THE KINGDOM OF MADRINET
His Majesty's Foreign Office
Lyceum Square, Clarault
Following the King's Speech at the first session of the Crown Council, the Kingdom of Madrinet extends its hand to the world in friendship, and welcomes the global community to the country to do business, exchange culture, and solidify relationships. As secretary to the Lord Chamberlain, it is my pleasure to provide this small introduction to the country, and to express my hope that our future relations bear the fruit of friendship and prosperity.
Sir Armand Beaumanoir
Personal Secretary to the Lord Chamberlain
Madrinet is a small landlocked country nestled between the vast Mousai plains and the small Duchies near the coast, renowned for its outstanding natural beauty. Since time immemorial the walled garden-city of Clarault - 'beautiful city' in the native language - has stood between the craggy hinterlands and the proud peaks, a gatekeeper to the rich civilisation and culture that rises proudly above the plateau, blossoms within
Department of History, the National Academy
the valleys, and flourishes within the forests. The country's motto - 'beauty is truth' - is a mission statement for the people and government of Madrinet; education and the preservation of their remarkable natural gifts are the highest priorities for nearly all citizens. The country is known for its exceptional academic talent: the capital city is home to the National Academy, an institute of higher learning that has existed since before the common era, and has been home to some of the finest brains that both Madrinet and the world have to offer: the Liberal arts and humanities are the top programs of study at the Academy, and scholars of all nationalities are welcomed to share in the collective work of over 800 years of knowledge and research.
Clarault is the oldest city in the country, and it proudly displays its antique heritage in every aspect. The foundations of the original city can be dated to the 8th century BCE, and the National Academy, the Palace of St Lawrence, and the Royal Courts of Justice all stand on the original historic locations of their predecessors. With nearly a thousand years of history tucked between the plains and the coast, the city itself is a living monument: with its Academic district boasting the remains of the original city of antiquity and its Market plaza showing the opulence and grandeur of Enlightenment baroque, Clarault tells the story of the entire country within its walls - and the story is still being told. Beyond the original borders of the city, the modern world parallels the rich and varied architecture of the old city with the sleek, smooth edges of contemporary style; home to business, banks, factories, hotels, and ordinary citizens, the new town respectfully nods to the beauty of Madrinet, emulating nature's splendour through architectural innovation. The city is a hub of art and architecture, and is proud to host the National Fashion Show annually; the esoteric, the avant-garde, the classic, the bold, the grand - all are represented in this meeting that draws crowds from all over the world.
Clarault is not the only worthy attraction, however; Camlliers may not match it in size or population but can no doubt rival it in beauty. A relatively new city, it was established just 200 years ago at the end of the reign of Mordecai V, marking the beginning of Madrinet's transformation from city to nation state. First settled by the Gallic Eratoans, the small agricultural commune soon grew into a city worthy of the title 'Garden of Madrinet'; the urban environment entirely found within a man-made valley that houses a huge number of rare and interesting - and in some cases, entirely unique - plants and animals. It is Camlliers that serves as the country's scientific home; the University of Ellisia, named after Madrinet's' first female Science Gold Medal winner, has produced research which aims to add mankind's influence and protection to nature's stalwart and beautiful creations.
Madrinet is an absolute monarchy, but this title is somewhat misleading. Currently, the King retains most of his traditional prerogatives (as described in the First Instrument of Royal Government as 'unlimited and autocratic') including the right of veto over all legislation, but governs with the advice of a Crown Council. Although often described sui generis as a 'constitutional autocracy', Madrinet has no formal constitution and the system of government is better described as a 'self-limited' autocracy, where the Sovereign shares a portion of his power with a deliberative and legislative assembly; the current King, Mordecai IX, has reinforced this unique and interesting style of government with his pledge that his would be an enlightened absolutism that redefined the King not as the owner of the State, but rather as its custodian and steward. Although the country boasts a proud military history, its modern foreign policy is peaceful and dedicated to maintaining the balance of power while protecting and promoting the global cause of enlightenment and monarchy.
Information for Prospective Diplomatic Missions
The Madrinetan foreign relations program is open to all nations who share Madrinetan values of justice, liberty, beauty, and education. In these first tentative steps into proper international diplomacy, Madrinet hopes first and foremost to create friendships and relationships with the international community, as well as to foster trade, business, and cooperation. The King is proud to be able to offer some of the country's finest architectural marvels to States wishing to establish embassies.
The Kingdom does not expect its guest nations to send delegates who are likely to abuse the trust of the King, nor send those who are not willing or able to obey our laws. There is no ban on recreational drugs or alcohol but the usage of same must be responsible and dignified. The King respects international convention with regard to diplomatic immunity and allowances for ambassadorial staff and equipment - it must be noted however that firearms are not permitted within the city walls. We invite any queries or concerns regarding local law and intolerances.
