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!

Imperial House name change announced

Emperor Jonathan I and Empress Hannah have announced their creation of a new imperial dynastic house to mark the one year anniversary of their marriage. In an Imperial Edict issued earlier today, His Imperial Majesty announced the foundation of the House of Austen-Buchanan, a cadet branch within the wider House of Austen. This is the branch of the dynasty to which the Emperor, Empress, and any future children will belong. Emperor Father Terry is head of the official Austenasian branch of the House of Austen, although the family also has two “British branches” descended from Terry’s great-uncles. Jonathan I and Empress Hannah were married in two ceremonies in November last year, with their legal wedding taking place on November 5th. This date was from thenceforth designated a public holiday as the Imperial Wedding Anniversary, with today’s one year anniversary therefore being the first time it has been celebrated. The imperial couple soon after moved to the Diplomatic Residence, and in August this year went on honeymoon to the Isle of Wight. A video was released this morning documenting an expedition of the Imperial Geographical Society they undertook while on the island. The Emperor and Empress have also used this first anniversary to announce the creation of a new order of merit, with twenty two people being given this award to acknowledge their help with the Emperor and Empress’ wedding last year. This new award, the Imperial Matrimonial Order, can be awarded at the discretion of the Monarch to those to whom they wish to give special thanks for their role in assisting with a wedding of any member of the Imperial Family.