Constantine XX Claudius
| Constantine XX Claudius | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince of Youth | |||||||||
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| Latin Emperor Perateian Emperor | |||||||||
| Reign | 28 February 2015 – present | ||||||||
| Acclamatio | 28 February 2015 | ||||||||
| Predecessor | Jacobus VI Claudius | ||||||||
| Co-emperor | Diana I Anicia Jacobus VI Claudius | ||||||||
| Born | 5 January 1993 Heraion, Leonople, Perateia | ||||||||
| Spouse | Adela of Ghant (m. 2015) | ||||||||
| 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 Purpurogenitus; b. 5 January 1993) is the reigning junior emperor of Latium and Perateia. His reign as junior emperor began on 28 February 2015.
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 2015, Constantine married Princess Adela of Ghant with whom he has four children, Diana, Alexius, Prince of Youth, Princess Gratia, Princess Evantia.
Constantine was elevated to junior emperor on 28 February 2015. From his elevation until 2017, he held his court in Leonople, where he oversaw the administration and governance of Perateia. Following an assassination attempt against his father in 2017, Constantine relocated his court to Castellum and has since reigned as primary emperor despite remaining junior emperor.
Early Life and education
Constantine was born on 5 January 1993 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 only son. Upon his birth, Constantine 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 outside of Latium since his grandfather Constantine XIX Anicius, who was born in Thessalona, Belfras and the first to be born in Scipia since Theodosius VI Ostia in 1050, who wasa 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, as well as celebratory events in Leonople and Adrianople. His gender was first announced alongside the initial pregnancy announcement, which 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 his great-grandfather Emperor Constantine XIX.
Education
Constantine began his education by attending Eleutherion, in Leonople, and also included private instruction from various tutors. Constantine is only the second Latin ruler to attend formal schooling, the first being his father. Constantine continued his education at Lyceum Sanctus Michaelis, in Castellum, 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, a Perateian scholar 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 Jacobus VI Claudius' children for their secondary and university educations. He obtained his bac from Sanctus Michaelis in 2010.
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 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 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 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 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 2014, it was announced that Constantine's household as Prince of Youth was beginning preparations to oversee a transition to an imperial court, signifying the first phase in his elevation to junior emperor. Between October and January, Constantine made a series of appointments to his court, such as X, Y, and Z. By December 2014, he took up residence at Heraion, in Leonople, where it was announced that he would be overseeing the government of Perateia during at least the first five years of his reign.
Constantine was formally elevated to junior emperor on 28 February 2015, following his acclamation before the Latin Senate and the Perateian Senate the following day. 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. Constantine's future wife, Princess Adela of Ghant, was a guest of honor. A week of celebration followed, featuring games and festivals normally reserved for a full scale coronation.
Infrastructure plans
One of Constantine's main priorities once he arrived in Leonople was to update the ailing infrastructure of Perateia. His first act was a major revitalization of the Rosaeum, 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 January 2016, and were completed in 2019, after Constantine became sole emperor. Constantine initiated the renovations with funds from his own incomes, thought 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 Alcaean Straits. The project reportedly has reportedly been in early planning stages since the late 1990s, but was shelved due to the 2002 Lisena earthquake, and was once again temporarily shelved following Constantine's ascension as sole emperor.
Administration
Constantine sought to simplify governance of Perateia, and organized a Local Council, similar to that of the imperial council of the same name. However, this act saw varied responses due to the Local Council's ability to potentially circumvent the Senate.
The growth in government spending during this phase of his reign also saw a restructuring of the tax code and revisions of toll schedules through the Perseid Strait to increase government revenues.
Reign in Castellum
Assassination attempt of Jacobus VI
Early initiatives
Constantine announced plans as early as January for reforms focused on Propraetors. His 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, resulting in Constantine ordering 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.
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 Agnes Aemilia. The pair reportedly dated on and off during secondary school according to classmates, and Aemilia was said to visit Olympia frequently during Constantine's first term. However, neither has ever confirmed this relationship.
Constantine also had a brief courtship with Alaina of Gelonia.
Marriage
In June 2014, the Imperial Household announced the courtship of Constantine and Princess Adela of Ghant. Imperial insiders and biographers reported that the courtship was highly controversial at court, and received a great deal of push-back from Emperor Jacobus VI due to Adela's relation to the Ostia dynasty, and that he had previously refused assent to the courtship a year prior. The pair was seen in together in Ghish and throughout Latium or Perateia until their engagement was announced on 23 May 2015.
During their engagement, Adela resided at her own personal apartment in Kainourgion. Despite residing at a different estate, Adela was regularly at the Heraion, whether to spend time with Constantine or prepare to become Empress. Constantine and Adela attended public events together, and she was on hand for state visits that occurred during this time.
Constantine and Adela married on 15 November 2015, at the Sancta Sapientia, in Castellum. The ceremony was officiated by Pope Urban IX. Adela was crowned junior Latin Empress consort during the wedding ceremony, and subsequently proclaimed Augusta. 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.
A second ceremony was held two days later at Hagia Euergetou, in Leonople.
Children
His wife's first pregnancy was announced on 26 March 2016. On 1 August 2016, Adela went into labor, and gave birth to the couple's first child, Princess Diana, the following morning. The Empress's second pregnancy was announced on 20 May 2016. His first son, Alexius, was born on 12 October 2017.
In February 2019, the Imperial Household announced that Constantine and Empress Adela were expecting their third child. Their third child, Princess Gratia was born on 6 June 2019. Their fourth child Princess Evantia was born on 8 August 2021.
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 multiple occasion to become to president of the school's Populares Student Union and Young Optimates – both being the student arms of Latium's two 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 2015: His Imperial Highness The Prince of Youth
- 20 May 1997 – 28 February 2015: His Imperial Highness The Despot of Levedos
- 28 February 2015 – 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 all the East, Porphyrogennetos, Unconquered and Universal, 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 Princess Adela of Ghant (married Sancta Sapientia 15 November 2015) | |||
| Princess Diana of Latium | 2 August 2016 | ||
| Alexius, Prince of Youth | 12 October 2017 | ||
| Princess Gratia of Latium | 6 June 2019 | ||
| Princess Evantia of Latium | 8 August 2021 | ||
Ancestry
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See also
Constantine XX Claudius Born: 5 January 1993
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| Regnal titles | ||
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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 Princess Alexius |
| Duke of Galata Duke of Velia 1997–2016 | ||
| Belisaria | |
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| Ghant | |
| Malaio | |
| Norumbia | |
| Ochran | |
| Oxidentale | |
| Scipia | |
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