Constantine XX Claudius
| Constantine XX | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Latin Emperor (more...) | |||||
| Reign | 3 November 2016 – present | ||||
| Coronation | 8 December 2017 | ||||
| Predecessor | Jason VI Augustus | ||||
| Heir presumptive | Diana, Princess of Youth | ||||
| Consuls | See list | ||||
| King of Belfras (more...) | |||||
| Reign | 3 November 2016 – present | ||||
| Predecessor | Jason VI Augustus | ||||
| Lords Palatine | See list
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| Consuls | See list | ||||
| Born | 15 March 1994 Palatium Supranio, Adrianople, Latium | ||||
| Spouse | Anastasia of Ghant (m. 2017) | ||||
| Issue | |||||
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| House | Claudius | ||||
| Father | Jason VI Augustus | ||||
| Mother | Zoe Verrucosa | ||||
| Religion | Fabrian Catholic | ||||
| Latin Imperial Family |
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Extended imperial family |
Constantine XX (Gaius Claudius Anicius Nero Constantinus Felix Laurentius Caesar Augustus; b. 15 March 1994) is the reigning Latin Emperor and 118th monarch of Latium. He is also monarch of the Belfrasian Federation. His reign began on 3 November 2016 after the unexpected death of his father, though had been delayed due to the attempted coup of his younger brother Prince Michael. The dispute was settled in early December when Constantine became the only surviving claimant and solidified his hold on the Latin throne. His coronation on 8 December 2017 was Latium's first televised coronation.
Constantine is the oldest child of Jason VI Augustus and Zoe Verrucosa. He was educated at Lyceum Sanctus Michaelis for his primary and secondary education, obtaining a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Academia Militaris Olympia. Following his graduation and commission, 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 2016 to mark a shift towards his growing Imperial duties.
The first month of Constantine's rule was plagued by instability, brought on by the sudden and unexpected death of his father, Jason VI Augustus, and a coup led by his younger brother Michael. This resulted in a limited succession crisis which lasted from early November 2016 until his brother's death on 2 December 2016, with much of the conflict being simply military posturing and movements. Constantine entered Castellum on 4 December 2016, where he took control of the city and issued a series of executive orders to solidify his rule, most notable of these was an order aimed at local police support and the dissolution of the Scholarian Guard in favor of a Praetorian led gendarmerie. Since, Constantine had also instructed the Ministry of Justice to open an investigation into the causes of the attempted coup and individuals that supported his brother's claim. During the first full year of his reign, Constantine was the target of a failed assassination attempt perpetrated by the GSB, and also instituted local government and future gendarmerie reforms.
Early Life and education
Constantine was born on 15 March 1994 at 11:19 pm in the Blue Room of the Palatium Supranio to Jason, Prince of Youth and Zoe Verrucosa, and was the couples first child. He was baptized on 13 October 1994 at Sancta Sapientia by Archbishop Marcus Nasenni of Castellum. His godparents were Prince Theodosius, Duke of Beroea (his father's brother) Maria Tarpeia, Countess Rutupiae (his father's cousin); Damiane Vitruvia (his maternal grandmother); and the future Thomas Vitruvius, 3rd Marchis of Antium (his mother's cousin). As the son of the heir apparent, Constantine was styled as "Prince Constantine of Youth".
Following his birth official announcement, a week of games and races were held at the Circus Albae and the National Colosseum in Castellum in celebration. His gender was announced during Princess Zoe's pregnancy announcement, which 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, many in the public were turned off at the idea following the Princess Isabella Scandal and the birth of her son Leo in 1991. This prompted in most bets placed on his naming being either Alexander or Constantine. His name was announced to the press three days after his birth, with Imperial Offices stating he was named in memory of his great-grandfather Emperor Constantine XIX.
Education
Constantine began his education by attending Sanctus Michaelis in 1997, which he would attend throughout his primary education. 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 constitution. 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 Jason VI Augustus' children for their secondary and university educations. He graduated from Sanctus Michaelis in 2011.
He opted not to take a gap year, which most considered unusual at the time, 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 classmates claiming that his "[father] pushed him to stay in the PPE program. School files surrounding his switch of academic focus have thus far been unobtainable by members of the press due to repeated blocks of the Freedom of Information Act. During his third year at Olympia, he took part in numerous military training exercises with enlisted members of Latin Armed Forces including the 11th Legion. He participated in intramural polo throughout his education at Olympia.
Pre-reign duties and activities
Constantine was appointed to the Emperor's Council at the age of 17, by his father Jason VI Augustus. 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 Kerkouane – the alleged birthplace of Jesus. The same year, Constantine was granted his own imperial household, which was staffed by at least five individuals during 2010, eventually growing to 20 by 2013. In 2014, 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 has also served as president or honorary leader of numerous Latin Imperial-sponsored events, including both Ludi Circenses and Transvectio Equitum. In 2014, Constantine was the officer of honor at the annual Transvectio Equitum at Olympia, an event which he participated in during all four years of his education at Olympia. In 2016, he was the presiding officer of the opening and closing ceremonies, duties typical reserved for close relatives of the reigning Monarch.
Succession crisis
Opening days
Constantine's father, Emperor Jason VI Augustus, died on 3 November 2016 at approximately 8:45 pm at Palace of Augustus. Local news reports stated that gunfire began to erupt from the Palace of Augustus not long after the Emperor's death, with later reports from that evening claiming that Constantine had fled from the city via helicopter with all of his siblings, except for Michael and Selene, along with his cousins, step-mother and grandmother. The next day, Constantine revealed on a RAL broadcast that he was in Adrianople and held the last will and testament of his father, which he read live on television. This will announced Constantine as true heir to the throne.
Constantine made his temporary Imperial seat in Adrianople. He soon gained the support of Consul Alexander Pompilius and the Conservative Party on 6 November. A number of other parties, including the Progressive Party and Liberal–Labor Party quickly followed and began holding sessions of the Senate in Adrianople.
Initial military involvement
The earliest days of the crisis were spent gathering and moving military support. Constantine dispatched his cousin, Prince Leo of Ghant, to gain the support of the border-based legions, which he was ultimately successful after a number of secret meetings in Ascanium. Constantine received the loyalty of the Praetorian Guard immediately, as well as the support of the recently appointed Master of Soldiers Flavius Vipsanius, who hadn't yet officially taken office. By gaining Vipsanius, Constantine was able to gather the support legions based out of the western, and southern counties. These were countered by the legions gained by Michael in the east, largely centered on Ravenna and Heraclea and the single legion of George massed in Espo.
Constantine's legions began to move east towards Castellum and held position in the city of Kallipolis, where they were met by a mixed army of regulars and Scholarian gendarmerie. The two sides were engaged in minor skirmishes, but never activly engaged, resulting in a major standoff that lasted until the end of November with neither side willing to fire the first shot. On November 19, photographs were released that Constantine had visited his army near Kallipolis.
Constantine was reportedly actively involved in the military planning, and regularly involved the Senate with his plans. Palace staff at Palatium Supranio reported regular cabinet meetings and war councils involving a number of high ranking generals and military advisors, with Constantine often handling much of the military strategy himself.
Final days
By November 29, Constantine's government in Adrianople had received the support of nearly all county-level governments in Latium that were not near Castellum and Greater Alba.
Constantine entered Castellum on 3 December 2016, the day after his brother's death at the hands of their second cousin Adrian Ulpius. He was preceded by his cousin Leo, who had taken control of the city from Michael's forces. Constantine and his forces were joined by Emperor Nathan IV of Ghant and a minor Ghantish force when he entered the city that day. Constantine began to assert his control over the city and invited the Lord Mayor of Castellum and Deputy Mayor of Alba to the Palace where Constantine offered Praetorian support to aid the local police in returning stability to the city.
Investigations
Reign
2017
After ending the succession crisis, Constantine began to issue a number of executive orders towards restoring order and civilian control to both the central, Imperial government and local governments. The first of these orders was to abolish the Scholarian Guard and temporarily placed it's competencies as national gendarmerie under Praetorian control. Constantine also removed his armies from the capital, though provided any logistical support to local police in ensuring proper civilian control to the city.
On 25 January 2017, Constantine called for new elections and formally dissolved the Senate on 9 February.
Constantine, by way of Imperial Offices, had announced plans as early as January for reforms geared towards the county-level office of Propraetor in mid-January. At the initial announcement, little of substance was offered in the proposal other than "a desire for a more rapid response to both local and Imperial government needs." By the first week of February, Constantine issued an Imperial edict which provided Propraetors a more direct role in the county-level councils, in some cases veto power, and enhanced military or armed police capabilities – particularly among gendarmerie and reserve forces. Since the edict, all propraetors have been given seats on the Emperor's Council of Advisors.
In early September 2017, a local and regional government reform petition reached 500,000 prompting Constantine to order the Senate to explore and debate the measure. The petition, named Citizens for a better local government, was focused on calling for devolved or autonomous sub-national governments throughout Latium, with a bulk of signatures coming from residents of Gelonian-speaking counties or Imbros. Imperial offices announced that Constantine was "receptive" to the idea, and was "looking forward to seeing Senate proposals."
One bill was pushed forward by Imbrosian Voters Union and a number of smaller parties focused on greater regional autonomy, though this bill ultimately failed. A second bill passed through committee on September 14, and later reached the Senate for vote two weeks later on September 25. Constantine signed the measure into law, and announced that referendums would be held in the proposed boundaries of the devolved administration of Gelonian-speaking Latium, named Brennia, and Imbros to take place on November 8. Only the Imbrosian devolution plan gained the necessary votes.
Assassination attempt
A military parade was scheduled to take place on Friday, 13 January 2017, with many mockingly referring to the event as a "triumph" due to the parade route following that of ancient Latin triumphs. The week was marked with celebrations, including chariot races sponsored by the Imperial household and an international football match between Latium and country. On the day of the parade, Constantine was joined by a number of guests including Consul Alexander Pompilius and his family, a number of other prominent senators, a number of peers, and a Ghantish Imperial Party which included Emperor Nathan IV and Princess Anastasia of Ghant, for a private church service at St. Maria's Basilica Outside the Walls, presided by Theodorus Afinius, an Auxiliary Bishop of Castellum.
The parade began at approximately 10:00 am BST, with Constantine entering through the Golden Gate of the Felixian Walls on horseback followed by the Imperial Party and a mixed unit of Praetorians, and the 10th legion. At approximately 10:30 am, a lone individual, named Lanig Kou Sezneci managed to get past police and fired four shots at Constantine before he was himself killed by Praetorian Prefect John Santella. All four shots missed Constantine, as he was pushed from his horse by Nathan IV of Ghant as Sezneci began to fire, and only suffered injuries related to falling from his horse.
The Gelonian National Front quickly claimed responsibility for the attack, prompting a lockdown and curfew to be placed in effect for 5 boroughs of Castellum through the next night. Investigations into Sezneci would discover that he had left a suicide note in his Castellum hotel room, though it has not been publicly released by the Frumentarii due to "possible threats against national security".
Constantine made his first public appearance after the attempt the following morning on January 14.
Coronation
Plans for Constantine's coronation were first discussed in early January, though no proposed timelines were announced weeks later in February. Constantine said that he did not wish to have talk of his "coronation spoil election season" and Imperial Offices announced that more concrete information would be released following the 2017 State Opening of Senate in April. On 4 May 2017, it was announced that Constantine's coronation would be held on Friday, 8 December 2017, at Basilica of the Blessed Virgin in Adrianople. Constantine's mother, Princess Zoe, Countess of Aarhusium, was announced to be the chairman of Coronation Commission three days later. Four months into planning, it was announced that Constantine would be marrying Princess Anastasia of Ghant in a ceremony taking place immediately after his coronation.
Constantine's coronation was the first in Latin history to be televised, with domestic broadcasts on the RAL and international broadcasts on RALInternational or Delpha Prime.
Personal life
As with most members of the Imperial family, Constantine's personal life has often been subject to great public interest and speculation. Constantine reportedly had his first relationship during secondary school with classmate and noblewoman Marcia Anicia, daughter of Nicephorus Anicius, Duke of Ossonoba, though a relationship was never confirmed by either family.
Constantine began courting Princess Anastasia of Ghant sometime in January 2017. The pair reportedly first met at the wedding of Arietta of Ghant and Crown Prince Vitus of Staalmark in summer 2016, and reconnected not long after the 2016 succession crisis. Constantine and Anastasia became engaged in September 2017.
Marriage
Constantine married Anastasia, Princess of Ghant on 8 December 2017, at the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin in Adrianople. The ceremony was officiated by Archbishop Eutychianus Caesennius of Adrianople, and attended by guests from across the world, including reigning monarchs from all Belisarian states, Afalia, Mutul, and leaders from republican states such as Belfras. 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 across Latium.
Children
His wife's first pregnancy was announced on 26 March 2018, with an expected due date in early October 2018. The couple's first child, Diana, Princess of Youth was born on 26 September 2018
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 Conservative Student Union and Young Progressive's – both being the student arms of Latium's largest political parties. 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 Fabrian Catholic, though occasionally attends Reformed services due to his mother's adherence to the latter.
Titles, styles, honors and arms
| Styles of The Emperor | |
|---|---|
| Reference style | His Imperial Majesty |
| Spoken style | Your Imperial Majesty |
| Alternative style | Caesar |
- 15 March 1994 – 20 May 1997: His Highness Prince Constantine of Youth
- 20 May 1997 – 3 November 2016: His Imperial Highness The Prince of Youth
- 20 May 1997 – 3 November 2016: His Imperial Highness The Duke of Galata and Alba
- 20 May 1997 – 3 November 2016: His Imperial Highness The Duke of Adrianople
- 3 November 2016 – present: His Imperial Majesty The Emperor
- In Belfras, 3 November 2016 – present: His Imperial Majesty The Emperor, King of Belfras
Constantine's full title and style since becoming Sovereign is: His Imperial Majesty Constantine the Twentieth, the Most Pious and Blessed, Serene and Noble, Unconquered and Universal, Latin Emperor, King of Belfras, and the Belfrasian Realms, 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.
Foreign decorations
Lyncanestria: Grand Cross (formerly Officer) of the Order of the Imperial Lion <imgur w="50">RdM1gc8.png</imgur> 12 January 2017- File:South Rietumimark Flag.PNG South Rietumimark: Hero of the Tsar, Master Class
31 January 2017 
Sydalon: Grand Officer 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
Arms
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Issue
| Name | Birth | Death | Notes |
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| By Anastasia of Ghant | |||
| Diana, Princess of Youth | 26 September 2018 | ||
Ancestry
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See also
Constantine XX Claudius Born: 15 March 1994
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| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Jason VI Augustus |
Latin Emperor 2016–present |
Incumbent Heir presumptive: Diana, Princess of Youth |
| King of Belfras 2016–present | ||
| Latin royalty | ||
| Preceded by The Prince Jason later became Emperor Jason VI |
Prince of Youth 1997–2016 |
Vacant Title next held by The Princess Diana
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| Duke of Galata Duke of Alba 1997–2016 | ||