Constantine XX Claudius
| Constantine XX | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | |||||
| Latin Emperor (more...) | |||||
| Reign | 3 November 2016 – present | ||||
| Coronation | 8 December 2017 | ||||
| Predecessor | Jason VI Augustus | ||||
| Heir apparent | Alexius, Prince of Youth | ||||
| Born | 15 March 1994 Palatium Supranio, Adrianople, Latium | ||||
| Spouse | Alazne Dain (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. 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 the following day 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 by his second wife Zoe Verrucosa. 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 2016.
In 2017, Constantine married Ghantish noblewoman Alazne Dain with whom he has two children, Diana and Alexius.
Constantine's reign began on 3 November 2016 after the unexpected death of his father, though had been delayed due to the attempted coup and ended three days later. His coronation on 8 December 2017 was Latium's first televised coronation. His reign has seen various reforms take place in Latium, including Perateian and Sasoran autonomy, local government reform, and a repeal of the controversial Morality Acts.
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 Patriarch Marcus Nasenni of Alba. His godparents were Prince Theodosius, Duke of Beroea (his father's brother) Maria Tarpeia (his father's cousin); Damiane Vitruvia (his maternal grandmother); and the future Michael Vitruvius (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 first announced alongside Princess Zoe's pregnancy announcement, a first for Latin imperial births, 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 John 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. After his father, Constantine is only the second Latin heir or 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 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.
Prince of Youth
Constantine was appointed to the Emperor's Council at the age of 16, 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 Sarpeta for Christmas celebrations. 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 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 Academia Militaris Olympia, an event which he participated in during all three 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.
Reign
Ascension and early regin
Constantine became Latin Emperor his father's death on 3 November 2016. However, his ascension was complicated by the outbreak of a succession crisis in Castellum, with his chief opponent being his younger brother Prince Michael. Largely a political standoff with minimal military maneuvering, the crisis lasted 5 days when it ended with Prince Michael's death on 8 November 2016. Throughout the crisis, Constantine was largely recognized as Latin Emperor by the international community, Latin civil government, and military apparatus.
Assassination attempt
On 13 January 2017, Constantine was the target of an assassination attempt during the funeral procession forJason VI Augustus, along Via Sacra in Castellum.
At approximately 10:30 am, a lone gunman, Lanig Kou Sezneci, fired four shots at Constantine before he was himself killed. All four shots missed Constantine, as he was pushed from his horse by Nathan IV of Ghant as Sezneci began to fire. He 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.
Constantine made his first public appearance after the attempt the following morning on January 14.
Early initiatives
His first executive order was to abolished the Scholarian Guard, temporarily replacing it with the Praetorian Guard. The Scholarian Guard was reestablished in summer 2017. On 25 January 2017, Constantine called for new elections and formally dissolved the Senate.
Constantine announced plans as early as January for reforms focused on Propraetors in mid-January. The plan called for "a more rapid response to both local and Imperial government needs." In February, Constantine issued an Imperial edict which provided Propraetors a more direct role in the county-level councils.
In 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 additional autonomy throughout Latium, particularly its overseas territories. Imperial offices announced that Constantine was "receptive" to the idea, and was "looking forward to seeing Senate proposals."
Two bills were brought forward, though only the second bill passed through committee on September 14, and later reached the Senate for vote on September 25. The vote passed, and Constantine signed the measure into law, and announced that referendums would be held in Sasora. The Sasoran measure failed to garner widespread support and was defeated. An act of the senate reached the floor for a vote on federalization of Latium, though Constantine indicated he would withhold assent and the measure subsequently was not brought to a vote.
In April 2018, Constantine signed a Senate act to upgrade parts of the energy grid, and promote investments in battery storage.
On 23 October 2018, Constantine issued an executive order to repeal the Morality Acts. The acts were officially repealed by Senate vote a week later, along with guaranteeing protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Coronation
Plans for Constantine's coronation were first discussed in early January. No proposed timelines was announced until mid-February when he announced that he did not want the "prospect of an election to overshadow or lessen [his] coronation" 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 Sancta Sapientia in Castellum. Empress Mother Zoe was named chairman of Coronation Commission three days later. His engagement to Alazne Dain took place immediately after his coronation.
Constantine's coronation was the first in Latin history to be televised, which saw a mixed response among Latins and the political elite. The entire coronation, with exception of communion and the anointing, was televised.
Courtships
As with most members of the Imperial family, Constantine's personal life has often been subject to great public interest and speculation. His first known relationship was with classmate and Latin noblewoman Verena Ostia. The pair reportedly dated on and off during secondary school according to classmates, and Verena was said to visit Olympia frequently during Constantine's first term. However, neither has ever confirmed this relationship.
Constantine also had brief relationships with Marcia of Ossonoba and Agnes Aemelia.
In 2015, Constantine briefly courted Elissa of Dakmoor, however the courtship ended quickly due to Elissa's lack of interest in becoming Latin Empress.
Marriage
In June 2015, Constantine began courting Lady Alazne Dain. They are second cousins through Jason Claudius, Duke of Adrianople, and first met in 1999 during a Latin visit to Dakar, Dakmoor. Imperial insiders and biographers claim that such an arrangement was highly favored by Constantine's father and Alazne's relatives in Dakmoor. It has been said that they often kept in contact, and exchanged letters regularly. His courtship of Alazne attracted intense attention by the press, whom referred to Alazne as the "future Purple Empress". By August 2016, the Imperial Household announced that a betrothal agreement for Constantine and Alazne was finalized. Constantine proposed in January 2017.
During their engagement, Alazne resided in Castellum, in her own personal apartment in Velia House. Despite residing at a different estate, Alazne was regularly at the Palace of Augustus, whether to spend time with Constantine or prepare to become Empress. Constantine and Alazne attended public events together, and she was on hand for state visits that occurred during this time.
Constantine married Lady Alazne Dain on 8 December 2017, at the Sancta Sapientia in Castellum. The ceremony was officiated by Archbishop of Adrianople Eutychianus Caesennius, and Patriarch of Castellum Theodorus Afinius. Alazne was crowned Latin Empress in 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 across Latium. Constantine and Alazne are said to have a close relationship.
Children
His wife's first pregnancy was announced on 26 March 2018. On 25 September 2018, Alazne went into labor, giving birth to their first child, Diana, Princess of Youth, on 26 September 2018 in the early morning. The Empress's second pregnancy was announced on 20 May 2019. His first son, Alexius, was born on 12 December 2019.
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 Velia
- 3 November 2016 – present: His Imperial Majesty The Emperor
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, 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
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
Arms
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(1997–2016) |
(2016–present) |
Issue
| Name | Birth | Death | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Alazne Dain | |||
| Princess Diana of Latium | 26 September 2018 | ||
| Alexius, Prince of Youth | 12 December 2019 | ||
Ancestry
| Ancestors of Constantine XX Claudius | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 apparent: Alexius, Prince of Youth |
| Latin royalty | ||
| Preceded by The Prince Jason later became Emperor Jason VI |
Prince of Youth 1997–2016 |
Succeeded by The Princess Diana |
| Duke of Galata Duke of Velia 1997–2016 | ||