Commonwealth Grows as New Territories Are Annexed

Lord Protector Andrew Musgrave announced today that the Commonwealth of Austenasia has expanded with the annexation of two new territories: the Territory of New North Scotland, located in the Holland region of the Netherlands, and the Township of Beswickia, situated in the English seaside town of Bournemouth. New North Scotland The flag of New North Scotland symbolises the Cromwellian forces of England, featuring a Puritan hat, a sword, and two crossed muskets, with the Austenasian flag displayed in the top left-hand corner. The Territory of New North Scotland will be administered by Major-General Emiel Sebastiaan Hardy, a long-time ally of the Lord Protector. The annexation grants Hardy a seat on the Ruling Council of the Commonwealth of Austenasia, as is now the right for all territorial governors. Beswickia The Beswickia flag displays coastal waves in the colors of Austenasia and white from the Dorset flag. The Wessex Wyvern appears prominently in the top right, symbolising regional heritage. The Township of Beswickia will be administered by Deputy Prime Minister and Major-General Samuel Smith. With a population of just one, it marks the Commonwealth’s first annexation of a township. When approached by the Times for comment, Lord Smith issued the following statement: “I’m delighted to have added the Township of Beswickia to the Commonwealth of Austenasia. This ever growing and vibrant state continues to lead the way by example for all. God, ground and glory!” More Expansions Incoming Lord Protector Musgrave further revealed that the Ruling Council is actively engaged in open negotiations aimed at expanding the Commonwealth’s reach. Several prospective territories and townships are currently under consideration for annexation, signaling a continued period of growth and consolidation for Austenasia. The Lord Protector emphasised the Council’s commitment to diplomatic dialogue and strategic partnerships as they pursue these new claims.

BREAKING: PM Musgrave controversially declares the Throne vacant, dissolves Parliament

As previously reported, tensions within the Empire have intensified, with both the Emperor and Prime Minister taking steps to assert their legitimacy. Prime Minister Lord Andrew Musgrave made an unprecedented move by declaring Emperor Aggelos I “illegitimate” and naming Crown Prince Shiro as the rightful Emperor. He added that until the Crown Prince formally accepts the role, the throne would remain “vacant.” This action has drawn widespread criticism, including accusations of high treason from Austenasia’s Founder, Lord Jonathan, Duke of Sweetpea, who has demanded the Prime Minister’s immediate resignation. The Prime Minister also announced to Parliament that, according to him, the Parliament no longer served its purpose of representing the people of Austenasia, citing inactivity and stagnation as reasons for its dissolution. The decision, which has raised questions about its legality, came shortly after a motion of no confidence was introduced against him, which is expected to pass. In response, the Speaker of the House, Lady Addison O’Halloran, declared that “the Prime Minister’s comments are non-binding, as he does not have the legal authority to call for a parliamentary election, nor to dissolve it.” The Prime Minister countered by affirming that the parliamentary elections will proceed, regardless of the current Parliament’s consent. Lord Andrew Musgrave has declared himself to be the Lord Protector of Austenasia, as well as the legitimate Prime Minister of Austenasia, quoted as saying: “Today, I come before you having taken actions that, I acknowledge, fall outside the boundaries of our current legal framework. I have dissolved Parliament and relieved the Emperor of his duties without adhering to the usual constitutional process. I do not shy away from this truth—but I ask for your understanding of why such a course became necessary. For too long, the Emperor has acted with unchecked authority, often disregarding the very laws meant to guide and protect us all. The Senate, which was meant to balance such power, has remained silent—either unable or unwilling to respond. Our legal system, noble in its design, has not been upheld when it mattered most. In times when the institutions that are supposed to protect the law begin to undermine it, it becomes impossible to preserve justice through traditional means. Sometimes, in order to uphold the spirit of the law, one must step beyond its letter. I do not claim that this was a simple or ideal decision. But it was the only path left to restore hope for just and effective governance in Austenasia. Let us remember: the Emperor is not Austenasia. Nor is the Empire defined by any single person or position. Austenasia is all of us—our communities, our efforts, our dreams. It is the collective will of the people that gives this nation its true identity and strength. By relieving an unaccountable ruler and dissolving a Parliament that has ceased to function, we are not tearing down Austenasia—we are renewing it. We are reclaiming its promise for every citizen. This is not an act of rebellion—it is an act of responsibility. A necessary step to restore institutions that serve the people. For the time being, I assume the role of Lord Protector of Austenasia. This role is one of stewardship and care—to safeguard the Empire’s stability and wellbeing during this transitional period. Elections for Parliament will take place in the coming weeks, giving citizens the opportunity to present themselves as candidates and choose their Representatives. However, the general election to select the Prime Minister will be held only once the Empire has regained stability and the rightful heir has taken the throne. To be eligible for Prime Minister, candidates must be over the age of 18, have maintained continuous citizenship of Austenasia for at least three years, and be elected Representatives in Parliament. I ask you to stand with me—not in support of any single individual, but in unity for a nation that belongs to all of us. Together, we will restore. Together, we will rebuild. Together, we will move forward.” The Austenasian Times will continue to provide the latest recent developments, in this unprecendented dispute of power. How this will fare for the fate of the Empire, only time can tell.

BREAKING: The Nation in Chaos

In the early morning hours, the fallout from yesterday’s fiasco concerning the Emperor and the Prime Minister, ignited again. A heated exchange between the two parties occurred, taking place in multiple channels of the Austenasian Discord server. The Prime Minister, Lord Andrew Musgrave at that time was still calling for the abdication of His Imperial Majesty, Aggelos I. The commotion spilled over into Parliament, Cabinet, the Government Lounge, as well as the Public House. The events have caused Governing Commissioner of New South Scotland, Sir Hugh McFarlane to resign as Attorney General and seriously consider New South Scotland’s independence from Austenasia. Lord John Gordon also announced that the Palasian Revolutionary People’s Army has seized control of the Austenasian Town of Caldari, as a result of the ongoing crisis. Governor of Prahova, Ștefan Stefanescu, has voiced his support of Prime Minister Musgrave. Several members of Parliament have called for a vote of no confidence against Musgrave including Lord Sander Koff, Lord John Gordon, and Sir Hugh McFarlane. The Madam Speaker, Lady Addison O’Halloran motioned the vote of no confidence despite Musgrave declaring Parliament dissolved. Lord Jonathan, Duke of Sweetpea Valley also returned and called for the resignation of the Prime Minister. The situation is ongoing and the Times is closely monitoring the situation. But as for now, all that can be seen is fire.

BREAKING: PM Musgrave denounces the Emperor, General Election “unlawful”

In the past few hours, Austenasia has been plunged into an unprecedented constitutional crisis. Earlier today, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Aggelos I announced a general election, expressing dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Andrew Musgrave. The election was scheduled for July 20, 2025. However, both the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the House, Lady Addinson O’Halloran, invoked the Elections Act of 2020, which restricts the Emperor’s constitutional authority to call elections. Parliament has since declared the Emperor’s announcement “null and void”, and will not be happening as previously announced. Prime Minister Andrew Musgrave has publicly called for Emperor Aggelos to abdicate the throne “in favour of Crown Prince Shiro,” the next in line. The PM also accused the Emperor of acting unlawfully, and tyrannically. This public denouncement has drawn criticism, with some members of Parliament accusing the Prime Minister of treason, while others are urging for “cooler heads” to prevail between the Emperor and the Prime Minister. Speaker of the House, Lady Addinson O’Halloran announced to Parliament that she intended to spearhead an investigation concerning the Prime Minister’s demand that the Emperor abdicate, to determine if it’s grounds for impeachment. The Senate, the constitutional body tasked with holding the Emperor accountable, attempted to question His Imperial Majesty regarding his decision to call a general election without first consulting Parliament or the Prime Minister. The Emperor responded curtly, stating, “[This isn’t how this]… works. You cannot make demand[s] of the Emperor.” The Emperor was then reminded of how the system was designed to function, and the constitutional role of the Senate was explained to him. However, he dismissed the explanation, asserting that the “Senate [was] here to consult with the Crown,” rather than to hold it accountable. He went on to demand that the Prime Minister cease speaking in the Senate chamber, despite the Princeps Senatus having formally invited him to do so. The Emperor then proceeded to forcibly revoke the Prime Minister’s access to the chamber. It has now become clear that a deep division exists between the two core pillars of governance within the Empire: the elected Government and the Emperor. At this time, it remains uncertain what, if any, resolution will emerge from this conflict.

BREAKING: Emperor Calls for General Election

Following recent internal struggles between the Prime Minister, Lord Andrew Musgrave, and His Imperial Majesty, Aggelos I, the Emperor, just moments ago, called for a General Election to take place on 20 July 2025. The Emperor made the announcement with the following statement in Parliament: “Distinguished Members of Parliament!In recent times, there has been a significant divergence of views between the Crown and the Prime Minister. This has resulted in a stagnation in the development and progress of the Empire. Because the assumption of extraordinary powers by the Crown is not in line with my views as Monarch, I propose that the solution be given by the citizens of the Empire and therefore I am temporarily suspending the operation of Parliament and calling an election for the election of a Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister for Sunday 20 July 2025.Until then, Lord Andrew will act as temporary Prime Minister. In accordance with Article VI, Section B of the Constitution , We hereby give you seven weeks’ notice of the General Election to be held on 20th of July 2025. By 15th of June 2025 any Representative who wishes may apply for our approval to become a Candidate for the General Election, from which we are required by the Constitution to select at least two. From 15th of June the Candidates may campaign to persuade the subjects of the Empire to vote for them. On Sunday 20th of July 2025 all the citizens who wish shall proceed to polling stations organized by the respective Municipal Council to vote for the candidate they wish to be Prime Minister. Non-residents shall contact non-resident subjects to cast their votes directly. The votes will be delivered and counted by Our Imperial Majesty, with the results verified by Our Secretary General. We will announce the results of the General Election on 21 July 2025, when the Candidate with the highest number of votes will become Prime Minister and a Deputy Prime Minister will be selected and appointed in accordance with Article VI, Section B, Paragraph E of the Constitution.” Those who are interested in running in the election are encouraged to speak to the Emperor directly for approval. A reminder that candidates are not allowed to campaign until after 15 June 2025. The Times will be closely following the developments. As of the latest, Deputy Prime Minister, Lord John Gordon, Viscount of Thetford, has publicly announced his intention to run for Prime Minister.

Prime Minister and Deputy take Leave, Lord Griffin as Acting PM

Earlier today the Prime Minister, Lord Andrew Musgrave, announced that he would be taking a leave from Government for a personal family matter. The Deputy Prime Minister, Lord John Gordon, also announced earlier this month that he would be taking a leave for personal reasons. Considering that both PM and Deputy are out of action, and following the line of succession of the Premiership Act of 2025, the Premiership fell into the hands of Austenasia’s Treasurer, Lord Mick Griffin The now Acting Prime Minister addressed Parliament with a statement of acceptance and a reminder that Parliament was in session. Time Capsule from Taysha The Duke of Taysha, Lord Michael Simpson, I planning to bury a time capsule on one of his land claims in the name of Austenasia. According to the Duke, the capsule will contain various samples of precious metals, as well as cash and a small Austenasian Flag. The Times is excited to follow up on this.

Government Back in Session

On 2 May 2025, Prime Minister Andrew Musgrave officially ended the Easter Recess and reconvened Government for Business. Discussion took place in Cabinet to revisit various topics that were left on the table before the recess. On 4 May 2025, the Madam Speaker, Lady Addison O’Halloran, officially returned from her extended leave of absence to re-open Parliament for the Summer Session. Also notably, Lord Bradley, King of the Romans, returned from a period of inactivity. Upon his return a scuffle occurred in the Government Lounge between he and the Prime Minister over a personal dispute. The matter has been addressed, but one good thing has come out of the commotion. As a result, Parliament is now available for the public to view. Lord Jonathan Resigns from all Remaining Positions Lord Jonathan Austen, Duke of Sweetpea Valley addressed the Government with a letter stating that he has resigned from all of his remaining positions, except the following: The Duke will remain in contact with Government in the event of an emergency or his input is required. He leaves with his love and best wishes for the Empire and its new leaders. The Times would like to wish Lord Jonathan a long and happy retirement to he and his lovely wife and a reminder that he will forever be loved and remembered by everyone in the Empire.

We’ll Be Right Back!

Earlier this evening the Prime Minister made the following announcement regarding the Recess of the Austenasian Government: “The Austenasian Government will be entering a period of recess for the duration of the month of April in observance of the Easter season. During this time, no parliamentary sessions or official governmental business will take place unless an urgent matter requires attention. Normal operations are expected to resume at the beginning of May. We wish all subjects and friends of the Empire a peaceful and joyful Easter. Andrew Musgrave,Prime Minister of Austenasia” Parliament was closed for Easter earlier this morning. Treaty Signed with the Grand Duchy of Misberia On 22 March a treaty of Friendship and Mutual Recognition was signed between Austenasia and Misberia. The Treaty was drafted by Acting Chief Ambassador Griffin and signed by Prime Minister Andrew and Grand Duke Otto Green of Misberia. Austenasia looks forward to a long and happy friendship with Misberia. Active Recruitment The Empire is still actively recruiting for new subjects and for people to get involved with the government. Don’t let Austenasia’s April Recess deter you from getting involved! Anyone who is interested is encouraged to fill out the following form on the government’s website:

The Empire Adopts New Coat of Arms

By Chris Ramsay, Chief Herald In an edict on Friday afternoon, His Imperial Majesty, Aggelos I, proclaimed a new Imperial Coat of Arms. It succeeds the almost 14 year old coat of arms that many have grown to recognise.  Considering the former’s lack of heraldic integrity and of graphic volatility and representation, it was decided that a new coat of arms was necessary. Following the abdication of Jonathan I, it became even more urgent to remove the immediate links to the Austen family, as is thought to have been the case in the second quarter of the old coat of arms. Chris Ramsay was appointed Chief Herald on 19 March to fulfil that task, and to devise a new coat of arms in conference with the Emperor, the Prime Minister, and the Crown Prince. The new coat of arms conserves the charm and sentimentality of the old coat of arms, eradicating any instances of false quartering or lack of adherence to heraldic conventions, and taking in use for the first time a new heraldic imperial crown and a representation of the Glorious Order of Saint John. It features a chevron on a shield of the national colours, red and gold, from the arms of the House of Austen, of which Austenasia bears its name and flag. The latter of which also feature on the first and fourth quarter of the old arms. There are two lions combatant, from the second quarter of the old arms, and there is a simple Chi-Rho Christogram in the base, from the third quarter of the old arms.  On either side of the shield are the two unicorns, as they were in the old coat of arms, utilised this time to give the piece a recognisable layout and an even shape. On the top of the whole is a new Imperial Crown, inspired lightly from the eastern crown, the Orthodox Christian miter, and the flourished crowns of the late middle ages. The wreath, previously of the crest where it took on almost civic attributes a la Republican Spain, was instead moved to the bottom, where it binds the entire coat of arms together, and connects it to the new insignia of the Order of St. John.  The new Imperial coat of Arms comes in at least two different versions, with and without a mantle. It will be exciting to see the distinction of their use, the development of auxiliary heraldic devices, and of heraldic armorials and achievements of both Austenasian land and people. To that end the nobility and knighthood, falling in the latter category, can direct any heraldic inquiries or requests to the Chief Herald.

Empire Expands with the Simpson Act

Earlier this morning an Act of Parliament, the Simpson Act, was passed with a majority vote by the House of Representatives to annex 13 new land claims, given to the Empire by Lord Michael Simpson, Duke of Taysha. His Imperial Majesty, Aggelos I, granted Imperial Consent to the act shortly after the vote passed. The Simpson Act not only annexes 13 Territories, but also declares Procyon, Lord Simpson’s home constituency, as the capital of Taysha, as well as moves the Province of North Nevada from the Duchy of Occidentia to the Duchy of Taysha. The following are the 13 new Territories: Thanks to Lord Simpson, this is the largest single influx of Territory in Austenasian history. The Empire is expected to annex more claims from different sources within the coming weeks. Chief Herald Appointed On 19 March 2025, following a nomination from Prime Minister Andrew Musgrave, His Imperial Majesty, Aggelos I, appointed Austenasian Ambassador to Norway, Chris Ramsay, as the Empire’s new Chief Herald. The position became vacant on 27 February, following the resignation of Lord William Wilson. Ramsay, who has been in talks with the government, intends to completely overhaul Austenasian heraldry and most importantly, update the national coat of arms, to better suit the new Emperor.