Monarchy of Aretias
| Great King of Vardana | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Incumbent | |
 | |
| Basil II since 20 September 2016 | |
| Details | |
| Style | His Apostolic Majesty |
| Heir presumptive | Zenobia, Despoina of Bayazet |
| First monarch | Tigran I |
| Formation | 12 January 1924 (proclaimed) 485 (claimed) |
| Residence | Antelias Palace |
The Monarch of Aretias, officially the Great King of Vardana (Vardanan: Թագաւորի Վարդենիս), is the head of state and head of government of Aretias. It is composed of the maternal descendants of Stepan IV of Vardana by way of his daughter Kinar of Vardana and her husband Tigran Byzennos. The King is the head of the House of Byzennos and the royal family. Since its establishment, the King of Aretias has claimed the regal titles of the defunct throne of Vardana.
History
The monarchy of Aretias traces descent from the Monarchy of Vardana, of which it claims its substantive titles. The monarchy in Aretias was first established on 12 January 1924, claiming direct succession from King Stepan IV of Vardana. As revolution and civil war erupted on the mainland, royal governor Prince Tigran Byzennos maintained control of the island for the royalists and attempted an invasion of Bayazet prior to the arrest of King Stepan. On 9 December 1923, Stepan IV was arrested, and later executed by revolutionaries on 11 January 1924. As Stepan's son-in-law, Tigran claimed kingship by right of his wife Kinar of Vardana – Stepan's oldest daughter.
At Tigran's proclamation, he claimed a direct link to the Vardanan throne and began planning for an expedition to retake the mainland. In its early days, Aretias replied upon foreign support to prevent invasion – seeking support from nearby Chasania, Fahran, and Latium.
Role
The monarch is the absolute head of state of Aretias. As head of state, he is the chief executive and chief representative of Aretias internationally. All legislative, executive, and judicial power rests in the hands of the king. The judiciary is subordinate to the king, as is the consultative assembly.
The monarch wields much power through the Royal Council and his councilors, which include government ministers. The monarch is empowered to appoint or remove councilors, of which the monarch presides. Despite the monarch's key role in this system, the Secretary of State has become the most influential member of the council outside of members of the royal family. This system results in royal decrees forming the basis of the country's legislation – this is often done in concert and through the Royal Council.
Titles, styles and honors
Aretian royal titles are nearly identical to those of the Hazaraspid Kings of Vardana, from whom the House of Byzennos claims royal descent. The only difference is the addition of the title of King of Aretias. The monarch's current title and style is:
- Great King and Autokrator of Vardana, King of Aparan, of Mysia, of Bayazet, of Armavir, of Ayrum, of Dardalona, and of Aretias, King of Tayk, Shahanshah of the West, Grand Prince of the East, First Venerable One, Bridger of Seas, Master of the Periclean and the Ozeros Seas, Sovereign Ruler and Lord of the Scipian Provinces and the lands in between, Protector and Defender of the Apostolic Faith.
Title of the heir apparent
In line with Hazaraspid traditions, the heir apparent to Aretias is granted the title of Despot of Bayazet. As such this title remains contested with the heir to the House of Hazarasp. Currently, the position of heir presumptive is occupied by Zenobia, Desponia of Bayazet. She is the first female to hold the position of heir and is afforded the style of Royal Highness ("HRH"). She is likely to be displaced by the birth of a younger, legitimate brother.
Succession
List
| Name | Portrait | Arms | Birth | Consorts | Death | House |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tigran I (Տիգրան Ա) 12 January 1924 – 27 February 1959 |
|
|
1 May 1885 Colchis Son of Konstantinos Byzennos and Kinar of Vardana |
TBD St. Tiridates Cathedral 17 September 1906 4 children |
27 February 1959 Amberd aged 73 |
Former royal governor Claimant to the Vardanan throne as maternal grandson of Aram IV |
| Basil I (Բասիլեիոս Ա) 27 February 1959 – 11 April 1978 |
|
|
18 April 1908 Tigranaberd Palace Son of Tigran I and TBD |
Marcia of Latium Hagia Anthemia 22 March 1931 6 children |
11 April 1978 Antelias Palace aged 70 |
Son of Tigran I |
| Sempad I (Սմբատ Ա) 11 April 1978 – 30 March 1980 (overthrown) |
|
|
12 February 1933 Antelias Palace Son of Basil I and Marcia of Latium |
TBD St. Gregory Chapel 3 June 1965 1 child |
9 September 2001 Kahrash aged 67 |
Son of Basil I |
| Tigran II (Տիգրան Բ) 30 March 1980 – 22 August 2000 |
|
|
8 June 1935 Antelias Palace Son of Basil I and Marcia of Latium |
TBD Antelias Palace 30 March 1956 # children 6 other children |
22 August 2000 Antelias Palace aged 66 |
Brother of Sempad I |
| Cyril I (Կյրիակոս Ա) 22 August 2000 – 2 June 2016 |
|
|
8 March 1959 St. Isaac Hospital Son of Tigran II and TBD |
Irene of Mysia & Nyrundy St. Gregory Chapel 8 January 1986 5 children |
2 June 2016 Tigran II National Royal Hospital aged 55 |
Son of Tigran II |
| Basil II (Բասիլեիոս Բ) 2 June 2016 – present |
|
|
16 July 1988 Amberd Son of Cyril I and Irene of Mysia & Nyrundy |
(1) Margarita Pinaria Hagia Anthemia 25 July 2013 3 children (2) Guinevere of Roazhon St. Gregory Chapel 2 February 2020 1 other child |
Living age 36 |
Son of Cyril I |