21st Century News | Edom National News [CLOSED]

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ISSUE 1

THURSDAY, 02 JULY, 2015

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GENERAL ELECTION CALLED!

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Current Chancellor, Mark Foster, launching his parties campaign.

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Written By:
Arthur Jessop, Political Editor

This morning, the Chancellor travelled to Palazzo Reale, to submit his recommendation to the King for Senate to be dissolved, triggering an election. His Majesty this morning signed a declaration calling a general election.

The Right Honourable Chancellor of Edom, Mr. Mark Foster (44) was born in 1971 and raised in the city of Statelli. Upon completion of high school, he went on to attend the University of Themos, graduating three years later with a BA (Hons) in Politics. Following his degree, Mr. Foster went on to become a political journalist for some news agencies, before moving to become a political editor for a national news channel. In 2002 Mr. Foster joined the Centre Party, and ran for a seat in the Senate for his local city.

After winning his seat, Mr. Foster was successful in winning a second term for the seat. During his second term as Senator, Mr. Foster was successful in appointed to the Shadow Cabinet as the Shadow Secretary of State for Justice. Mark continued to hold this position for three years, before being moved to as the Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs - this was considered as a large boost for Mark's political career (with the Secretary Foreign Affairs being one of the four Great Offices of State).

In 2012, Jim Endslow, resigned as Leader of the Centre Party, this triggered an election for a new party leader. Mark stood for party leader, was expected to come in third. However, after the first round of voting, he emerged as second, which sent him into a second, head to head round with Timothy Spurton, who was favourite to win. Mark's campaign focussed on economic growth, political accountability, removal of poverty and furthering education. This platform saw him be elected as the Centre Party Leader, with a majority of 68.4%.

In 2013, the Centre Party was victorious in the general election, where Mark became Chancellor. He has announced his intention to continue as Party Leader and run for his second and final term as Chancellor.

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The second Candidate who announced that they would be continung to as Party Leader as running for Chancellor is Senator Ella Thorning (65). Ella has been a Senator for almost 25 years. Before starting her political career, she was a primary school principal. Ella has been the Leader of Liberal Party since September 2008, and led the party to have their biggest election win in 2013, gaining 105 seats of 795, which made them the second largest political party.

Ella has been a strong advocate for developing the economy of the country, through increasing exports and decreasing imports. She has spoken at several events by the National Union of Farmers, on how funds should be increased to aid productivity. Ella has worked hard to gain the support of trade unions throughout country, and spoken on how the minimum wage should be raised in line with inflation, which would see an increase of ƒ2.00 from the current ƒ6.50.

Since August 2010 Ella has been a member of the National Union for Education, which has seen her gain a honorary Masters Degree in Education.

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ISSUE 2

TUESDAY, 07 JULY, 2015

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PRINCE VITTORIO DIES!

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Prince Vittorio at a recent charity Gala.

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Written By:
Alexie Dixin, Royal Editor

This morning, the Palazzo Reale announced that His Highness, Prince Vittorio died peacefully in his sleep, at 2.35 this morning at the age of 94. After recently suffering with a bad cough and a chest infection, his condition deteriorated in the late evening and his doctors were called.

The King was at his Uncle's bedside, along with Prince Vittorio's wife, Princess Clarisse, when he passed away at his residence. His coffin will be moved to the Royal Chapel tomorrow morning. Palazzo Reale released the following statement: "The King, with the greatest sadness, has asked for the following announcement to be made immediately: his beloved uncle, Prince Vittorio, died peacefully in his sleep this morning at Palazzo Placo, Fendi. Members of the Royal Family have been informed."

The palace spokesman continued: "Prince Vittorio had become increasingly frail in recent weeks following his bad cough and chest infection over the Easter period. His condition deteriorated late last night and into the early hours of this morning and his doctors were called. Prince Vittorio died peacefully in his sleep at 2.35 this morning Palazzo Placo. The King was at his Uncle's bedside."

No decision has yet been taken on whether the King and the rest of the Royal Family will attend the Royal Variety Show as planned at Plato Theatre tomorrow. Prince Vittorio, was to etch his name on the hearts of the nation as one of the longest-lived Royals in Edom's history. The first real fears for his health surfaced in May 2011 when a severe pain originated in his stomach. He had surgery under general anaesthetic to investigate the pain at Sedici Royal Infirmary, where he spent several days.

Less than three months before his 92nd birthday, he attended the Venti Flower Show and appeared to have recovered from a chest injury. However, just days before his birthday, Prince Vittorio succumbed to a blistering summer heat-wave and was said to be suffering from "low heat exhaustion". He was advised to rest and pulled out of a public engagement to open a youth centre for young people who live in poverty near, Palazzo Placo.

Then, in a surprise development, the Prince was admitted to hospital on January 22nd and was given an emergency operation after being diagnosed as suffering with mild stroke. He was taken by car to the King Sebastian ii Hospital, in central Venta Silurum, and was able to walk unaided up the three steps into the private clinic, before he needed assistance.

Considering his age, the Prince had been undertaking a hectic round of public and private engagements. On June 17th he had flown 67 miles by helicopter to Aventi, near Menza, where he spent three nights and carried out official engagements. On June 20th he flew back to London and began preparations for his next trip by plane on June 29th to Tusci for the counties annual 'County Show'.

He had lunch with friends on Saturday and returned to Venta Silurum on Sunday, July 5th. His last public engagement had been on July 3rd when he re-commissioned the naval ship 'Vittorio' at a ceremony in Wexford.

After a period of short mourning for the Royal Family, the body will be moved to lay in State, in the Royal Cathedral, before a Ceremonial Funeral is conducted.

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ISSUE 3

MONDAY, 13 JULY, 2015

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WILL THE KING 'TAKE CONTROL' IF ELECTION CREATES A STALEMATE?

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King Lucca discussing the General Election.

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Written By:
Alexie Dixin, Royal Editor

Contrary to some reports, monarch is expected to give King's speech on 27 July even if there is a risk it will be 'overthrown' the following week.

The Daily Times and the Mirror are citing royal sources suggesting that the King could end up running the nation if there is no clear winner in the election on Thursday. But does he have the power to fire or hire a Chancellor?

What do the reports say?
The monarch is due to give the King's speech on 27 July, marking the formal reopening of the new Senate, but if there is a minority government (one with fewer than the 523 Senators needed for a majority), it means other parties could band together to defeat it.

“The palace had voiced fears that his reputation would be tarnished should Mr. Foster try to put forward a King's speech before he could guarantee the backing of enough Senators to govern,” The Daily Times reported. “It had suggested that the King might stay away from the event.”

But there has been an apparent change of heart. Royal sources have now told the Daily Times that the King “would lead proceedings, even if there was a risk that the speech would be 'overthrown' the following week”.

“His Majesty could still deliver the King’s speech – which sets his government’s agenda for the next five years – even if it may get later voted down in the Senate,” the Mirror also reports.

Why might the King refuse to give a doomed King’s speech?
If the Centre Party declare victory and bring a King’s speech to the palace without a majority, with a clear risk of it being rejected, the King would face embarrassment.

“One of the concerns that might be there is if the King’s speech became a mechanism for testing a particular Chancellor’s control of the Senate, you wouldn’t want the King to be politicised by giving that speech,” a royal source has reportedly told the Mirror.

But is he actually ‘in control’?
The King hasn't exercised a constitutional power to refuse to give the speech in over 200 years, says Prof Robert Hazell, director of the constitution unit at Royal University of Venta Silurum.

Although it would be an uncomfortable position for the King to deliver a speech at the Senate where there was no guarantee of it succeeding, there is a very specific precedent at play here.

In January 1924, King Sebastian gave a Conservative party King’s speech, but the government was defeated by 72 votes, after the Centre leader, Alberto Martini, said his party would not vote with the Conservatives. The Chancellor, Lucas Severinti, promptly resigned and Alexander Gerogio formed the very first People's Party government, a minority administration that lasted just nine months.

“Severinti knew very well he was going to lose, but he took the King’s speech to the Senate to demonstrate to the country that the Centre Party would vote it down, and Mr Foster might very well decide to do the same if the Liberals have the numbers, to show that it is Nationalist Senators voting down a King's speech,” Hazell said. “That is what the King's advisers would tell him, that it is a last gesture from Mr Foster. He has no discretion.”

Prof Stephen Haseler, director of the Global Policy Institute and an expert on constitutional monarchy, says: “If the King stayed away, it would be an abdication of his role. We have a hereditary monarchy, he is the head of state and he has to fulfil his constitutional obligation.”

Prior to the King's speech, Mr Foster remains Chancellor until he voluntarily resigns and asks the King to summon the leader of the opposition to form a new government. Ella Thorning cannot turn up at the palace – the King must invite her and appoint her to lead.

The Cabinet Office’s official guidance is that “there are responsibilities on those involved in the process to keep the palace informed”, but the King would not be expected to involve himself in any negotiations.

But ultimately, and technically, the King does have “the power to appoint and dismiss a Chancellor”, says Haseler. “He might want to stay out of it, but this is his job. This is what he is paid to do.”

What does the Palace say?[I/]
A palace spokesman said:

“We’ve been clear that the King will give the King's speech as he has done throughout his reign. The King will be advised by his Chancellor after the election on whether he will continue or if he should call someone else.”

Following the constitutional logic, it means the palace will allow Foster to continue as Chancellor, until he forms a new government in a formal or informal alliance with other parties, takes the decision to resign, or until the King's speech is defeated by Liberals and other supporting parties.

[I]Who will be advising him?
If Foster commands no majority but decides he wishes to seek to remain Chancellor as the leader of the largest party, the King will likely act on the advice of his private secretary, and the cabinet secretary.

“This is a real problem too, because those two people are not elected and are unaccountable to the voters,” says Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchy pressure group Republic.

Smith likened the situation to “a football match where the referee doesn’t want to get involved”.

“Where a country has an elected head of state, such as in Ireland, Italy or Greece, then a stalemate – like the one we may face this week – would be facilitated by a legitimate and accountable head of state.

“The King has so far refused to get involved, and understandably so. He knows that any involvement on his part would be very dangerous for the monarchy. Immediately it would destroy the mirage of royal impotence.

“He is damned if he does, and may well be damned if he doesn’t. If the crisis lasts long enough people will demand someone does something, and who should that someone be?”

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ISSUE 4

MONDAY, 20 JULY, 2015

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CENTRE PARTY WIN GENERAL ELECTION!

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Mr Foster thanking voters for their support.

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Written By:
Arthur Jessop, Political Editor

Mark Foster has returned to Casa Popoli with the Centre Party having defied polls and won the general election, albeit with a small majority.

The Centre Party made gains in Cante and Sensi and are forecast to secure 403 seats in the Senate, giving them a slender majority of 5, however reducing the number of Senators by 179, Mr. Foster has said that it was a "disappointing, yet successful victory for the party".

Liberal Leader, Ella Thorning said she would begin a 'grass roots' campaign, saying her party must "now turn the whole country liberal", as her party saw the biggest number of gains. The Liberal Party went from 38 Senators to 296, which gave then a gain of 258 Senators, making them the second largest party in the Senate.

Labour Leader Angelo De Conti has announced that he will resign, amid calls from senior party officials as they lost 31 seats, reducing his party from 105 Senators to 74 Senators - one of the biggest lows for the party since 1992.

Meanwhile Nicholas DeAngelo, Leader of the People Party, has announced that he will be resigning the party leadership after a "crushing and cruel" election for the party. The People's Party saw their Senators reduce from 70 to 22, losing them 48 seats.

The Centre Party have won the 398 seats needed to form a majority administration, meaning they are able to govern without the need for a coalition or formal agreement with other parties. Not even an alliance between the Liberal, Labour and Peoples' Party would give them enough votes to damage or withhold a Bill - unless they were able to persuade some Centre backbenchers.

Mr Foster all but declared victory in a speech after being returned as Senator from Vendi, in which he set out his intention to press ahead with the election manifesto that he promised throughout this campaign.

"My aim remains simple - to govern on the basis of governing for everyone in our country, to provide opportunity for everyone" he said. "I want to bring our country together, not least by continuing to implementing, as fast as we can, the constitutional reforms that we started last term, but to also continue on our path to economic success, lowering the unemployment rate and seeing wages rise." Mr Foster continued, "In short, I want my party, and our Government, to reclaim a mantle that we should never have lost - the mantle of one Nation, that is fair and equal. That is how I will govern if I am fortunate enough to form a government in the coming days." he said.

Mr Foster later returned to Casa Popoli with his wife Samantha and children, and will shortly be having an audience with the King at Palazzo Reale. Vice Chancellor Daniel Bowton said that the Centre Party had been "given a mandate. by the people, to get on with the work we started" and would follow the "clear instructions" of the public.

However, Education Secretary Jack Wilford acknowledged that governing with a small majority was difficult. "Whatever else we now do we keep it simple, we keep it focused and we absolutely stick to our manifesto commitments," he told 21st Century News.

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Analysis by Arthur Jessop

Not since the fall of Edmonti or the Casenti landslide, has there been a political moment quite like this one. Personal triumphs for Mark Foster and Ella Thorning will not just reshape Edom's politics but could perhaps reshape the future of Edom itself.

Bitter disappointment for Angelo De Conti and a political disaster for Nicholas DeAngelo may lead to both men quitting, and is sure to lead to months of soul searching for their parties as they mourn the loss of some of their most famous faces - felled by a brutal electoral firing squad.

The future, though, belongs to Ella Thorning who defied all those - including at times herself - who doubted that she could ever increase her party's support.

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ISSUE 1

SUNDAY, 22 NOVEMBER, 2015

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ABDICATION!

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His Royal Highness, Prince Leonardo, Duke of Fenzi

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Written By:
Alexie Dixin, Royal Editor

King Lucca has handed the throne to his brother Prince Leonardo.

The 30-year-old monarch signed the instrument of abdication in Venta Silurum after 2 years on the throne. Huge crowds of blue-clad partygoers are in Venta Silurum to pay tribute to the popular King, who has played a pivotal role in modernising the country over the past four years.

King Lucca had not announced his intention to stand down, which has come as a shock to many in the country. He formally relinquished the throne at a short ceremony in the Royal Palace today, signing a statement which read: "I declare that I hereby step down from the monarchy of the Kingdom of Genvoia, that the monarchy from this moment on is transferred to my eldest brother and heir Leonardo, Duke of Fenzi, in accordance with the statutes and the constitution of the Kingdom of Genovia."

There were huge cheers from the crowds outside, watching on giant screens in the Peoples' Square, as he and Prince Leonardo and Princess Alexia signed the deed, alongside members of the Privy Council. Shortly after, the three royals emerged on a balcony above the square. The visibly emotional King, who will now be known as Prince Lucca, told the crowds: "I am happy and grateful to introduce to you your new King, Leonardo."

King Leonardo thanked his brother for "his dedication and serve to the country", saying he and the public were "intensely grateful" to him.

Abdication day in Gyflada
◾10:00 local time - King Lucca signs the act of abdication at the Royal Palace in Venta Silurum
◾10:30 - the former King, now Prince Lucca, and the new King Leonardo appear on the palace balcony, with new Queen Alexia
◾14:00 - Announcements for the official coronation are made.

The three then held hands on the balcony as the national anthem was played, before the new king and queen's children were brought out to see the crowds. Their eldest child, 14month year old Prince Nico becomes the Heir Apparent.

Many royals and high-ranking dignitaries have been invited to take part in the events.

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ISSUE 1

SUNDAY, 06 DECEMBER, 2015

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Education Reforms: A Personalised Approach.

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Many see the current system of education as a 'factory'.

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Written By:
Saidie Hiba, Education Editor

The Governmant have announced sweeping reforms to the education system within Edom, aiming to make process more personalised for each learner.

The current educational system has seen many reforms in its time, but non as big as the one proposed the second Foster Government today. Secretary of State for Education, Jack Wilford, announced the plans at a conference of headteachers. The plans include a new curriculum that focusses on three areas; universal, personal and specialist skills.

Universal Skills
All schools will have a legal obligation to facilitate learning and develop every learners universal skills. The Government have named three universal skills that each learner needs to develop - Literacy, Numeracy and Science. Every learner will be expected to have a minimum of 4 hours of Literacy and Numeracy study time and 2 hours of Science study time a week. There will be a single curriculum that must be followed for each of these universal skills, and sessions will be based around the level of study of the learner.

Some, have questioned this approach, General Secretary of the National Teachers Alliance said that "Putting learners into groups of ability may hinder their progress, especially if they are with learners who are younger than them." However, the Government feel that enabling learners to work at their ability, with other learners of the same ability allows for collective celebration of their achievements. Learners will be able to transfer to other ability groups, if they have progressed. The Government have set a benchmark, that by the age of 16, every learner will have achieved a Level 2 qualification in these universal skills.

Personal Skills
Just as with Universal Skills, all schools will be required to facilitate learning on Personal Skills. Personal Skills will take place over 4.5 hours a week; with learners having half an hour of personal learning time (formally known as, tutor group time). They will then have a further hour of Personal and Professional Development, where they will study and look at topics such as bullying, global warning, money management, cancer, mental health and other key 'citizenship' type topics. They will then have a further hour of facilitated employability skills. These sessions will focus on 21 employability competencies (such as quality of work, reliability, personal presentation etc). Each learner will also look in depth at job application, interview skills and teamwork.

Specialist Skills
As learners grow and develop they will begin to learn specialist skills. These will relate to subject specialisms such as; history, law, agriculture, cookery, life skills, horticulture, child care, media, design etc. Learners will be able to chose their desired specialist skills programme and will study it for a year, after which they will receive a qualification. If they enjoyed the course, they will be able to study it again, at a higher level. The government have set a benchmark that all learners by the age of 16, will have achieved a Level 2 qualification in these areas.

Other key changes
The Government also announced that all state schools will have their status changed to Academy or College in order to allow them to facilitate these changes. Because of these changes, teachers will now be known as Tutors and Personal Tutors will be known as Personal Learning Advisors. Headteachers will be Principals and where schools are federated (schools which share the same Governor Body and Senior Leaderships Team), their Principal will be an Executive Principal and Chief Executive Officer.

The Government have also announced that they will be injecting a further $3.4 billion into the education system to allow for these changes to be made, and have set aside a further $1.8 billion for school campus development. Academies will have to bid for funds under three strands - the three strands will work on a poverty level index, so schools in poorer areas that may lack funding for resources and campus improvements are more likely to receive funds, or higher amounts of investments.

Quality Assurance
The Government have recognised that there is a lack of regulatory quality assurance in the educational system. As a result, these reforms also establish the Office for Standards in Education (OfSTED). This body will inspect all child care providers, educational institutions (academies, colleges) and further education colleges. OfSTED will judge the provider as either one of four areas; Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate. Where the provider is judged to be Inadequate, a action plan will be implemented to raise standards - both the local council and OfSTED will assist the provider will raising standards.

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ISSUE 7

SUNDAY, 13 DECEMBER, 2015

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Coronation Ceremony

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The Royal Crown.

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Written By: Alexie Dixin, Royal Editor


King Leonardo has called for "a new Edom that we will build together" after being proclaimed head of state in a coronation ceremony today. Earlier, King Leonardo received the royal sash from his brother, Lucca. He acceded to the throne at the stroke of midday, after taking the royal oath.

The proceedings have been kept low key. The swearing-in ceremony took the form of a proclamation. It is the second royal transition in Edom within the last 5 years. The new king, 27, swore an oath promising to uphold the constitution, laws and customs of the country.

The Archbishop of Venta Silurum then proclaimed him king, declaring: "Long live Edom! Long live the king!"

In a speech to the Senatus, Leonardo said he had "great hope" for the future of the country and called for unity. "You will find in me a loyal head of state who is ready listen and understand, warn and advise as well as to defend the public interest at all times," he said. "The monarch wants to be close to citizens… ensuring it can preserve its prestige and dignity. Now more than ever, citizens of Edom are rightly demanding fundamental ethical principles should govern our public life. The king should not only be a reference but who serves all citizens of Edom."

The Senatus, Privy Council and members of the Government, stood to applaud the new Sovereign. No foreign leaders or royal families were invited to the ceremonies apart from the Royal Family and members of Government from Romakov, the birth place of Queen Alexia, Leonardo's wife.

After the proclamation, Leonardo, Queen Alexiaa and their children were driven through Venta Silurum's streets and the family appeared on the front balcony of the Royal Palace.

Correspondents say the new King faces a series of tough challenges if he is to restore the reputation of the monarchy. Although Lucca won plaudits for his role in restoring democracy, his image suffered when he refused to cut the royal budget admit financial troubles in 2013. His reputation suffered further damage because of tax-fraud allegations made against his chief of staff.

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ISSUE 8

MONDAY, 15 FEBRAURY, 2016

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QUEEN ALEXIA EXPECTING THIRD CHILD

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The Queen

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Written By: Alexie Dixin, Royal Editor

The King and Queen have announced that they are expecting their third child.

The new royal baby will be born third in line to the throne. The announcement comes just two months after the Royal Family celebrated the re-birth of the empire. Here is the latest reaction from public figures to the news. The Palace broke the news in a very modern way, announcing the pregnancy on Twitter:

"The King and Queen are very pleased to announce that Her Majesty is expecting their third child.

A fuller statement released by the Palace read: "The King and members of both families are delighted with the news that Her Majesty is expecting another child."

It added: "As with her first pregnancy, The Queen will no longer accompany His Majesty the King on official engagements."

Prince Lucca said the news that the duchess was pregnant was "very exciting". Chancellor Marcus Foster tweeted: "Many congratulations to their Majesties. I'm delighted by the happy news that they're expecting another baby."

Later, he told the Senate: "On behalf of the whole country, I'm sure the whole Senate will want to join me in congratulating them on this fantastic news and wishing them well in the months ahead."

The Vice Chancellor said: "It is fantastic news they have a growing family. I wish them, especially the Queen, all the best."

The Archbishop Of Venzi tweeted: "Wonderful news that the King and Queen are expecting a third child. Praying for the family, and that morning sickness subsides."

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ISSUE 9

SUNDAY, 31 MARCH, 2019

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THE DEATH OF A KING

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His Royal Highness The Duke of Palermo abdicated the Throne in 2015

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Written By: Francesca Cannow-Dowe, Royal Correspont

Palazzo Reale has announced the passing of HRH The Duke of Palermo, brother to King Leonardo.

The country is in mourning, as the palace has announced that Prince Lucca has passed away. The news, officially communicated through a Press Release and placard outside by the palace gates, has devastated the country. Prince Lucca abdicated the throne on 22 November 2015, in favour of his brother, Leonardo, amid growing health complications. The palace disclosed further information in that Lucca had been diagnosed with a brain tumour in April 2015.

The prince had been receiving treatment since his abdication, which prolonged his life. However, over recent months he withdrew from public appearances and was officially removed from public engagements and life by his brother in November 2019. Nobody had since Prince Lucca since that point, however, his husband, Prince Charles and their children continued to make public appearances.

The palace has confirmed that all royal engagements for the next week have been postponed and that the country has entered a state of mourning. Flags on all national buildings have been lowered to half-mast and the Chancellor has submitted a motion to close business in the legislature and government for the next week, in support of the state of mourning.

What does this mean?
The royal family have been planning this day since they learnt of the news of Prince Lucca's brain tumour. Every detail has been planned and even rehearsals for the funeral arrangements have been undertaken, under closed doors. King Leonardo will make a statement on Monday afternoon, followed by Prince Lucca being transported to the Cathedral of St John, where he will Lay in State. This will provide an opportunity for members of the public to pay their respect, before the State Funeral occurs, expected to take place on either the 12th or 13th April.

Tomorrow has been called as a National Holiday, which means that all public sector businesses, government agencies (except emergency services, health services and the military) will be closed. Schools, colleges and universities and banks will be closed - a majority of business will operate a shorter day, usually, 10 am - 4 pm. The day of the State Funeral is also expected to be called as a National Holiday, once it is announced.

In other news...
• Senate passes a new bill to establish the 'Office of Students', a body that protects the rights of students in university and college.
• Police enforce new law related to seat belts and booster seats for young children under the age of 13.
• Unemployment rate falls by 0.08% for the last quarter of the financial year.
• Summer weather is forecast set to reach a record high of 43C, 1C higher than the record, which was set last year.