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The Emperor Catches Covid-19

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His Imperial Majesty the Emperor and his parents have tested positive for the Covid-19 coronavirus, developing cold-like symptoms.

Emperor Jonathan I tested positive for the disease on the morning of Sunday 27th February, after starting to feel unwell the previous evening.

The Emperor continues to display cold-like symptoms, and Emperor Mother Margaret has also tested positive for the virus.

Emperor Father Terry had tested positive a few days previously, and was likewise displaying cold-like symptoms, but has now recovered. Wrythe had previously been free of the virus since the start of the pandemic.

His Imperial Majesty continues to conduct governmental business, and has not stopped working on his duties as Monarch.

However, given – in his own words – “any unforeseen developments regarding the ongoing crisis in Ukraine may require a robust and immediate response from the Throne”, Jonathan I has appointed two Counsellors of State to exercise some of his powers if necessary should he be unavailable while resting or should his condition worsen.

Counsellors of State are dignitaries who the Emperor can authorise to exercise various of his duties and powers as Monarch in case of short-term unavailability or incapacity.

The Prime Minister, Lord William Wilson, has been authorised “to exercise all military functions of the Throne and any duty or power of such related to the administration or command of the Austenasian Armed Forces”.

Furthermore, in an emergency, Lord Wilson and fellow Counsellor of State Lord Michael Simpson have been given the authority to jointly give Imperial Consent to an Act of Parliament on the Emperor’s behalf should such be considered urgently necessary.

The appointment of Lord Wilson and Lord Simpson as Counsellors of State will last until the end of March, unless otherwise shortened or extended by the Emperor.

About this article

Additional context relevant to this article.

What is the Monarchy? The Austenasian Monarchy is the constitutional institution headed by the Emperor of Austenasia, who serves as Head of State. The Crown represents the continuity and constitutional authority of Austenasia and has formed part of the Empire’s constitutional structure since its foundation in 2008. The office of Monarch is distinct from that of the Prime Minister, who serves as Head of Government and leads the day-to-day administration of Austenasia. The powers and constitutional arrangements of the Crown have changed during Austenasia’s history.
What is the office of the Prime Minister? The Prime Minister of Austenasia is the Head of Government and leads the day-to-day administration of the Empire. The Prime Minister leads the Government and Cabinet and oversees the development and implementation of government policy and the work of the administration. The office is distinct from that of the Emperor, who serves as Head of State. The constitutional powers and arrangements of the premiership have changed during Austenasia’s history.
What was Parliament? Parliament was the legislative branch of Austenasia under the previous constitutional system. It was a unicameral legislature whose representative house was the House of Representatives. Under the Constitution of 2026, Parliament and the House of Representatives ceased to form the legislative structure, with legislative functions instead exercised by the present Senate.
About Wrythe Wrythe is the historic birthplace and symbolic capital of Austenasia. Austenasia was founded there in September 2008, when the Declaration of Independence was issued from what later became the Imperial Residence. Wrythe subsequently served as the Empire’s Imperial Capital and remains an important location in Austenasian history. Under the Constitution of 2026, Wrythe is retained as the symbolic capital of the Empire.
Who is Jonathan Austen? Jonathan Austen, formerly Emperor Jonathan I Augustus, is the founder and fourth Emperor of Austenasia. He co-founded Austenasia with his family in 2008 and served for many years as Prime Minister before ascending to the throne in 2013. During his reign, Jonathan oversaw a substantial period of Austenasian expansion and development and played a major role in establishing its institutions and foreign relations. He abdicated on 29 September 2024 after more than eleven years as Emperor. Following a period of continued public service after his abdication, Jonathan resigned from his remaining government duties in 2025.