An Act of Parliament passed by the new Regent has given Wrythe a special autonomous status.
The Imperial Capital Act 2024, proposed and passed during this year’s ongoing Summer Session of Parliament, was given Imperial Consent by Prince Regent Aggelos on Tuesday 28th May.
Under the provisions of the Act, Wrythe gains a level of autonomy similar to that of a crown dependency, henceforth no longer falling under the automatic jurisdiction of the central government.
Rather, the capital will be governed by the Pater Patriae, a previously honorary title that was given to Emperor Father Terry in 2021. The title has been made hereditary, meaning it will one day be inherited by Jonathan I.
Being given a special status as the Imperial Capital, Wrythe is no longer a Town with City status, and will therefore no longer elect a Representative, although Jonathan I – who has served as the capital’s Representative for most of its history – retains an observer status in Parliament.
Wrythe is considered by many to be the historical and cultural heart of the Empire, being Austenasia’s first land claim and the site of the Imperial Residence.
With the Emperor seeking to withdraw from political life following last month’s implementation of the Regency, this new law has made long-term provision for Wrythe to remain under Austenasian sovereignty regardless of the level of interaction between Jonathan I and the imperial government.