Melisende III of Sydalon

Melisende III
Melisende in 2018
Queen of Sydalon (more...)
Reign	22 May 2013 – present
Anointing	1 July 2013
Predecessor	Desiderius I
Heir apparent	Hugh, Prince of Petra
Born	(1990-08-05) 5 August 1990 Castella Amala, Kalkara, Toron
Spouses	Godfrey Galan (m. 2010; annulled 2013) Michael of Dakmoor (m. 2014)
Issue	Hugh, Prince of Petra Princess Melisende Princess Elisabetta Prince Michael Prince Desiderius Princess Belandra Princess Esmerelda Prince Jordan Princess Izara Prince Benjamin
Full name Melisende Belandra Elissa Emmanuelle Dianne
House	Aultavilla (official) Toron (agnatic)
Father	Desiderius I
Mother	Christina of Latium
Religion	Fabrian Catholicism

Melisende III (Melisende Belandra Elissa Emmanuelle Dianne; b. 5 August 1990) is the Queen of Sydalon.

Melisende was born in Kalkara, Toron, as the eldest child of King Desiderius I and Princess Christina of Latium. She was educated by private tutors until she enrolled at Empress Alexandra College, Castellum. She studied international relations and history before dropping out to become Queen in 2013. She briefly served as a reservist in the Sydalene Defense Forces from 2011 through 2012 for her mandatory service requirements. In 2010, she married Godfrey Galan; however, the marriage ended in an annulment in 2013. In 2014, she married Prince Michael of Dakmoor.

Melisende became Monarch of Sydalon following the death of her father in 2013. She became the youngest Sydalene monarch since of Queen Belandra III in 1834. A major challenge in her early reign came with the 2016 New Year's Revolt, which saw Sydalon faced with the largest domestic uprising since the 1970s anti-Accords protests and uprisings. Her reign has so far resulted in the creation of the National Assembly and a sharp rise extremism and anti-Accords domestic politics.

Early life and education

Melisende was born on 5 August 1990, at Castella Amala, in Kalkara, Toron as the eldest child and daughter of then Desiderius, Prince of Petra and Princess Christina of Latium. As the eldest child of the Prince of Petra, Melisende was created Duchess of Diban upon her birth, with letters patent issued by the Prince's household. She has four younger brothers, Sebastian, William, Roletus, Bohemond; and a younger sister Desideria.

Melisende was baptized into the Fabrian Catholic Church on 17 September 1990, in Sarepta, by Pope Ignatius I, with her godparents being, Francis I, Duke of Rema (her father's brother); Delphine of Philippopolis (Francis' wife); then Prince Theodosius of Latium (her mother's brother; and Princess Eirene of Latium (her mother's sister). As the eldest child of the heir apparent, Melisende was second in line to the Sydalene throne. As heir apparent to the Prince of Petra, Melisende was granted the title of "Duchess of Diban".

Education

Melisende was primarily educated by private tutors and governesses that were hired by her parents. Her lessons primarily focused on art, history, language, scripture, and the Constitution. Throughout her childhood and education, Melisende was also regularly tutored by members of the clergy, most notably the Pope Ignatius I in her teenage years.

Melisende became the first member of the Sydalene Royal Family to enroll at a non-military academy for university when she was enrolled at Empress Alexandra College, Castellum in 2008. Her enrollment was initially controversial among noble circles in Sydalon when it was reported she would be living in student housing. After the report, the Royal Family rejected the claim and stated that Melisende would be living in off-campus housing with Princess Maria of Latium at Velia House, in Castellum.

She gained admission to Empress Alexandra College, a constituent college of University of Castellum Iohannes XIII. While in university, she studied international relations and history. She participated in a number of extra-curricular activities, including bible study. Melisende was also student leader of the campus's Catholic Student Union and occasionally attending meetings of the college's Student Conservatives club.

As heir apparent

Upon turning 18, Melisende began to undertake various royal duties on behalf of her grandfather, and her father who was at the time heir apparent. She served as the representative of King Jordan at the 2011 Ludi Circenses. Melisende became Honorary President of the Sydalene Football Association in November 2011, and while an honorary position in nature, Melisende played a role in securing Sydalon as the host of the 2014 UAFA World Cup.

Princess Melisende as Princess of Petra, in 2012.

However it wasn't until Melisende turned 19 that she began to more actively assume duties, the first of which was an official visit to Ascalzar with her father the King. She also accompanied her father during his 2012 Belisarian trip to Latium, Garima, Lihnidos, and West Merovia. Her first solo international visit came in late 2010 when she traveled to Langael, a predominantly Catholic region of Low Ghant. It is believed this is when Melisende first met Godfrey Galan. Melisende met with Lord Donal of Langael, and reportedly had elected to remain in Langael for two extra days before returning to Sydalon. Their engagement was announced in November 2010, marrying in summer 2012.

In early 2011, Chancellor-General Recared Athanagild of the Order of the Holy Lance passed away creating the need for Melisende to appoint a replacement. Days after Athanagild's funeral, Melisende publicly announced that she desired to directly hold the office herself concurrently with Grand Master. Melisende's declaration sparked a debate in the Petran General Courts as to whether she should serve as Chancellor-General without any prior military service or career. Melisende eventually appointed Adeodatus du Caeseti to the position.

Early reign

In spring 2013, King Desiderius I passed away from pancreatic cancer and Melisende ascended to the throne.

Melisende was anointed on 1 July 2013 in a ceremony hosted at Cathedral of the Holy Sepulchre, in the city of Sydalon. The event was attended by prominent members of the Parliament, as well as representatives from many nations and monarchies from around the world.

First days

Melisende's first act as monarch was to replace The Lord of Ibelina as Chancellor. Ibelina was removed from office by the Royal prerogative on 10 June, and was replaced with Theodoric VI, Marquis of Vada. Melisende ordered government to lift the ban on restricting senators on the Senate from joining political parties.

New Years' Revolt

Main article: 2016 New Year's Revolt

Between late-October and early-November 2014, Chancellor-General Adeodatus du Caeseti of the Holy Lance faced numerous allegation of sexual misconduct and impropriety. These allegations continued to arise throughout the week while Caeseti was overseas during a foreign visit to Catholic nations. On November 1, Caeseti was recalled to Ostracine by Richard of Sydalon, Duke of Surra, Regent of Petra, though Caeseti had refused to leave the Sydalene embassy in Castellum. The next day, Caeseti attempted to flee the Sydalene embassy and make his way to a private jet to reach Fabria, but was apprehended by Latin Frumentarii for questioning in relation to allegations from a Latin citizens of rape.

Days later, Caeseti was returned to Sydalon by Latin officials and was indicted on 11 criminal counts, including 7 for sexual misconduct by a Royal grand jury assembled by Melisende. The same day, Melisende exercised her royal prerogative to initiate the process to expedite du Caeseti's removal while his criminal case was pending.

Melisende visiting the village of Sarepta, October 2017.

The pending criminal charges were not without controversy, as Melisende's decision to expedite du Caeseti's removal was met with numerous protesters claiming the allegations were "fake news and attacks against the faith". The protests resulted in 17 arrests for violation of lese majeste laws. Caeseti's supporters within the Order continued to denounce Melisdene's "unlawful removal" of Caeseti, and called it an affront to God "unfit from the protector of Christendom's Holy Land." Melisdende censured the nearly 20 members of the Order's administrative upper echelon. As of November 15, the Sydalene Royal Army's 3rd Legion in Petra was mobilized, as was an army garrisoned near Ostracine.

On November 18, the Royal household announced that it had narrowed down the list of possible replacements down to three. The following week, Prince-Regent The Duke of Surra appointed Eradi Kanmil; however, it resulted in the retirement of at least 10 of the 20 highest ranking officers within the order.

Constitutional reforms

Main article: National Assembly

Scandals

Mutulese sanctions

As the revolutionary threat subsided, Melisende made overtures to government during the Mifsud era has been described as tumultuous at best as numerous scandals eventually toppled the attempt at parliamentary democracy in Sydalon. On 27 August 2018, Melisende approved an easing of sanctions on Mutul, which were later revealed to be proposed by then Minister of Finance and Economy Annibale Milki. The news of the proposed eased sanctions prompted outcry from various nations, such as Belfras, Fakolana, and Yisrael, but were praised by Sante Reze. After pressures from allied nations, and the Parliament, Melisende issued a royal decree halting the proposed ease, and sacked Minister Milki.

Mifsud government collapse

On October 23, government emails from the Council of Ministers were leaked by Ghant-based Honeydrippers. The Honeydippers scandal implicated People's Party Leader and Minister of the Interior Pelae Arvad, Minister of Foreign Affairs Desiderius de Villepena, and Minister of Agriculture Michael Galea. The leaked emails cover topics ranging from lobbying firms offering to meet with members of the Council of Ministers to The Queen to The Prince of Petra. In the emails, government ministers were revealed to accept bribes, and violate lese majeste laws for accusing Melisende of having an affair during her marriage to Godfrey Galan. The scandal prompted the resignation of the government ministers involved, and a dissolution of the National Assembly with new elections by Queen Melisende.

A second election took place on November 24, though unlike the summer 2018 election, Melisende did not appoint any individual that currently served in the National Assembly to serve on the Council of Ministers as promised

Personal life

Marriage to Godfrey Galan

On 13 June 2012, Melisende married Godfrey Galan, the youngest son of Ghantish nobleman Donal, Lord of Langael, at a ceremony in the city of Sydalon at the Cathedral of the Holy Sepulchre and was performed by the Pope. Melisende was first betrothed to Godfrey in December 2010. The ceremony was attended by numerous high profile guests including monarchs or representatives from Latium, Ghant, Lyncanestria, and many others. Melisende and Godfrey were bestowed Castela du Normane. In 2016, Castra Rubea in Sydalon became Melisende's primary residence. She gave birth to their only child, Hugh, Prince of Petra, in 2012.

Melisende's marriage to Godfrey ended on 23 April 2013, after Pope Ignatius I granted an annulment after Godfrey was outed as a homosexual.

Marriage to Michael of Dakmoor

After her annulment, Melisende courted a number of suitors from 2013 to 2014, including XXXX, Prince Edgar of Gaemar, and Gabriel, Hereditary Prince of Montgisard. However, the Royal Household announced Melisende's engagement to Prince Michael of Dakmoor in January 2014, with whom she was alleged to be involved in an affair with as early as 2010.

She and Michael were married on 3 June 2014, at Cathedral of the Holy Sepulchre in the city of Sydalon. The service was performed by the Pope, with invitees from throughout the world. She gave birth to their first child, Melisende in August 2014. A third child, Elisabetta, was born in 2016. In February 2018, she gave birth to twins: Michael and Desiderius. Her sixth child, Belandra, was born in 2019. Her seventh child, Esmeralda, was born on 19 November 2020. Less than a year later, on 4 November 2021, Melisende gave birth to her eighth child, Jordan. Melisende's ninth child, Izara, was born on 26 January 2023. She is currently pregnant with her tenth child, who is due in summer 2024.

Styles, honors, and arms

Styles

• 5 August 1993 – 3 March 2011: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Diban
• 3 March 2011 – 22 May 2013: Her Royal Highness The Princess of Petra
• 22 May 2013 – present: Her Royal Majesty The Queen

Foreign decorations

• Ascalzar: Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Hieronymus I November 2014
• Latium: Knight of the Order of the Ram 2 August 2014
• Lyncanestria: Officer of the Order of the Imperial Lion <imgur w="50">5qFKBzS.png</imgur> March 2017

Issue

Name	Date of birth	Date of death	Spouses
By Godfrey Galan (b. 1990):
Hugh, Prince of Petra	(2012-05-10) 10 May 2012
By Prince Michael of Dakmoor (b. 1991):
Princess Melisende of Sydalon	(2014-08-01) 1 August 2014
Princess Elisabetta of Sydalon	(2016-03-18) 18 March 2016
Prince Michael of Sydalon	(2017-09-12) 12 September 2017
Prince Desiderius of Sydalon	(2017-09-12) 12 September 2017
Princess Belandra of Sydalon	(2019-02-28) 28 February 2019
Princess Esmerelda of Sydalon	(2020-11-19) 19 November 2020
Prince Jordan of Sydalon	(2021-11-04) 4 November 2021
Princess Izara of Sydalon	(2023-01-26) 26 January 2023
Prince Benjamin of Sydalon	(2024-07-06) 6 July 2024

Ancestry

Ancestors of Melisende III of Sydalon

16. Theodore IV, Duke of Toron 8. Tancred II, Duke of Toron 17. Andrea of Iudila 4. Jordan IX of Sydalon 18. Sebastian IV, Duke of Ordaz 9. Elissa IV of Sydalon 19. Emmanuelle I of Garza & Sydalon 2. Desiderius I of Sydalon 20. Aubin III, Duke of Philippopolis 10. Robert VI, Duke of Philippopolis 21. Emma of Melfi 5. Melisende of Philippopolis 22. John V, Count of Canosa 11. Olympias of Canosa 23. Princess Maria of Adelon 1. Melisende III of Sydalon 24. Theodosius Claudius, Duke of Adrianople 12. Jacobus Claudius, Duke of Adrianople 25. Princess Isobel of Gaemar 6. Leo Claudius, Duke of Adrianople 26. Duke Constantine Martius 13. Isabella Martia 27. Eusebia Rasinia 3. Princess Christina of Latium 28. John X Anicius 14. Constantine XIX Anicius 29. Joanna I Anicia 7. Diana I Anicia 30. William II, Elector of Rahdenburg 15. Christine of Rahdenburg 31. Adalinda of Nyrundy

See also

• List of Sydalene monarchs

Melisende III of Sydalon House of Aultavilla Cadet branch of the House of Altvilla Born: 5 August 1990
Regnal titles
Preceded by Desiderius I as King	Queen of Sydalon 2013–present	Incumbent Heir apparent: Hugh, Prince of Petra
Sydalene royalty
Preceded by The Prince Desiderius later became King Desiderius I	Princess of Petra 2011–2013	Succeeded by The Prince Hugh
Peerage of Petra
Preceded by The Prince Desiderius later became King Desiderius I	Duchess of Diban 1993–2011	Succeeded by The Prince Hugh