Constantine XX Claudius
| Constantine XX Claudius | |||||||||
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| Latin Emperor Perateian Emperor | |||||||||
| Reign | 28 February 2019 – present | ||||||||
| Acclamatio | 28 February 2019 | ||||||||
| Predecessor | Jacobus VI Claudius | ||||||||
| Co-emperor | Diana I Anicia Jacobus VI Claudius | ||||||||
| Born | 5 November 1992 Heraion, Leonople, Perateia | ||||||||
| Spouse | Amelia Verrucosa (m. 2013) | ||||||||
| Issue | |||||||||
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| Dynasty | Claudius | ||||||||
| Father | Jacobus VI Claudius | ||||||||
| Mother | Stephania Pinaria | ||||||||
| Religion | Imperial Church (Catholicism) | ||||||||
| Latin Imperial Family |
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Extended imperial family |
Constantine XX Claudius (Gaius Claudius Anicius Sabinus Constantinus Iacaerus Atreus Marius; b. 5 November 1992) is the junior emperor of Latium and Perateia. His reign began as junior emperor on 28 February 2019.
Constantine is the second child and only legitimate son of Jacobus VI Claudius by his wife Stephania Pinaria. He was educated at Lyceum Sanctus Michaelis for his primary and secondary education, and obtained a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Academia Militaris Olympia. Following his graduation and commission as an officer in the armed forces, Constantine undertook a number of Imperial duties on behalf of his father, including acting as the presiding officer for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Ludi Circenses festival in summer 2014.
In 2014, Constantine married Latin noblewoman Amelia Verrucosa with whom he has five children, Diana, Alexius, Prince of Youth, Princess Philippa, Prince Leo, and Princess Evantia.
Constantine was elevated to junior emperor on 28 February 2019. Since his elevation as emperor, he held his court in Leonople, where he oversaw the administration and governance of Perateia.
Early Life and education
Constantine was born on 5 November 1992 at 11:19 pm in the Purple Room of Heraion, Leonople to then junior Emperor Jacobus VI Claudius and Stephania Pinaria. He was the couples second child, and first son, and, upon his birth, was bestowed the honorific "Purpurogenitus" (Born in the Purple). Constantine was baptized on 25 January 1993 at Sancta Sapientia by Pope Ignatius I. His godparents are Princess Isabella of Latium (his father's sister); then John, Crown Prince of Ghant (Isabella's husband); Anna Pinaria (his mother's sister); and Prince Henry of Garza (Anna's husband). As the son of the junior emperor, Constantine was styled as "Prince Constantine of Youth". Constantine was the first future Latin emperor to be born in Scipia since Theodosius VI Ostia in 1050, who was born in Sydalon.
Following his birth official announcement, a week of games and races were held at the Circus Albae and the Amphitheatrum Anicium in Castellum in celebration. His gender was first announced alongside his mother's pregnancy announcement. This was a first for Latin imperial births and resulted in celebration and rampant speculation of his name. Many betting firms placing odds for his name, initially the highest odds indicated that Leo was a top choice for his name. However, that later gave way to most firms highest odds on his naming being either John or Constantine. His name was announced to the press nine days after his birth, with Imperial Offices stating he was named in memory of both his great-grandfather Emperor Constantine XIX and his great-great grandfather Constantine V of Keld.
Education
Constantine began his education by attending Eleutherion, in Leonople, as well as added instruction from private tutors. After his father, Constantine is only the second Latin ruler to attend formal schooling. He continued his education at Lyceum Sanctus Michaelis for secondary school, he scored grades A in history and math, with B's in sciences. He participated in polo throughout secondary school. Along with his secondary education, Constantine was privately tutored by Pankratios Anemas, who provided lessons on law and the Latin and Perateian constitutions. Throughout secondary school, the Imperial Family and the tabloid press agreed that Constantine would be allowed to study free of paparazzi intrusion in exchange for regular updates of the Prince's life. This same agreement has been made for all of Jacobus VI Claudius' children for their secondary and university educations. He earned his bac from Sanctus Michaelis in 2010.
He opted not to take a gap year, and he immediately enrolled at Academia Militaris Olympia. As a cadet at Olympia, Constantine studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics, though reportedly nearly dropped out of the program in favor of perusing studies in international relations. He reportedly struggled with the program initially, with some news reports quoting unnamed classmates claiming that Constantine's "[father] pushed him to stay in the PPE program. School files surrounding his change of academic focus have been unobtainable to the public. During his third year at Olympia, he took part in numerous military training exercises with enlisted members of Latin Armed Forces, and Perateian armed forces, including the 11th Legion. He participated in polo throughout his education at Olympia.
Prince of Youth
Constantine was appointed to the Emperor's Council at the age of 16, by his father Jacobus VI Claudius. This allowed Constantine to sit in on Council meetings, and enabled him to make visits on his father's behalf, the first of which was to Sydalon, where he visited the village Sarpeta for Christmas celebrations. The same year, Constantine was granted his own imperial household, which was staffed by at least five individuals during 2009, eventually growing to 20 by 2012. In 2013, Constantine's household organized a charity polo match, with all proceeds and donations to benefit Legionary Cause, a charity aimed at supporting widows and orphans of Latin veterans – the event has since been held annually. Constantine was appointed consul in 2007 and 2013, and was suffect consul from June to December 2010
Constantine also served as president or honorary leader of numerous Latin Imperial-sponsored events, including both Ludi Circenses and Transvectio Equitum. In 2013, Constantine was the officer of honor at the annual Transvectio Equitum at Academia Militaris Olympia, an event which he participated in during all three years of his education at Olympia. In 2014, he was the presiding officer of the opening and closing ceremonies, duties typical reserved for close relatives of the reigning monarch.
Elevation as junior emperor
On 29 October 2018, it was announced that Constantine's household as Prince of Youth began preparations to oversee a transition to an imperial court, signifying the first phase in his preparation to being elevated to junior emperor. Between October and January, Constantine made a series of appointments to his court, such as X, Y, and Z. He took up residence at Heraion, in Leonople, in December 2014, when it was announced that he would be overseeing the government of Perateia during the first five years of his reign.
Constantine was officially elevated to junior emperor on 28 February 2019, following an imperial proclomation by his grandmother Empress Diana I, and his acclamation before the Latin Senate that same morning morning. In the afternoon, Constantine was anointed by Pope Ignatius I. An ascension ball was held on the night of his elevation, with guests from X, Y, and Z in attendance. A week of celebration followed, featuring games and festivals normally reserved for a full scale coronation. His acclamation before the Perateian Senate occurred the following day.
Infrastructure plans
One of Constantine's main priorities once he arrived in Leonople was to update the ailing infrastructure of the Perateia. His first act was a major revitalization of the Augustaion, the city's central forum and corresponding central square. Other infrastructure plans included the reconstruction of many dilapidated roads or highways, public transportation, telecommunications, and disaster relief due to historical earthquakes in the area. Many of these projects remained in progress as Constantine became sole emperor in 2016, though have since been completed.
Constantine's government also oversaw renovations of both Hagia Euergetou and Nea Ekklesia in an effort to modernize both basilicas. The renovations began in August 2019, and were completed in 2023. Constantine initiated the renovations with funds from his own incomes, though state, church and other private funds were utilized as well. He has since become a key sponsor of Nea Ekklesia.
Individuals from within Constantine's court reported that plans were discussed to construct a canal which would bisect the Scipian side Perateia to alleviate maritime traffic of the Perseid Strait. The project reportedly has reportedly been in early planning stages since the late 1990s, but was shelved due to the 2002 Lisena earthquake. The canal plans were again shelved in 2019 due to the Fahrani Civil War, but talks have resumed at the war's conclusion in 2023.
In April 2022, Constantine enacted legislation to upgrade parts of the energy grid, and promote investments in battery storage.
Administration
Constantine sought to simplify governance of Perateia, and organized a Local Council, similar to that of the Latin council of the same name. However, this act saw varied responses due to the Local Council's ability to potentially circumvent the Senate. Constantine has continued to reform local government in Perateia throughout his reign, and has issued imperial edicts to expand on local government efficiency.
In 2023, Constantine expanded the number of seats on the Leonople Assembly, making a series of appointments including the first women appointed to the city assembly.
Fahrani Civil War
Assassination attempt of Jacobus VI
Personal life
Courtships
As with most members of the Imperial family, Constantine's personal life has often been subject to great public interest and speculation. Constantine has only had two known relationships. His first relationship with Sophia of Ossonoba began during his first year at Olympia, but ended without before the year's end. His second was with his future wife Amelia Verrucosa.
Relationship with Amelia Verrucosa
Constantine first met Verrucosa at a young age due to the close ties between Verrucosa's family and the Imperial Family. Verrucosa was briefly a became a lady in waiting to Constantine's sister, Princess Leona. There was no known relationship between Constantine and Verrucosa until late June 2011, with rumors of a relationship reaching the press as Verrucosa attended the wedding of Princess Maria and Martin, Crown Prince of Dakmoor, where she and Constantine were frequently seen in each other's company. Soon after, Constantine attended a University of Haenna production of Deceperat, in which Verrucosa held a primarily role. Tabloid reports in Latium began to run stories that Verrucosa and Constantine were in a relationship, but no comment was made by the Imperial Family. Verrucosa faced extensive tabloid scrutiny due to the rumored relationship with Prince Constantine.
Tabloid pressure grew further when, a year later, Verrucosa was Constantine's personal guest in the Imperial Box during the 2012 Ludi Circenses. The incident prompted Delpha Verrco to purchase Auditio Diurna, and the firing of at least 10 staff members. The couple was frequently seen in each other's company over the next several months, along with a number of visits by Verrucosa to Olympia, where Constantine was a cadet. It wasn't until 27 January 2013 that the Imperial Household announced a courtship between Constantine and Verrucosa. The announcement resulted in a stern warning by the Imperial Household regarding the privacy of Constantine and Verrucosa due to previous harassment she had encountered.
Marriage
On 19 August 2013, the Prince of Youth's Office announced the engagement of Constantine and Verrucosa, which included a a planned wedding date of 18 November 2013, prompting foreign tabloids to report that the short engagement was due to an unannounced pregnancy. The couple was away from the Latium during the announcement and made their first public appearance together on 30 August 2013, where they attended a performance of [play], in Castellum.
During their engagement, Verrucosa resided at her own personal apartment at Palatium Aureum or Kainourgion. Despite residing at a different estate, Verrucosa was regularly at the Heraion, or in Castellum, whether to spend time with Constantine or prepare to become Empress. Constantine and Verrucosa attended public events together, and she was on hand for state visits that occurred during this time.
Constantine and Amelia married on 18 November 2013, at the Sancta Sapientia, in Castellum. The ceremony was officiated by Pope Urban IX. Amelia was crowned Princess of Youth during the wedding ceremony. The event was attended by guests from across the world, including reigning monarchs from all Belisarian states, Mutul, and other foreign nobility and representatives. The ceremony reportedly cost $22 million, most of which was paid for by the Imperial family, though security and transportation were covered by the state. A bank holiday was instituted for the wedding throughout Latium and its overseas territories, as well as Perateia. A second ceremony was held three days later at Hagia Euergetou, in Leonople. Amelia and Constantine moved into the Aemilia Suite at Palatium Aurea, which became their official residence, rather than Velia House, which was at the time undergoing renovations.
In December 2013, media began to report on a leak from within the Imperial Household that Amelia was pregnant, which was confirmed by the couple in January 2014. The couple's first child, Diana, was born at Palatium Supranio, on 2 April 2014. In late September 2014, the Imperial Household announced that the couple was expecting their second child. Constantine's first son, and heir, Alexius, was born less than a year after his elder sister, on 12 March 2015, also at Palatium Supranio. Amelia gave birth to Princess Philippa on 6 June 2017, to Prince Leo on 14 February 2019, and to the couple's fifth child Princess Evantia on 3 April 2021. As of summer 2024, the couple is expecting their sixth child.
Public perception and character
Constantine rarely participated in interviews prior to his reign as emperor and in the few he had taken part in he was careful not to address his personal political leanings or feelings. However, classmates of Constantine's have occasionally spoken of him having a more traditionalist view on the Monarchy in Latin society. At Olympia as then Prince of Youth, Constantine was invited on more than one occasion to become to president of the school's Young Populares and Junior Optimates – both being the student arms of Latium's largest senatorial factions. He refused to participate as leader of either organization, though did agree to occasionally sit in on meetings for both organizations.
Constantine is a practicing Catholic in the Imperial Church.
Titles, styles, honors and arms
- 15 November 1993 – 20 May 1997: His Highness Prince Constantine of Youth
- 20 May 1997 – 28 February 2019: His Imperial Highness The Prince of Youth
- 20 May 1997 – 28 February 2019: His Imperial Highness The Despot of Euneos
- 28 February 2019 – present: His Imperial Majesty The Emperor
Constantine's full title and style since becoming Latin emperor is: His Imperial Majesty Constantine Claudius, the Most Pious and Blessed, Serene and Noble, Unconquered and Universal, Latin Emperor, Apostolic King of Castellum, and Alba, Father of the Fatherland, First Citizen of Senate, He Who Commands the Tides of Our Sea, Ruler faithful in Christ, and Sword of Christ.
Reigning simultaneously as Perateian emperor, Constantine's full title in Perateia is: His Imperial Majesty Constantine Claudius, Emperor and Autocrat of the Arbananes, and of all the East, Porphyrogennetos, First Venerable One, Bridger of Seas, Master of the Periclean and of the Ozeros, Sovereign Ruler and Lord of the Scipian Provinces and the lands in between, Protector and Defender of the Faith..
Foreign decorations
Lyncanestria: Grand Cross (formerly Officer) of the Order of the Imperial Lion <imgur w="50">RdM1gc8.png</imgur> 12 January 2017
Mysia: Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Star and Crescent 
Sydalon: Knight of the Order of the Holy Lance 
19 April 2015
Vannois: Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the Dodo File:MostHolyDodoOrder.png 1 January 2017
Dynastic orders
Rahdenburg: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Rahdenburg 
House of Hazarasp: Knight of the Order of the Senmurv 
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Arms
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Issue
| Name | Birth | Death | Notes |
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| By Amelia Verrucosa (married Sancta Sapientia 18 November 2013) | |||
| Princess Diana of Latium | 2 April 2014 | ||
| Alexius, Prince of Youth | 12 March 2015 | ||
| Princess Philippa of Latium | 6 June 2017 | ||
| Prince Leo of Latium | 14 February 2019 | ||
| Princess Evantia of Latium | 3 April 2022 | ||
| Princess Constantia of Latium | 30 August 2024 | ||
Ancestry
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See also
Constantine XX Claudius Born: 5 November 1992
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| Preceded by Jacobus VI Claudius |
Latin Emperor 2016–present |
Incumbent Heir apparent: Alexius, Prince of Youth |
| Perateian Emperor 2016–present | ||
| Latin royalty | ||
| Preceded by The Prince Jacobus later became Emperor Jacobus VI |
Prince of Youth 1997–2016 |
Succeeded by The Prince Alexius |
| Duke of Galata Duke of Velia 1997–2016 | ||
| Belisaria | |
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| Ghant | |
| Malaio | |
| Norumbia | |
| Ochran | |
| Oxidentale | |
| Scipia | |
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