleet to protect My Realm against outward aggression.
"My Government will commence the construction of a new intermediary class of supercapital warship to be name the Vigilant-class and lay before Parliament the option of the construction of two further Iron Duke-class supercapital warships.
"My Government will continue diplomacy with the Incorporated States of Sarzonia with the aim of restoring relations between My Realm and that.
"My Government will work to create a strong and pro-active Sovereign League to protect free trade and liberty within its memberstates and throughout the world, especially where liberty is curtailed and destroyed by tyranny and enforced collectivisation.
"My Government will also bring forward measures to continue the cause of liberalising the Praetonian economy.
"My Government will bring forward a bill for the privatisation of the Royal Mail and the last remnants of the Royal Broadcasting Corporation.
"My Government will propose the creation of a Sovereign League Free Trade Area, open to all nations with no qualification, to further the liberalisation of trade and the added prosperity thereby brought and to promote the Sovereign League as a force for free trade and liberty by peaceful means.
"My Government will seek to negotiate with those nations currently closed to Praetonian trade, such as those of Gholgoth, for the opening of trade to Praetonian Subjects and companies.
"We look forward to Our state visit to Questers following elections in that country and My Government will continue to work to deepen relations between the Crown Commonwealth and the United Kingdom.
"I thank My Armed Forces for their work over the last year, particularly in establishing and defending parliamentary democracy and the rule of law in the United Kingdom of Eurasia. I wish them to be aware that more than seven hundred millions live today in freedom thanks to their gallant efforts and noble sacrifices.
"I thank them also for their swift and effective efforts in saving the lives of many of My Subjects from the after effects nuclear strikes around Haven.
"As we go forwards into a New World, it comforts me to remind myself that Praetonia shines as a beacon in a dark sea of tyranny and oppression. I charge My Government and all those lawfully assembled here today to ensure that this can always be said of Our Great Realm by Praetonian and foreigner alike.
"My Lords and Members of the House of Commons: I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels."
The Lord Chancellor stood and recited his customary reply:
"I thank His Majesty for His address. God Save The King!"
"God Save The King!" echoed the assembled Lords and Commoners.
The King stood, and His Subjects quickly followed suit. The King made to leave the Chamber. The Lords and the Commons assembled turned as he walked down the aisle to the doors so that their backs were never turned to Him. The King was preceeded by a Royal Footman carrying the Sword of State.
He almost reached the doorway.
The Next Morning...
"King's Condition Critical," says Royal Physician
http://www.army.mod.uk/img/ceremonialandheritage/household/parliament/state_opening1.gif
His Majesty had to be rushed to hospital in the Royal Coach after His dramatic collapse at the State Opening
___________________
From 'The Herald'
Front Page
The King is lying critically ill in hospital after collapsing in the House of Lords yesterday following the State Opening of Parliament. The King's Head Physician announced to a grief-stricken Commonwealth this morning that "His Majesty has suffered a massive heart attack" and is unlikely to survive the night.
He also praised the Footmen and Members of the Lords and the Commons who carried His Majesty to the Royal Coach which, for the first time in history, was pressed into service as an ambulance amidst fears that a conventional ambulance would not be able to negotiate the crowds in time. The Physician added that should the King survive it would be "entirely down to their calm and swift action".
Hundreds of thousands of well-wishers have gathered around the Kingston Royal Military Hospital where the King is being cared for, with many camping in tents pitched in the middle of the road. In anticipation of millions choosing to take the day off work to monitor the King's progress, Prince George and the Prime Minister have declared today a national holiday and sealed the capital in an attempt to curtail mounting chaos as an unprecedented number of people are trying to enter the capital.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary business has been put on hold with MPs and Peers voting only on an Early Day Motion wishing the King a swift and speedy recovery. Speaking from outside Parliament yesterday evening, the Prime Minister is quoted as saying that "Without its King, the business of governing our Commonwealth cannot continue. I send His Majesty my best wishes for a quick recovery."
Following the announcement by the His Majesty's Physician, hope for a recovery is sadly fading, but the King has proved time and again in the past that he is capable of overcoming the odds for his country. It is the hope of every true Praetonian that he will be able to do so again for Himself.
The Director and Company of The Herald wish to offer His Majesty their warmest wishes and prayers for the uncertain future ahead.
Today...
SARIUS THE GREAT DIES AT KINGSTON PALACE
http://www.thamesweb.co.uk/windsor/windsorhistory/royalfunerals/georgeV/images/geoVfuneral09.jpg
His Majesty lies in state before the public are admitted to pay their last respects to their former King.
___________________
From 'The Herald'
Front Page
Tragedy has gripped our nation as Palace officials have confirmed that King Sarius I has died at His home after being moved in secret to Kingston Palace from the Kingston Royal Military Hospital some time last night.
The King is said to have regained consciousness twice before his death; the first time some hours before his death asking to be allowed to return home to Kingston Palace and the second just before his death. Ever concerned with the state of His beloved nation and Subjects to the end, His last words were "How goes the Commonwealth?" before he slipped away into eternal rest, according to the Prime Minister who was with him to the end.
His son, George, now King George IV, Queen Margaret [his wife], the Duke of Waburton [leader of the loyal opposition], the Lord Chancellor and the Archbishop of Kingston were also present at the late King's bedside.
King George has declared today a national day of mourning, and business across the country has more or less ground to a halt as mourners flood the streets. The queue to file past the King's body lying in state at Kingston Palace has grown to a staggering eighteen miles, with many devoted Subjects settling in for a wait potentially lasting days to see their former Sovereign.
Plans have been set in motion to organise the largest State Funeral in Praetonian history, after Parliament voted the Royal Funeral Commission an unlimited sum. The funeral is likely to include a journey from Kingston Palace to Central Wharf by boat, followed by a military procession through the capital to Parliament Square, to be led by King George IV with the Monarchy of Questaria, Doomingsland, Whyatica and Generia marching alongside him as Royal relatives.
The Palace has also issued an open invitation to all of the world's Heads of State without qualification. The late King's funeral is expected to be the largest collection of royalty in one place in the history of the world.
The remainder of this issue has been dedicated to the life and times of King Sarius I. Truly a great man and a wise and noble Sovereign.
The Royal Coach clattered towards Parliament much as it had done on this day every year since the Reaccession. Ensconced in gold livery and surrounded by the glinting metal of the breastplates and drawn sabres of the King's Household Cavalry, the assembled masses that thronged either side of the road struggled to see their Sovereign wave to them through the lines of blue-helmeted policemen that prevented the excited crowd from spilling out into the path of the oncoming eight-tonne house-drawn coach. More than two or three paces back from the front of the crowd, seeing anything was impossible and so the mass of spectators simply stood back, waved their little Purple Ensigns and cheered their beloved monarch on his way.
As the Coach drew to a halt outside Parliament, the King stepped out the walk the last few paces in open air. The Household Cavalry dismounted to join their sovereign on ground level. The crowd here consisted of dedicated royal watchers who had pushed their way to the prime viewing spots. Cameras flashed as journalists vied for the best front-page snap for the next morning's Dailys. The King raised his hand to greet the cheering crowd, who responded by intensifying their shouts of praise and rapid-fire photography.
The King continued to wave and smile to his adoring Subjects as he progressed regally towards Parliament, where several Parliamentary Footmen waited to escort him inside. For this special occasion, the Purple Ensign was being flown alongside the Parliamentary silver-portcullis-on-black-background flat. Both flags were fluttering in picture-postcard manner despite the absence of any wind, helped on their way by a wind generator embedded in the roof out of sight of those below. Before crossing over the portal into the ancient gloom of the Parliamentary palace, the King turned and waved to his Subjects one last time.
Once through the doorway the King was escorted into the House of Lords and took his rightful place at its head on a throne rarely ever used.
"My Lords, pray be seated."
The assembled nobility did as they were commanded.
Next, the House of Commons was lead through into the Other Place to join the Lords and their King.
The Mace of the House of Commons is laid before His Majesty alongside the Mace of the House of Lords and the King's Sword of State. The King's Sceptre remains tightly clutched in his right hand as he began his customary speech.
"My Lords and members of the House of Commons, My Government will continue to reform the Crown Commonwealth for the betterment of the liberty and prosperity of My Subjects and continue to pursue those foreign policy objectives such that the position of My Realm and the liberty of others is furthered. My Government will also act to insulate My Realm against the rising possibility of threat from without.
"To this end, My Government will reduce general taxation by 2% and invest the balance from economic growth in promoting the position of Praetonian business in the world and improving My Fleet to protect My Realm against outward aggression.
"My Government will commence the construction of a new intermediary class of supercapital warship to be name the Vigilant-class and lay before Parliament the option of the construction of two further Iron Duke-class supercapital warships.
"My Government will continue diplomacy with the Incorporated States of Sarzonia with the aim of restoring relations between My Realm and that.
"My Government will work to create a strong and pro-active Sovereign League to protect free trade and liberty within its memberstates and throughout the world, especially where liberty is curtailed and destroyed by tyranny and enforced collectivisation.
"My Government will also bring forward measures to continue the cause of liberalising the Praetonian economy.
"My Government will bring forward a bill for the privatisation of the Royal Mail and the last remnants of the Royal Broadcasting Corporation.
"My Government will propose the creation of a Sovereign League Free Trade Area, open to all nations with no qualification, to further the liberalisation of trade and the added prosperity thereby brought and to promote the Sovereign League as a force for free trade and liberty by peaceful means.
"My Government will seek to negotiate with those nations currently closed to Praetonian trade, such as those of Gholgoth, for the opening of trade to Praetonian Subjects and companies.
"We look forward to Our state visit to Questers following elections in that country and My Government will continue to work to deepen relations between the Crown Commonwealth and the United Kingdom.
"I thank My Armed Forces for their work over the last year, particularly in establishing and defending parliamentary democracy and the rule of law in the United Kingdom of Eurasia. I wish them to be aware that more than seven hundred millions live today in freedom thanks to their gallant efforts and noble sacrifices.
"I thank them also for their swift and effective efforts in saving the lives of many of My Subjects from the after effects nuclear strikes around Haven.
"As we go forwards into a New World, it comforts me to remind myself that Praetonia shines as a beacon in a dark sea of tyranny and oppression. I charge My Government and all those lawfully assembled here today to ensure that this can always be said of Our Great Realm by Praetonian and foreigner alike.
"My Lords and Members of the House of Commons: I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels."
The Lord Chancellor stood and recited his customary reply:
"I thank His Majesty for His address. God Save The King!"
"God Save The King!" echoed the assembled Lords and Commoners.
The King stood, and His Subjects quickly followed suit. The King made to leave the Chamber. The Lords and the Commons assembled turned as he walked down the aisle to the doors so that their backs were never turned to Him. The King was preceeded by a Royal Footman carrying the Sword of State.
He almost reached the doorway.
The Next Morning...
"King's Condition Critical," says Royal Physician
http://www.army.mod.uk/img/ceremonialandheritage/household/parliament/state_opening1.gif
His Majesty had to be rushed to hospital in the Royal Coach after His dramatic collapse at the State Opening
___________________
From 'The Herald'
Front Page
The King is lying critically ill in hospital after collapsing in the House of Lords yesterday following the State Opening of Parliament. The King's Head Physician announced to a grief-stricken Commonwealth this morning that "His Majesty has suffered a massive heart attack" and is unlikely to survive the night.
He also praised the Footmen and Members of the Lords and the Commons who carried His Majesty to the Royal Coach which, for the first time in history, was pressed into service as an ambulance amidst fears that a conventional ambulance would not be able to negotiate the crowds in time. The Physician added that should the King survive it would be "entirely down to their calm and swift action".
Hundreds of thousands of well-wishers have gathered around the Kingston Royal Military Hospital where the King is being cared for, with many camping in tents pitched in the middle of the road. In anticipation of millions choosing to take the day off work to monitor the King's progress, Prince George and the Prime Minister have declared today a national holiday and sealed the capital in an attempt to curtail mounting chaos as an unprecedented number of people are trying to enter the capital.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary business has been put on hold with MPs and Peers voting only on an Early Day Motion wishing the King a swift and speedy recovery. Speaking from outside Parliament yesterday evening, the Prime Minister is quoted as saying that "Without its King, the business of governing our Commonwealth cannot continue. I send His Majesty my best wishes for a quick recovery."
Following the announcement by the His Majesty's Physician, hope for a recovery is sadly fading, but the King has proved time and again in the past that he is capable of overcoming the odds for his country. It is the hope of every true Praetonian that he will be able to do so again for Himself.
The Director and Company of The Herald wish to offer His Majesty their warmest wishes and prayers for the uncertain future ahead.
Today...
SARIUS THE GREAT DIES AT KINGSTON PALACE
http://www.thamesweb.co.uk/windsor/windsorhistory/royalfunerals/georgeV/images/geoVfuneral09.jpg
His Majesty lies in state before the public are admitted to pay their last respects to their former King.
___________________
From 'The Herald'
Front Page
Tragedy has gripped our nation as Palace officials have confirmed that King Sarius I has died at His home after being moved in secret to Kingston Palace from the Kingston Royal Military Hospital some time last night.
The King is said to have regained consciousness twice before his death; the first time some hours before his death asking to be allowed to return home to Kingston Palace and the second just before his death. Ever concerned with the state of His beloved nation and Subjects to the end, His last words were "How goes the Commonwealth?" before he slipped away into eternal rest, according to the Prime Minister who was with him to the end.
His son, George, now King George IV, Queen Margaret [his wife], the Duke of Waburton [leader of the loyal opposition], the Lord Chancellor and the Archbishop of Kingston were also present at the late King's bedside.
King George has declared today a national day of mourning, and business across the country has more or less ground to a halt as mourners flood the streets. The queue to file past the King's body lying in state at Kingston Palace has grown to a staggering eighteen miles, with many devoted Subjects settling in for a wait potentially lasting days to see their former Sovereign.
Plans have been set in motion to organise the largest State Funeral in Praetonian history, after Parliament voted the Royal Funeral Commission an unlimited sum. The funeral is likely to include a journey from Kingston Palace to Central Wharf by boat, followed by a military procession through the capital to Parliament Square, to be led by King George IV with the Monarchy of Questaria, Doomingsland, Whyatica and Generia marching alongside him as Royal relatives.
The Palace has also issued an open invitation to all of the world's Heads of State without qualification. The late King's funeral is expected to be the largest collection of royalty in one place in the history of the world.
The remainder of this issue has been dedicated to the life and times of King Sarius I. Truly a great man and a wise and noble Sovereign.