Coronation of the current emperor of Themiclesia

The current emperor of Themiclesia succeeded to the throne on Dec. 11, 2016, upon the raising of ritualistic lamentation for death of his predecessor and great-grandfather Emperor Hên′. On that day and subsequently, several ceremonies were held to confirm his status as sovereign of Themiclesia at home and to foreign states.

Death of Emperor Hên′

Emperor Hên′ died on Dec. 4, 2016, due to multiple organ failure, at the age of 101 years. Since his death was unexpected, his successor was visiting foreign states at the time and swiftly flown to Kien-k'ang. Due to historic dangers of public uncertainty, Themiclesian law provided that until the ritualistic lamentation was raised, the emperor's death is to be concealed; the implication is that a successor is already procured and at hand, since only the successor can raise the lamentation. In actuality, the emperor's passing was widely reported as soon as signs, such as general cancellations of audiences and shutting of the gates, were noticed. The responsibilities of the emperor fell to the House of Lords during the interregnum, the incoming monarch to be responsible for funerary rites after enthronement. The houses of parliament, then in prorogation, were summoned to meet on Dec. 11, 2016; the press therefore speculated that the new emperor would come to the throne publicly on that day. During this time, the royal seals were kept under the custody of the Clerks of the House, supervised by the Tribunes.

The practices immediately after the emperor's passing have been described as archaic, though it is stated the last demise occurred more than 90 years ago, and the legal procedures were not amended during Hên′s reign.