NationStates Jolt Archive

This is:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hamptonshire/logo140.gif

--Live Royal Address--


Ladies and Gentlemen, my fellow Hamptonians, friends and allies, I have had the privilege of reigning as Sovereign of the Grand Duchy of Hamptonshire and Her Protectorates for the past sixty-seven years. During that time our nation has experienced remarkable and unprecedented growth. Our economy has become stronger, our military is world class, and our society has developed into something our ancestors could have only dreamed of. While Hamptonshire is far from a perfect nation, I do not see how we could have developed into better people or a better nation-state.

However, I must caution all Hamptonians against the dangers of the Future. The greatest enemy of peace and stability is extremism. It does not matter if this extremism is manifest as communism, nationalism, socialism, or fascism. Only through moderation, through compromise, and through an understanding that the greater good is ultimately what is best for all people can this nation hope to avoid the dark future that I fear is coming.

There are men and women that seek to apply great pressure to our political system for their own advantage or for the advantage of their party. I have tried to stop this alarming trend, but I know that if the only thing keep our political process together is a series of Royal Proclamations, we have lost our Democracy. The Will of People has manifest itself as ever increasing support for radical political factions, but we must all remember that popular might does not make universal right.

It has become increasing evident to me that the current political situation of the Grand Duchy has become too resistant to change for insiders to hope to reform the system. Real and substantive change, then, can only come from those with a fresh perspective. Therefore, I feel these most dangerous and drastic times call for a most drastic, and perhaps dangerous, measure.

I have filed with the Royal Household Directorate and the Royal Senate, my notice of Peerage Elevation. Effective as of noon today Lord Michael Sarzo, President of Sarzonia, and Marquess of Aldenridge, is elevated to the noble rank of full hereditary Duke. He shall be created Lord Michael Sarzo, Duke of Portshire. He shall be afforded all the privileges and responsibilities associated with a Dukedom; Lord Sarzo shall be a Peer Senator, He shall be given a yearly Ducal Stipend, and He shall take his place upon the Council of Dukes.

Lord Sarzo shall serve as the independent, outsider voice that I feel is necessary to save the Grand Duchy. I do not expect this action to be popular, in fact I desire controversy in this matter. You, my fellow Hamptonians, must be made aware of the choices that you have made. Sooner or later we all have to face our demons and confront those aspects of ourselves, and our nation, that we seek to ignore.

I have also take this opportunity to correct two other wrongs that have too long festered in our nation. I have signed and issued a Royal Proclamation restoring formal diplomatic relations with the Democratic Imperium of Praetonia. I have appointed the distinguished and capable Wolfgang Hayek as the Ambassador-designate to Praetonia. I invite His Imperial Majesty Imperator Sarius Publius the First to reciprocate my actions. I seek nothing more than to begin to restore the links of friendship that once existed between our two nations.

The second wrong has been this nation’s tendency to take our alliance and friendship with the Republic of Pacitalia for granted. There are few, if any nations, that share our general ideology more than Pacitalia. Our economies are heavily reliant upon each other and we both rank the other as among our closest military allies. As a belated measure of respect I have filed with the Royal Household Directorate and the Royal Senate, my notice of Peerage Creation. For his personal service to the Grand Duchy, and for the service of his nation, I have created Prime Minister Timothy Ell of Pacitalia a full hereditary Count. Upon his acceptance of this belated honor, he shall assume the rights and privileges of the Count of West Doheans.


Now I must conclude this address, my final address, with the real order of business for the day. Nearly one year ago I was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, since that time I have been receiving medical treatment. While I was incapable of fully exercising the Powers of the Throne, I established the offices of the Vicereine of the Grand Duchy and the Commander-General of the Royal Armed Forces. Princess Anne and Lord Rosecrans have ably served me and this nation during my time incapacitation.

While I would like nothing more than to continue to serve as Grand Duke and Sovereign of the Hamptonians, my current physical condition prohibits me from serving to the best of my abilities. This nation requires a Head of State and Government that is fully able to vigorously apply the Powers necessary to run the Grand Duchy; I am no longer capable of such actions. It is with a heavy heart and a saddened soul that I issue the following Declaration:


I, Reginald Leopold the First, of Hamptonshire, McClellen, and the Protectorate Kingdoms beyond the Seas, Grand Duke and Sovereign of the Hamptonians, do hereby declare My irrevocable determination to abdicate the Throne. I shall vacate the Throne within three days’ time from the issuance of this Declaration. I have hereunto set My hand this sixth day of May in the presence of the witnesses whose signature is subscribed. Reginald Leopold Magnus Dux, Signed at Roosevelt Palace, in the presence of Lord Patrick Easton, Duke of Easton.


My decision was not taken lightly or in haste. I prayed and reflected upon my options, ultimately there was but one choice that I could make.


I leave now not as Grand Duke, not as a Monarch, not as a World Leader. I leave you, my fellow Hamptonians, as a proud parent departs this world for the next. I have had my time, I have made my decisions. Now it is your turn to live on your own, to make your own decisions.

Farewell and may God protect the Grand Duchy.

Official Statement, Office of the President

Since Parliament is currently in recess, the responsibility of issuing an approval for the President to accept a title of nobility such as a Ducal title falls by standard precedent to the Senior Vice President for Internal Affairs. With the official consent of Ms. Nicole Lewis, I hereby accept this nomination as the Duke of Portshire and all priviledges and responsibilities appertaining thereto.

I fully realise that today is a bittersweet day in the lives of Hamptonian citizens everywhere and that a glorious age will soon draw to a close. I vow to the people of Hamptonshire that I will endeavour to earn the trust placed in me by Grand Duke Reginald Leopold I, Magnus Dux. I shall also endeavour to ensure that the Grand Duchy continues in the positive direction charted by Reginald Leopold I.

As a result of this elevation to Duke of Portshire from my previous title as Marquess of Aldenridge, I will find it necessary to be away from the Gray House and the people of the Incorporated States of Sarzonia. I trust fully in Ms. Lewis as the next in line for the Presidency to ensure that such absences will not adversely affect Sarzonians in their daily lives. I will submit a proposal to the Sarzonian Parliament to elevate her title to Prime Minister, hereby giving her full authority to act as the head of government in my absence from the country. She will also serve as acting head of state during those times when my travels take me to Hamptonshire.

I am pleased to see that Hamptonian relations with the Democratic Imperium of Praetonia are improving and that the Grand Duchy is advancing in the direction of full normalisation of relations. I call upon Imperator Sarius Publius I and Prime Minister Lucius Agrippa to reciprocate these actions by the Grand Duke. I make no secret of the firm relationship that Sarzonia and Praetonia have enjoyed over the years. As relations between Hamptonshire and Sarzonia continue to evolve, I harbour the sincere hope that the same process can take place between Hamptonshire and Praetonia.

I am also pleased to note that formalised relations between the Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia and the Grand Duchy are being established. I also congratulate my good friend, Prime Minister Timothy Ell, on his elevation to the office of Count of West Doheans and trust that this declaration shall only serve to strengthen the bond between Hamptonshire and Pacitalia.

I would also like to close my address by taking a moment to thank the Grand Duke personally for all he has done while on the throne of the Grand Duchy. He has served with great distinction, steadfast integrity, and unassailable honour over the past sixty seven years. With the powers vested in me by the Constitution of the Incorporated States of Sarzonia, I hereby award the Parlimentary Medal of Honour. This award is the highest civilian honour that Sarzonia can bestow upon anyone, and we feel the Grand Duke's service during often tumultuous times deserves this award. In addition, we confer the honourary rank of Admiral of the Navy to Reginald Leopold I in recognition of his military service to the Grand Duchy and to his role in the evolution of Hampto-Sarzonian relations. With this ascention to military rank, I also award Sarzonia's Medal of Valour, its highest military honour, to Reginald Leopold I, for his unremitting courage and steadfast determination in organising the successful restoration of me to the office of President of the Incorporated States of Sarzonia.

I wish the people of Hamptonshire, Reginald Leopold I, his honoured family, and the members of the royal government Godspeed. May God bless the Grand Duchy.

Lord Michael A. Sarzo
Duke of Portshire
President
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

To: Reginald Leopold
From: Sergei Ilyanov

Comrade, you know the Imperial Commonwealth doesn't care, so I will send
you off a proper sendoff. You have been with us since day one. We have
supported each other through the good and bad. I have been observing the
political situation in Hamptonshire and I can only pray that things get better.
And as you may know, the political situation inside the Island is getting rather
estranged, but I'll leave it up to you to find out. I would also love it if you
visit me, not the Island. And not as a former world leader, but as a friend. We
can go on the road and check the streets. Ah it can be a party! That can be
my gift to you. Now to finish this off, though it might be short, it's the best
I can think of, right now. I pray to God that you have a good retirement, and
come by some day! Oh and by the way, you should've made me a Count too.
Kidding Comrade. With love:
Sergei Ilyanov
First Chancellor of Foreign Affairs

P.S.
I was kidding about the whole Count thing.

To: Sergei Ilyanov
From: Reginald Leopold

I thank you for your kind words. I know that as of late our two nations
have begun to drift apart. Perhaps it is the natural progression of
Hampto-Rosian relations, or perhaps our two governments have been
preoccupied with with matters.

I'd love to be your guest. I've always wanted to visit the Island as an
ordinary citizen. If my health permits, you can be sure that I'll call on you.
The specialists give me no more than seven months to live, but the power
of the human spirit must not be underestimated. I will fight with all my
strength...but I will lose the battle one day.

I hope luck and forture find you well. You've been a good ally and friend; a
man that I have come to trust.
In Deepest Gratitude:
Leopold[/i]

P.S.
[i]Don't forget, I made you a Knight Grand Commander of the Order of St.
Ignatius. One final thing: Call me Leo, that's name I was born with and
that's the name I'll die with.


[OOC: Haven't forgotten you Sarzonia, I'm drafting a proper response to your post.]

Official Statement of the Imperial Government of Praetonia

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v387/Praetonia/PraeFlagII.jpg

"The Government, People and Monarchy of the Democratic Imperium of Praetonia pay great, sincere and universal tribute to the life and career of Grand Duke Reginald Leopold I. Despite the differences and colonial troubles that our two nations have had to endure, the former Grand Duke of Hamptonshire has always been a much beloved figure in Praetonian minds, and his passing as Sovereign of Hamptonshire is an event that shall be lamented for years to come.

"From tragedy, however, always comes a hint of triumph. It is with great pleasure that we announce the formal reopening of all diplomatic channels with the Grand Duchy of Hamptonshire. Our embassy staff shall, for the first time in decades, return to Hamptonshire and we invite their Hamptonian colleagues to return to the Hamptonian Embassy in Praeton. We look forward to being able to put the past behind us and move forwards together to create a better world.

Vox Populi, Vox Dei"

-------------------------------------------------

To: Grand Duke Reginald Leopold I
From: Imperator Sarius Publius I

I to personally offer you my best wishes for the future. As two Monarchs, we have both grown old as our nations have, much to our dislike, have pushed each other further and further from the friendliness they enjoyed when first encountered near to war footing over trival dispute and minor diplomatic irrelevances. Now, at last, I am able to thank you most profusely for pulling both nations back from the brink of war once and for all.

Never again do I want to review the battlefleets of my nation, nor inspect her troops, with the knowledge that one day they may be used against our Hamptonian kindred and, though I may also be drawing close to the final act of my life, I am glad that you have made that a reality. With warmest regards,

Sarius Publius I
[Signed]

[Bump]

From His Majesty Henry the Fifth, King of the Isselmere-Nielanders, etc.

Our dear friends and royal cousins,

It is a most sad day to witness the departure of a truly great and honourable leader from a royal throne, particularly one so well-loved by his people and respected by the world as the Grand Duke, Reginald Leopold I. We, as a royal person Ourselves, might only hope that his subjects abide by his sage counsel and avoid the extremes currently plaguing this troubled sphere and instead stay steadfast and true to the wise course His Royal Grace had charted.

Long live the mighty Grand Duchy of Hamptonshire!

[signed]
Henry V
King of the Isselmere-Nielanders, etc.
UKIN

I am personally honoured and humbled to have been awarded such an honour to represent a region of the Grand Duchy as their Count. I gratefully accept the creation as Count of West Doheans, in the hope that this only further solidifies Pacitalia's connection to Hamptonshire, and vice versa. I could not agree more with the statements of Magnus Dux, and hope that his legacy and the legacy between two nations that are really like "brothers" continue for many years to come.

Godspeed and peace on your journey towards the ending chapters of your life, Reginald Leopold. You have been a great friend to the Pacitalian people and to myself, and I appreciate and value that.

As for the elevation of President Michael Sarzo to Duke of Portshire, I can only say how deserved such a title is, and I congratulate him on that. I also would like to express my pleasure at seeing the re-establishment of relations between two of Pacitalia's staunchest allies, Hamptonshire and Praetonia.

May we all prosper and live in peace together, united under the banner of freedom and democracy.

Timothy Ell
Count of West Doheans
Prime Minister of La Repubblica di Pacitalia

This is:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hamptonshire/8e75e43a.jpg

Live from the floor of the Royal Senate, Obisidia


This is Don Evans with CapitalBeat bringing you the swearing in ceremony of the Lord Protector, Lord Patrick Easton the Duke of Easton. At this moment Royal Senators, Cabinet Ministers, and other senior government officials are gathering in the Royal Senate in anticipation of this rarely seen ceremony.

I should take time now to give a brief civics lesson to our non-Hamptonian viewers. Usually upon the inability of a Grand Duke to exercise the powers of the Throne, the Crown Prince or Princess, automatically becomes Regent. The Regent's powers are gained the assent of the Grand Duke to rule and exercise authority. Unfortunately, Hamptonshire has been without a Crown Prince for nearly a decade. With the absence of a Crown Prince and rather arcane laws of succession, when a Grand Duke abdicates the Throne a Regent cannot be elected by the Privy Council until the death of the former monarch and neither can a Crown Prince be created. In this situation, which before today has occurred only once before in the seventeenth century, the President of the Privy Council becomes Lord Protector and High Steward of Hamptonshire. This is a caretaker position that exists only until that time when the former monarch dies and the Privy Council can appoint a Regent.

Once the Lord Protector is sworn in, he will call for a meeting of the entire Privy Council. The Senior Cabinet, Council of Dukes, leaders from both houses of the Royal Congress, and other Privy Councilors will meet, ceremonially, at the old Royal Castle in Yespani. The only expected controversy to come out of this meeting will be Sarzonian President Lord Sarzo's first appearance in Hamptonshire as the newly elevated Duke of Portshire.

I've just received word that Lord Easton is about to enter the Senate Chamber.


SARGAENT-AT-ARMS: Senator Allenby, Congressman Astor I hereby introduce the President of the Privy Council.


*The three hundred assembled lawmakers and VIPs rise to their feat and applaud Lord Easton. He doesn’t shake anyone’s hand as he slowly walks toward the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Realm. The Chief Justice stands with the Cardinal Luther, the Primate of Hamptonshire, at his side.

These two men stand on the first tier of the three tiered Royal Senate Platform. Senator Allenby and Congressman Astor stand on the second tier. The third tier, the Royal Tier, remains unoccupied.*


CHIEF JUSTICE, LORD ALBERT FENTON: I stand before this House now as a Servant of the Grand Duchy and Lord Executor of the Royal Household. This assemblage of the Royal Congress shall come to order and bare witness to the action undertaken here today.


*The assembled witnesses take their seats and the Chamber becomes near deathly silent.*


LORD FENTON: I request that the Honorable President of the Royal Congress gives me leave to address this assembled House.

SENATOR BERNARD ALLENBY, PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL CONGRESS: Your request is so granted. Any member of this Congress assembled here that attempts to interfere in this Ceremony shall be found in Contempt and fined according to established Senate rules.

LORD FENTON: Patrick Thomas Easton, Duke of Easton, President of the Privy Council stand before me and kneel.


*Lord Easton kneels.*


LORD FENTON: Repeat after me: I, Patrick Thomas Easton the Duke of Easton and President of His Royal Highness’ Privy Council do come here today upon my own free will.

LORD PATRICK EASTON: I, Patrick Thomas Easton the Duke of Easton and President of His Royal Highness’ Privy Council do come here today upon my own free will.

LORD FENTON: I do solemnly swear and affirm that I will support and defend the Basic Law and Charters of the Grand Duchy against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.

LORD EASTON: I do solemnly swear and affirm that I will support and defend the Basic Law and Charters of the Grand Duchy against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.

ARCHBISHOP WALTER CARDINAL LUTHER, PRIMATE OF HAMPTONSHIRE: Repeat after me: I, Patrick Thomas Easton, do take this Oath with the full understanding that the office on which I am about to enter is that of a Steward. I shall not rule according to my own wishes but according to the wishes of the Grand Duke and of the Citizens of the Grand Duchy.

LORD EASTON: I, Patrick Thomas Easton, do take this Oath with the full understanding that the office on which I am about to enter is that of a Steward. I shall not rule according to my own wishes but according to the wishes of the Grand Duke and of the Citizens of the Grand Duchy.

CARDINAL LUTHER: Upon my entrance into this Office, I do immediately renounce all claims and titles that would place me upon the Throne of this Nation. My life, from this point until that time my Office comes to an end, is property of the Grand Duchy. I take this Oath freely but with a heavy heart.

LORD EASTON: Upon my entrance into this Office, I do immediately renounce all claims and titles that would place me upon the Throne of this Nation. My life, from this point until that time my Office comes to an end, is property of the Grand Duchy. I take this Oath freely but with a heavy heart.


*Cardinal Luther anoints Lord Easton’s forehead. Lord Fenton presents the still kneeling Lord Easton with a signet ring and the Staff of Office*


LORD FENTON: With the Ring and the Staff you are now Lord Protector and High Steward of Hamptonshire. You have kneeled before this House a Duke, rise a Prince of Hamptonshire.


*The now Prince Easton rises and puts his ring on. The Royal Senate stands to its feet as Prince Easton walks up to the third tier. He stands behind the Throne but does not sit on it. The assembled witnesses cheer:*


ALL: Long Live His Serene Highness The Prince Patrick, Prince of Hamptonshire, Lord Protector and High Steward of Hamptonshire!

bump

The Imperium is saddened to see the reign of Grand Duke Reginald prematurely ended. We have no doubt that the spirit of the Grand Duke will continue to be a supreme example for the rulers of Hamptonshire now and in the generations to come. What is more, the Imperium will miss the the presence of a great man who both the Empress and former Emperor had the pleasure to know. If there is anything, anything at all, that the Imperium can do for the Grand Duke, it need merely be asked of us.

May God's Hand guide you and Heaven await you,
Duchess Asiya Saleh,
Director of Foreign Services

[OOC: Haven't forgotten you Sarzonia, I'm drafting a proper response to your post.]OOC: I'm still waiting... :p

I thank you, Michael, for your most generous actions toward me. You have always treated me fairly and, perhaps, with a bit more respect than I am due. I accept those honors that you have chosen to bestow upon me with the deepest gratitude but I feel it necessary to state that I am uncomfortable accepting such gifts from you and your nation. I have done nothing out of the ordinary, I have not truly earned those honors that you have given me.

Over the years I have spoken and taken actions on issues that have been of importance to me, but for every action I take, for every time I speak there are hundreds if not thousands of occasions when I failed to act. I tell you this so you may avoid some of the mistakes that have plagued me. It doesn't matter what other people tell you, it doesn't matter how many medals you get to wear on your chest; if you can't go to sleep each night and face yourself in the mirror in the morning, you've failed.

I leave you with this: Serve your nation as it deserves to be served, serve Hamptonshire not as I would serve it but as you would serve it, and serve yourself.

I know you are not a main of obvious faith but I do still pray for you. May God keep you and may God protect the Incorporated States of Sarzonia.


Warmly,
His Royal Highness Leopold Pyotr-Hampton