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: 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.

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.

Latest from the Empire

Cabinet Appointments Earlier this morning, Monday 17 March 2025, His Imperial Majesty, Aggelos I, made the following Cabinet appointments, based upon the nominations from Prime Minister Musgrave. New Diplomatic Organization HSH Lord Jonathan has reported that all is going very well with the creation of the New Diplomatic Organization. Several friendly states are onboard for the project. A charter for the organization is currently in the early stages of drafting. Lord Jonathan has since stepped down from the role. Crown Prince Shiro has now taken over the position of Ambassador at Large. Premiership Act On 14 March 2025, Parliament passed the Premiership Act. The act creates a Line of Succession in case the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister are incapacitated. The Line of Succession, which is comprised of Cabinet members, is as follows: Senate Reconfirmation On 9 March 2025, Prime Minister Musgrave announced that the following people have been reconfirmed to the Senate for a five-year term. Empire Expansion The Empire is expected to expand within the coming weeks, with a large influx of land claims. Public details are limited at this time. Chief Herald Cabinet has been in discussion of appointing a new Chief Herald, which is a person responsible for the upkeep of the Coat of Arms and Heraldry. Prime Minister Musgrave has nominated Austenasian Ambassador to Norway, Chris Ramsay. Cabinet is currently waiting for approval from the Emperor. Active Recruitment The Empire of Austenasia is currently recruiting for new citizens! If there is anyone interested in getting more involved with the Empire, they are more than welcome to visit the Government Website and fill out the following form:

Nationalisation of the Times

Last evening, it was announced by His Imperial Majesty, Aggelos I, that after nearly 12 years of operation, the Austenasian Times has been officially nationalised by the Government of Austenasia. The Emperor made the announcement with the release of the following statement: “Our Imperial Majesty hereby proclaims the Austenasian Times to be the national newspaper of the Empire of Austenasia, responsible for serving the Austenasian people through the provision of accurate and informative journalism. With the permission of its owner and creator, HSH Lord Jonathan, the Austenasian Times is hereby nationalised, to be the common property of the nation as a whole, and shall from henceforth be overseen by the Ministry for Culture. The Austenasian Times shall be directed by the Editor-in-Chief, which we hereby confirm to since 5 August 2024 have been Lord Mick Griffin, Baron of Glainamar. The Editor-in-Chief shall be appointed at the discretion of the Minister for Culture. The government will support and promote the Austenasian Times but have no direct control over its internal workings or structure and no right to intervene editorially. The Austenasian Times will be committed to due impartiality in regards to controversial subjects and political, social and commercial issues. Any views expressed by the Austenasian Times, whether explicit or implicit, will not necessarily reflect or define those of the Austenasian government” The Times welcomes this announcement, and is most proud. It is very fitting at this time as we will celebrate our 12th Anniversary on the 11th of this month. We would like to thank all parties involved who had a hand in making this happen. Going forward, the Times will strive to bring you the best, impartial, Austenasian news, as it happens. Lord Koff resigns, Cabinet Shuffled Shortly after the announcement made by His Imperial Majesty last evening, Prime Minister, Lord Andrew Musgrave, announced that the Minister for Culture, Lord Sander Koff, had resigned from his Cabinet position. He remains Representative of Oppidum Tubae. As a result, Cabinet was shuffled. The Prime Minister made the announcement with the following statement: “At 18:02 GMT, Lord Sander Koff announced his immediate resignation as Minister ofCulture. Shortly afterward, His Majesty, Emperor Aggelos I, issued an Imperial Edictplacing the newly nationalised Austenasian Times under the jurisdiction of theMinistry of Culture. Given the edict’s implications, filling this ministerial post hasnow become a matter of utmost national importance.I had already been considering a Cabinet reshuffle, so the timing of these events has,in some ways, worked out well.I hereby nominate the following members to my Cabinet, pending the Emperor’sapproval: • Lord Andrew Musgrave – Minister of Culture• Lord John Gordon – Home Secretary• HSH Lord Jonathan – Treasurer• Lord William Wilson – Chief Ambassador and Secretary-General• HIH Crown Prince Shiro – Minister of Defence I would also like to clarify that my appointment to the position of Minister of Cultureis not intended to involve direct control over the editorial independence of theAustenasian Times. Rather, the focus will be on overseeing the eventual hosting ofthe publication on the official austenasia.com website.This reshuffle aims to ensure the smooth running of government considering recentchanges and to further strengthen the Cabinet’s ability to serve the national interest.” The Times would like to wish Lord Koff the best at this time, and the best of luck to this new Cabinet.

Shiro named as new Heir

A new Line of Succession was today confirmed by the Senate, with Shiro Mephistopheles installed as the new Heir. The now Crown Prince Shiro – one of this year’s Consuls – has led the Senate since April, and previously served both in Parliament and in Cabinet. Upon the ascension of Emperor Aggelos I this Sunday, His Imperial Majesty’s first Imperial Decree called on the Senate to confirm a new Line of Succession. Prior to this confirmation, Lord Michael Simpson was technically Heir for several days, having been second in line before the new Emperor’s ascension. However, he had previously made it clear that he would not wish to accept the Throne unless entirely necessarily. Another reason to form a new Line of Succession comes from discussion in the top levels of government regarding prospective constitutional amendments. One of these amendments, which will likely be proposed before the end of the year, would remove the requirement for the Monarch to be a practicing Christian, replacing it with a requirement for the Monarch to respect the national religion rather than to necessarily adhere to it. Assuming that this amendment passes, the eligibility criteria for Monarch will significantly widen, and so some dignitaries previously not included have been considered by the Senate. The new Line of Succession now stands thus: The Senate has been empowered to make changes to the Line of Succession – with the Monarch’s approval – since 2020. This function was previously exercised by Parliament itself.

BREAKING: Jonathan I Abdicates, Aggelos I is Emperor of Austenasia

Announced on 29 September, 2024, His Imperial Majesty, Jonathan I, Emperor of Austenasia has abdicated the throne. Immediately following this, the Prince Regent, Aggelos I, had ascended to the throne as the Fifth Emperor of Austenasia. Aggelos’ ascension has now ended the Regency which began on 30 April of this year. Jonathan I had been in power as Emperor since 20 January 2013, his 11 year reign has now ended. The details of the abdication and ascension can be found in the following Imperial Decree signed earlier today in Imvrassia. https://docs.google.com/document/d/14kuDAMyw_uvreRmaLVS5B9NbAPEd9zc763ufo3M1B8o/edit It is clear from here on out, Austenasia has entered a new era. The future may be uncertain, but the hearts of her people remain unwavered. We wish Jonathan all the best in his retirement. Long Live the Emperor! Long Live Austenasia!

Emperor Jonathan I announces Regency

To the Empire and to the world, my greetings. When I founded Austenasia with my family over fifteen years ago, I could never have imagined how our little country would one day prosper. It has been a joy to watch this community we started grow right around the world, with people from all sorts of places and backgrounds taking a real interest in helping Austenasia to flourish. I served under our first three Emperors as Prime Minister, and since 2013 I have ruled as Emperor myself. Austenasia has been a huge part of my life for over fifteen years. However, as I approach my thirtieth birthday, it has become clear to me that, although I have spent half my life on helping to lead the Empire, I no longer have the time to dedicate to it that I once did. Other aspects of my life require my attention and my dedication, and I cannot demand loyalty from subjects to a Throne the holder of which will only ever have a decreasing amount of time to give to them. Austenasia began as a small, family project when I was thirteen, and it has far outgrown my wildest hopes for it. However, after several months of deep thought, I am certain in my conviction that it is time for my leadership to come to an end. Although I had considered abdication, I cannot bring myself yet to sever completely the ties between myself and the country I have loved and governed for so long, or to disappoint so profoundly those who have asked me to reconsider. Rather, I shall remain as titular Monarch, in name only, providing a continued link to the House of Austen and proof of my endorsement of the new Heir, Aggelos, to serve as Prince Regent. Aggelos of Imvrassia has been an Austenasian for nearly seven years, has served in Parliament on two non-consecutive occasions, and has over a decade of experience as constitutional monarch of Imvrassia. He has been appointed as Prince Regent by the Senate with my full and sincere backing, to rule as effective head of state. With the support of the Prime Minister, and with the members of the new Line of Succession able to serve as Counsellors of State if necessary, I am sure he will do a wonderful job. His Imperial and Majestic Highness – as he shall be known in Austenasia, in deference to his Imvrassian throne – takes on the powers of the Austenasian Throne in their full. They are his to wield as they were mine, effective as of 10:00 UTC today. Prince Regent Aggelos will need the support and respect of the Empire to fulfil this calling, and I ask all Austenasians and all our friends from abroad to give him our full support as he takes on this great responsibility. He has my full support and I trust the future is safe in his hands. To all those who I have come to know through my time in office in Austenasia, I thank you for your friendship, and for the horizons that have been opened. May God bless you all, and God save the Empire!

Line of Succession overhauled

The Senate has voted to completely overhaul the Line of Succession to the Throne, replacing the previous list of the Emperor’s relatives with a list of five trusted statesmen. This dramatic change was made at the behest of Emperor Jonathan I himself. The beginning of the year saw several members of the Line of Succession removed on the basis that they would be unlikely to accept the Throne and hard to contact at short notice. Today’s more radical change has been implemented on the grounds of the same principle, on the understanding that none of those previously in line to the Throne were interested in actually ascending it in anything more than name should they be called upon to do so. Five individuals were put forward by the Emperor and, after discussion in the Senate, confirmed as a new Line of Succession, namely: The Constitution requires a reigning Monarch of Austenasia to be a Christian, a requirement fulfilled by all the members of the new Line of Succession except for Adam I. The previous heir, the Emperor’s sister, will now be known once more as Princess Caroline rather than as Crown Princess. Were he not already titled as an emperor, Aggelos would have assumed the title Crown Prince as the new Heir to the Throne. Those in the Line of Succession are not only to be called upon should the Throne become empty, but are also able to take on responsibilities such as being appointed a Counsellor of State to assist the Monarch. This change marks a move towards a more realistic approach to the Empire’s long-term future, with an active and committed future Monarch more likely to be found among those already dedicated to Austenasia than among relatives of Jonathan I, most of whom are aunts and cousins who are not even Austenasian.

Parliamentary representation for non-residential subjects

Non-residential subjects of Austenasia will henceforth be able to vote for Representatives in Parliament, following a new law passed this evening. This sees the culmination of efforts led by Prime Minister Lord William Wilson, whose campaign for the premiership included a pledge to see parliamentary representation for non-residential subjects (an idea originally proposed by his predecessor Lord John Gordon) finally arranged. No parliamentary representation for non-residential subjects was provided for by the Austenasian Constitution of 2011 or its subsequent amendments, due to their historically having made up such a small proportion of Austenasia’s population. However, in recent years the proportion of Austenasians who do not live within Austenasia itself has increased, with a notable jump in numbers happening in May earlier this year as a result of Honorary Subjects being able to apply for naturalisation. While still technically a minority, just under half of Austenasians – 47.3% – now hold non-residential subjectship as opposed to being residential subjects living in traditionally organised territorial Towns. The growing proportion of non-residential subjects has made it a pressing concern of the government to enable parliamentary representation for them, with the Constitution only allotting Representatives to Towns. Today’s Act of Parliament has changed the definition of Town to include a new entity known as a Division, into which Austenasia’s seventy non-residential subjects are henceforth grouped. Four Divisions have been established, grouping together non-residential subjects living in the British Isles, in the rest of Europe and Africa, in Asia, and in the Americas and Oceania. Parliament has appointed a prominent non-residential from each of these regions as Acting Representative of their Division on a provisional basis until elections are organised: Non-residential subjects will be contacted over the coming few days to inform them of these reforms, and to begin organising elections for the new Divisions. With the addition of the four above-mentioned Acting Representatives to Parliament, the House of Representatives now stands at 15 strong, the largest it has ever been.