News report - August 21st 2012 (Galactic Standard Calendar)
Ramsay I, High King of San Giosue has died. He was 89 years old. The King is believed to have collapsed from exhaustion yesterday, following his annual pilgrimage around the battlefields of the 'War of the San Giosue Succession'. He died in hospital hours later, surrounded by his surviving family.
Amongst those with him in his final hours were his wife, Queen Electra (age 85), his eldest surviving son Prince Rodrigo (age 50) and Rodrigo's twin children; Prince Tristan and Princess Flora (both age 20). In addition the King's younger sister, the former Supreme Empress of San Giosue and First Lady of Denmarlandia, Helena Maria (age 83) arrived moments after his death.
King Ramsay is best remembered for his heroic efforts in overthrowing the tyranical military government of the short lived 'Republic of San Giosue' at the climax of the 'War of the San Giosue Succession'. In the years following the war he spearheaded a campaign of reconstruction and ushered in an era of peace to rival San Giosue's golden era, under his grandfather King Joshua.
The King's death comes in the midst of ongoing constitutional reforms that will see San Giosue transform from a territorial Empire into a confederation of autonomous Kingdoms. Formerly known as 'The Planetary Kingdom of San Giosue and the Incorporated Territories', our country has recently been renamed 'The Serene Kingdom of San Giosue' in an effort to reflect our new constitution.
The day of the King's death saw the inauguration of these changes, including our new flag, which has already been lowered to half mast.
Now San Giosue turns its attention to the succession, something many have dreaded for years. Some still have memories of the last succession and the terrible conflict it brought with it.
San Giosue is proud of its long history as an elective monarchy. There is no direct succession to the throne. Instead candidates are drawn from the wider Royal Family. In past times the election was presided over by other nations, each giving a candidate their support, though ultimately the decision rests with the people of San Giosue in a vote of simple democratic majority. The practice of foreign intervention ended as a result of the succession war, however San Giosueians, as an internationally minded people, still think highly of foreign opinion.
In spite of many royal family members being eligable for candidacy, only three have come forward as it is constitutionally mandatory for at least three candidates to present themselves.
The candidates are as follows:
- Prince Rodrigo - age 50
Eldest surviving son of King Ramsay, Rodrigo is an intensely private man who supported his late majesty a great deal in his final years, and on a few occasions was almost made Regent when his father's health was becoming a concern. Insiders have said that Rodrigo has no taste for public appearances and prefers to help his country under a low profile. It is believed that Rodrigo has little ambition in being King and would only become sovereign if the people called for it. Presently he is enjoying his married life, having wed his second wife Tulia Lacese just under two years ago. Together they have a 9 month old baby, the Princess Lucrezia.
- Prince Tristan - age 20
Tristan is the only son of Prince Rodrigo and is the twin of Princess Flora, as well as older half brother to Princess Lucrezia. Unlike his father, Tristan is no stranger to the public eye. In addition to being a prince, Tristan is an internationally famous hair stylist and fashion expert. He is currently single but has had many well publicised romances, most recently with oscar award winning actor George Massingbird. Much like his father, Tristan has no ambition in taking the throne and has admitted to stepping forward merely as a constitutional duty.
- Princess Flora - age 20
Flora is immensely popular with the people of San Giosue and has been tipped by pundits as most likely to succeed her grandfather. She is close to her family, in particular to her brother Tristan, having made many catwalk appearances in his numerous fashion expo's. In addition to her modelling career, Flora is extremely gifted on an intellectual level, having attended university at age 13. She currently holds two doctorates, one in political sciences and the other in applied robotics. Several years ago her grandfather King Ramsay sent Princess Flora on a diplomatic mission to Maxtopia. Whilst there she won over the hearts of the people and inspired a revolution that overthrew the country's authoritarian government, restoring democracy (at least for a time). Despite overstepping her role as a diplomat, she was honoured as a hero back home. If Flora becomes Queen she will be the first legitimate female head of state in San Giosue's history, and the first woman in that position since the tyranical rule of General Ophelia Valdeira in the brief 'Republican Era' at the end of the succession war.
