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.
Student registration opens for Imperial University’s second academic year
Prospective students can now register for online classes with the Imperial University of Austenasia. Earlier today saw an online form for this purpose published by Lord Sander Koff, the Minister for Culture and Acting Vice-Rector of the University. The Imperial University previously ran a class in the first half of 2022, and is now looking to build on the success of last year. Eight online classes – Orthodox Theology, Heraldry and Graphic Design, History of the Crusades, Calculus for Beginners, Australian History, Urban Planning, Micronational History, and Basic Financial Concepts – are being offered, each of which will run should enough interest be registered. Those interested can register for classes here, and the Discord server on which the courses will run is linked to here.
New Town claimed in Estonia
Friday 25th saw a new Town established after two brothers claimed half of their family house for Austenasia. The elder of the two brothers, the now Lord Sander Koff, has been appointed Acting Representative of the new Town of Oppidum Tubae. Oppidum Tubae is an enclave of Estonia, and the property of which it has claimed half was built in 1939. This is not the first Austenasian town to bisect a single building. The former town of Thanasia and the current town of Chalcedon were both established with a claim over only the part of the respective property inhabited by the Austenasians-to-be. The name of the new claim means “Trumpet Town” in Latin.