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'''Prince Leo of Ghant, Duke of Alba''' (''Leo John Robert Aurelius''; b. 31 August 1991) commonly known as Prince Leo, is the oldest child of [[John, Crown Prince of Ghant]] and [[Isabella of Latium|Princess Isabella of Latium]]. At the time of his birth, Leo was third in line to the [[Obsidian Throne]]; he is currently fifth. Leo is twenty-first in the line of succession to the [[Succession to the Latin throne|Latin throne]].
'''Prince Leo of Ghant, Duke of Alba''' (''Leo John Robert Aurelius''; b. 31 August 1991) commonly known as Prince Leo, is the oldest child of [[John, Crown Prince of Ghant]] and [[Isabella of Latium|Princess Isabella of Latium]]. At the time of his birth, Leo was third in line to the [[Obsidian Throne]]; he is currently fifth. Leo is twenty-first in the line of succession to the [[Succession to the Latin throne|Latin throne]].


Leo resided in Ghish from his birth until the death of his grandfather [[Albert I of Ghant]], after which he was {{wp|Writ of attainder|attained}} and expelled from [[Ghant]] along with his mother and sisters. Leo and his family would reside in Latium following his expulsion from Ghant and was given the honorary title <nowiki>"Prince in Latium".</nowiki> He is the first member of the immediate Ghantish Imperial Family to be both {{wp|Roman Catholic Church|Fabrian Catholic}} and foreign raised. His attainder was lifted in Ghant in 2006 by his half-brother [[Nathan IV of Ghant|Nathan]].  
Leo resided in Ghish from his birth until the death of his grandfather [[Albert I of Ghant]], after which he was {{wp|Writ of attainder|attained}} and expelled from [[Ghant]] along with his mother and sisters. Leo and his family would reside in Latium following his expulsion from Ghant and was given the honorary title <nowiki>"Prince in Latium".</nowiki> He is the first member of the immediate Ghantish Imperial Family to be both {{wp|Roman Catholic Church|Fabrian Catholic}} and foreign raised. His attainder, along with that of his two sisters, was lifted in Ghant in 2006 by his half-brother [[Nathan IV of Ghant|Emperor Nathan IV of Ghant]].  


Leo is a graduate of [[Academia Militaris Olympia]] in Latium where he studied international strategy and participated in the Leadership Development Program. At his graduation he was commissioned as a Decurion, and before he took a leave of absence in 2017 held the honorary rank of {{wp|General (United Kingdom)|Cataptan}} in the [[Latin Army]]. He was a key figure in the [[Latin succession crisis of 2016|2016 succession crisis]], serving as a key commander in the armies of [[Constantine XX of Latium|Emperor Constantine XX]].  
Leo is a graduate of [[Academia Militaris Olympia]] in Latium where he studied international strategy and participated in the Leadership Development Program. At his graduation he was commissioned as a Decurion, and before he took a leave of absence in 2017 held the honorary rank of {{wp|General (United Kingdom)|Cataptan}} in the [[Latin Army]]. He was a key figure in the [[Latin succession crisis of 2016|2016 succession crisis]], serving as a key commander in the armies of [[Constantine XX of Latium|Emperor Constantine XX]].  


Leo previously served as [[Master of Offices]] from 2017 until 2018. In spring 2018, he was appointed [[Privy Council of Ghant|Imperial Justicar of Ghant]].  
Leo previously served as [[Master of Offices]] from 2017 until 2018. In spring 2018, he was appointed [[Privy Council of Ghant|Imperial Justicar of Ghant]].
==Early Life==
==Early Life==
Leo was born at the Imperial Palace, in [[Ghish]], [[Ghant]] on 31 August 1991. He is the second child of [[John, Crown Prince of Ghant]] and his first by [[Isabella of Latium|Princess Isabella of Latium]]. He was named for his grandfather [[Leo, Prince Consort]] and prolific ancestor [[Leo of Ghant]]. His birth was celebrated in Ghant, though was one of controversy in [[Latium]] where he was mockingly called <nowiki>"Leo Gentry"</nowiki> by some conservative-leaning Latin based media outlets.  
Leo was born at the Imperial Palace, in [[Ghish]], [[Ghant]] on 31 August 1991. He is the third child of [[John, Crown Prince of Ghant]] and his first by [[Isabella of Latium|Princess Isabella of Latium]]. Leo was named for his grandfather [[Leo, Prince Consort]] and prolific ancestor [[Leo of Ghant]]. His birth was celebrated in Ghant and in Latium, initially. At the time of his birth his parents were unwed, as John was then married to [[Caroline Zuria]]. Though plans for a divorce were in the works prior to Leo's birth, approval for John and Caroline's divorce was not formally sent to the [[Jauneketxea]]. However, due to various factors and speculated obstruction, the divorce was not approved. Leo has two younger sisters, [[Diana of Ghant and Latium|Diana]] and [[Theodora of Ghant and Latium|Theodora]], as well as three half-siblings from his father's marriage to Zuria, [[Nathan IV of Ghant|Nathan]], [[Adelaide of Ghant|Adelaide]] and [[Arietta of Ghant|Arietta]].


He was primarily raised in Ghish during his earliest years, and for some time still after the death of his father in April 1994. From 1994 until the death of his grandfather [[Albert I of Ghant|Albert]], Leo would spend his time between his mother's private villa and the Palace in Ghish.  
Leo was baptized into the [[Church of Ghant]], on 20 January 1992. His godparents are raised at the Imperial Palace, in Ghish, during his formative years. When Leo was 3, his father died in a plane accident. Following John's death, Leo's mother Isabella was charged for the care of all of John's children, including Leo's half-siblings Nathan and Adelaide.
===Controversy===
===Controversy===
Prior to his birth, the Fabrian Catholic Church excommunicated his mother following her intentions to marry John against both the wishes of her parents, and Church leadership. On temporal grounds, her marriage was rejected by Imperial Marriages Act section of the Acts of Succession. This disqualified her and her children of any place in the line of succession at the time. The Church asserted that the marriage was illegitimate due to his father being already married to [[Caroline Zuria]].
Prior to his birth, the Fabrian Catholic Church threatened to censure Isabella following her intentions to marry John, as he was already married to Caroline Zuria. John submitted plans for a divorce from Caroline to the Ghantish Jauneketxea prior to Leo's birth, however, the matter was delayed and ultimately rejected after Leo's birth. Some Latin news outlets referred to Leo's birth mockingly, however publications printing or speaking of these remarks were later prohibited in Latium. While the divorce never occurred, John and Isabella proceeded with their marriage plans and married in a private ceremony in December 1991. When news of this broke, the Fabrian Church asserted that the marriage was illegitimate due to John's marriage to [[Caroline Zuria]]. Isabella began to undertake the formal duties of the Crown Princess.
===Expulsion from Ghant===
==Expulsion from Ghant==
On 19 May 1997, Leo's paternal grandfather, [[Albert I of Ghant|Emperor Albert I]], passed away, with the throne falling to Leo's elder half-brother [[Nathan IV of Ghant|Nathan]], under a regency led by in a regency led by [[Albert I of Keuland|Prince Albert of Ghant]]. Leo and his two sisters were {{wp|attainder|stripped}} of their Ghantish imperial titles and rights during the regency, and along with their mother were banished from the [[Ghant]]. Reports from former household employees of Princess Isabella claim that she and her children were awoken in the middle of the night by Ser Adrasto Minazar, captain of Isabella's personal guard. By the time the news of the attainder and banishment had reached Isabella and her children, they were already on their way to the airport.  
On 19 May 1997, Leo's paternal grandfather, [[Albert I of Ghant|Emperor Albert I of Ghant]], passed away, with the throne falling to Leo's elder half-brother [[Nathan IV of Ghant|Nathan]]. Though during Albert I's reign, there was talk of Leo surpassing Nathan in the line of succession, however Nathan came to the throne uninterrupted. By July, the Jauneketxea decalred a regency led by [[Albert I of Keuland|Prince Albert of Ghant]]. With his first act as regent, ALbert {{wp|attainder|stripped}} Isabella, Leo, Diana, and Theodora of their Ghantish imperial titles and rights and repatriated them to [[Latium]]. Reports from former household employees of Princess Isabella claim that she and her children were awoken in the middle of the night by Ser Adrasto Minazar, captain of Isabella's personal guard, and told to pack their belongings. Courtiers report that Nathan was not allowed to see Isabella or his siblings before their departure. On the afternoon of 18 July 1997, Leo, his mother, and sisters, were escorted by [[Black Guards of Ghant|Imperial Black Guards]] to the Ghish Airport where they were met by the Latin Ambassador to Latium, who joined them for their flight to [[Castellum]].


Emperor Albert's death quickly reached Latium, as did the news of the actions taken against Leo's family. The incident precipitated a crisis, beginning when his maternal grandparents were mid-flight from Castellum to [[Adrianople]] when news reached the [[Latin Imperial Family]]. The flight made an emergency landing in Oea, after [[Leo, Prince Consort]] suffered a heart attack and died en route to the hospital. [[Diana Augusta|Empress Diana Augusta]] was also rumored to be severely effected by the news, which culminated in the elevation of [[Jason VI Augustus of Latium|Emperor Jason VI]] to co-ruler by his mother May 20. Emperor Jason VI welcomed Leo, Diana, Theodora and their mother, Isabella, to Latium on 20 May 1997 at Diana Augusta International Airport in [[Castellum ab Alba|metropolitan Castellum]].
Emperor Albert's death quickly reached Latium, as did the news of the actions taken against Leo's family. The incident precipitated a crisis, beginning when his maternal grandparents were mid-flight from Castellum to [[Adrianople]] when news reached the [[Latin Imperial Family]]. The flight made an emergency landing in Oea, after [[Leo, Prince Consort]] suffered a heart attack and died en route to the hospital. [[Diana Augusta|Empress Diana Augusta]] was also rumored to be severely effected by the news, which culminated in the elevation of [[Jason VI Augustus of Latium|Emperor Jason VI]] to co-ruler by his mother May 20. Leo's uncle, [[Jason VI Augustus of Latium|Jason, Prince of Youth]], welcomed Leo, Diana, Theodora and their mother, Isabella, to Latium on 18 July 1997 at Diana Augusta International Airport in [[Castellum ab Alba|Castellum]].  
 
The Catholic Church was quick protest the new Latin emperor's decision to allow the children entry, as their mother was excommunicated for having claimed to have taken part in a polygamous marriage. The day after their arrival, Jason introduced the children to court, and announced his sister's place as a Princess Imperial. Having been stripped of his titles and succession rights in Ghant, Leo was named <nowiki>"Prince in Latium,"</nowiki> with a similar title granted to his sisters. This was fully distinct from a Prince of Latium, and <nowiki>"created to affirm [each child's] status as a foreign royal in Latium"</nowiki>. This proclamation has never officially been rescinded following the restoration of his rights in Ghant. Leo continued to hold the status of a <nowiki>''Prince in Latium''</nowiki> until September 2016 when he was made a <nowiki>''Prince of Latium''</nowiki> by [[Jason VI Augustus of Latium|the Emperor's]] last will and testament.


The day after their arrival, Jason introduced the children to court, and [[Diana Augustua|Empress Diana]] announced courtesy titles for Leo and his sisters. Leo and his sisters converted to the Catholicism a month later and were restored their place in the [[Succession to the Latin throne|line of succession]]. Leo was named <nowiki>"Prince in Latium,"</nowiki> with a similar title granted to his sisters. This was fully distinct from a Prince of Latium, and <nowiki>"created to affirm [each child's] status as a foreign royal in Latium"</nowiki>. Leo continued to hold the status of a <nowiki>''Prince in Latium''</nowiki> until September 2016 when he was made a <nowiki>''Prince of Latium''</nowiki> by [[Jason VI Augustus of Latium|the Emperor's]] last will and testament.
==Education==
==Education==
While in Ghish, Leo's father John hired tutors from both Ghant and [[Latium]], particularly [[Imbros]], to educate Leo and his sisters. The most prominent of which was Pankratios Anemas, whom would later be hired as a tutor for both Leo and his cousin [[Constantine XX of Latium|Constantine]] upon Leo's arrival in Latium. Due to his education, he is fluent in [[Ghantish language|Ghantish]], [[Standard Latin language|Latin]], {{wp|Griko dialect|Imbrosian}} and {{wp|English language|Arthuristan Anglic}}. Leo also received martial training from Ser Adrasto Minazar, a Ghantish knight who remains close with the family.
While in Ghish, Leo's father John hired tutors from both Ghant and [[Latium]], particularly [[Perateia]], to educate Leo and his sisters. The most prominent of which was Pankratios Anemas, whom would later be hired as a tutor for both Leo and his cousin [[Constantine XX of Latium|Constantine]] upon Leo's arrival in Latium. Due to his education, Leo is fluent in [[Ghantish language|Ghantish]], [[Standard Latin language|Latin]], [[wikipedia:Greek language|Hellenic]]. He also received lessons on {{wp|English language|Arthuristan}} and [[wikipedia:French language|Aulic]]. Leo also received martial training from Ser Adrasto Minazar, a Ghantish knight who remains close with the family.  
 
Upon the insistence of his uncle Jason, Leo was enrolled at NAME for primary and secondary schooling. He attended Lyceum Sanctus Michaelis for secondary school, earning his {{wp|Baccalauréat|bac}} in 2009. He chose to forgo a gap year, and joined the [[Latin Army]] where he enrolled at [[Academia Militaris Olympia]]. While at Olympia, he primarily studied international strategy and was a participant in the Leadership Development Science program. He graduated in 2013 with a commission as a {{wp|Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)|Decurion}}.


Upon the insistence of his uncle Jason, Leo was enrolled at Sanctus Michaelis for primary and secondary schooling. As Leo prepared to enter secondary school, his brother's regency was concluded and Nathan's first act was to restore the title and rights of Leo, his mother, and sisters. He attended Lyceum Sanctus Michaelis for secondary school, earning his {{wp|Baccalauréat|bac}} in 2009. He chose to forgo a gap year, and joined the [[Latin Army]] where he enrolled at [[Academia Militaris Olympia]]. While at Olympia, he primarily studied international strategy and was a participant in the Leadership Development Science program. He graduated in 2013 with a commission as a {{wp|Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)|Decurion}}.
==Military Career==
==Military Career==
[[File:Leo of Ghant and Latium.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Prince Leo at event in 2015.]]Leo received his military training at [[Academia Militaris Olympia]], the main national military service academy in Latium. He was first enrolled as a cadet in 2009, and during his first year participated in the Student Conference on [[Belisarian Community|BC Affairs]] as his primary extracurricular activity. After undergoing training and schooling for four years at Olympia, Leo was commissioned on 1 June 2013 as a {{wp|Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)|Decurion}}. Following his commission, Leo sough active service but joined a detachment of 4th Legion, stationed in Kalymnos, near Leonopolis on a joint BC military installation. From April 2014 until June 2015, Leo spent time with a cohort of the 4th legion in [[Vannois]] along the Vannoisian-Liothidian border. Leo participated in numerous military exercises while stationed with the [[List of Latin legions|4th Legion]], including war games with Belisarian allies. By May 2016, Leo was promoted to {{wp|Colonel (United Kingdom)|Tribunus}} (Military Tribune) and re-stationed to Utica. He was put on leave in early January 2017, and remains a member of legionary reserve.
[[File:Leo of Ghant and Latium.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Prince Leo at event in 2015.]]Leo received his military training at [[Academia Militaris Olympia]], the main national military service academy in Latium. He was first enrolled as a cadet in 2009, and during his first year participated in the Student Conference on Belisarian Affairs as his primary extracurricular activity. After undergoing training and schooling for four years at Olympia, Leo was commissioned on 1 June 2013 as a {{wp|Captain (British Army and Royal Marines)|Decurion}}. Following his commission, Leo sough active service but joined a detachment of 4th Legion, stationed in Kalymnos, outside of [[Leonopolis]], in the [[Diocese of the East]]. From April 2014 until June 2015, Leo spent time with a cohort of the 4th legion in [[Lyncanestria]] along the Lyncanestrian-Valgtean border. Leo participated in numerous military exercises while stationed with the [[List of Latin legions|4th Legion]], including war games with Belisarian allies. By May 2016, Leo was promoted to {{wp|Colonel (United Kingdom)|Tribunus}} (Military Tribune) and re-stationed to Utica. He was put on leave in early January 2017, and remained a member of legionary reserve until 2020.
==2016 succession crisis==
==2016 succession crisis==
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In February 2018, Leo came into ownership of Palatium Blachernae in Blachernae. It is his primary residence in Latium, though he maintains an apartment at various Imperial residences, including the Palace of Augustus.
In February 2018, Leo came into ownership of Palatium Blachernae in Blachernae. It is his primary residence in Latium, though he maintains an apartment at various Imperial residences, including the Palace of Augustus.
===Courtship===
===Courtships===
Rumors of relationship between Leo and [[Anna Kinnamos]], now a Latin Senator, extend as far back as secondary school. The first instance of this was when the pair attended end of the year formal together at Sanctus Michaelis in 2008 and 2009. Over the years, the two have been spotted together at numerous events, state functions, and even in the public sphere. The two had reportedly separated sometime in 2015 or 2016.
Rumors of relationship between Leo and [[Anna Kinnamos]], now a Latin Senator, extend as far back as secondary school. The first instance of this was when the pair attended end of the year formal together at Sanctus Michaelis in 2008 and 2009. Over the years, the two have been spotted together at numerous events, state functions, and even in the public sphere.
 
In summer 2014, Leo travelled to the [[Izotza|Kingdom of Izotza]], in [[Ghant]], to court [[Izolde I of Izotza|Queen Izolde I]] at the request of his brother. Leo knew little of Izolde at the time and according to those at Ghantish court, she was eager for Leo's arrival. Leo remained in Izotza for a week upon his first visit. Though he was still an active member of the Latin Army, Leo frequented Izotza between 2014 and 2016. In summer 2015, Izolde gave birth to a daughter, [[Edura, Crown Princess of Izotza]]. She has thus far refused to speak on her daughter's paternity, though Leo is believed to be Edura's father.


In February 2017, Leo and [[Lena, Princess Royal]] were seen together by paparazzi in Ghish, resulting in speculation the two were courting. This speculation grew when Leo traveled to Gelonia in March. Neither publicly commented on the rumored relationship.  
In February 2017, Leo and [[Lena, Princess Royal]] were seen together by paparazzi in Ghish, resulting in speculation the two were courting. This speculation grew when Leo traveled to Gelonia in March. Neither publicly commented on the rumored relationship.  
[[File:Getty villa, peristilio esterno 11.JPG|thumb|left|180px|Leo became the owner of Palatium Blachernae in 2018.]]
[[File:Getty villa, peristilio esterno 11.JPG|thumb|left|180px|Leo became the owner of Palatium Blachernae in 2018.]]
At the 2017 [[Ludi Circenses]], Leo was photographed with [[Lyncanestria|Lyncanestrian]] noblewoman [[Caroline, Countess of Winburn|Caroline de Villeneuve]] at show jumping and chariot racing events. Speculation began to mount among the media and royal circles that the two had begun courting. It wasn't until October 2017 that spokespersons for both Leo and Caroline confirmed a relationship. In November 2017, Leo attended the Endowment for the Arts charity gala in [[Beaupré]], which was hosted by Caroline. Though she attended the wedding of [[Constantine XX of Latium|Emperor Constantine XX]] on Leo's personal invitation, Leo's acknowledgement of an illegitimate son with unnamed woman in late December 2017 is believed to have placed a strain on his relationship. The courtship ended in February 2018.
At the 2017 [[Ludi Circenses]], Leo was photographed with [[Lyncanestria|Lyncanestrian]] noblewoman [[Caroline, Countess of Winburn|Caroline de Villeneuve]] at show jumping and chariot racing events. Speculation began to mount among the media and royal circles that the two had begun courting. It wasn't until October 2017 that spokespersons for both Leo and Caroline confirmed a relationship. In November 2017, Leo attended the Endowment for the Arts charity gala in [[Beaupré]], which was hosted by Caroline. Though she attended the wedding of [[Constantine XX of Latium|Emperor Constantine XX]] on Leo's personal invitation, Leo's acknowledgement of an illegitimate son with unnamed woman in late December 2017 is believed to have placed a strain on his relationship. The courtship ended in February 2018.
 
==Marriage==
The Ghantish imperial household announced the engagement of Leo and [[Elissa of Dakmoor|Princess Elissa of Dakmoor]] in October 2018. They were married on 1 February 2019, at the [[Castellum ab Alba#Religion|Pantheon]]. Their first child was born in November 2019.
The Ghantish imperial household announced the engagement of Leo and [[Elissa of Dakmoor|Princess Elissa of Dakmoor]] in October 2018. They were married on 1 February 2019, at the [[Castellum ab Alba#Religion|Pantheon]]. Their first child was born in November 2019.
==Issue==
==Issue==

Revision as of 01:29, 1 June 2020

Prince Leo
Prince of Ghant
Duke of Alba
Prince Leo of Ghant and Latium.jpg
Born (1991-08-31) 31 August 1991 (age 32)
Inperiala Palace, Ghish, Ghant
Spouse
Elissa of Dakmoor (m. 2019)
Issue
Detail
Full name
Leo John Robert Aurelius
HouseGentry
FatherJohn, Crown Prince of Ghant
MotherIsabella, Princess Imperial
ReligionFabrian Catholic
Military career
Allegiance Latium
Service/branch Latin Army
Years of service2009–2017 (end of active service)
RankCatapan (honorary)
Tribunus
UnitLegio IV Triumphalis

Prince Leo of Ghant, Duke of Alba (Leo John Robert Aurelius; b. 31 August 1991) commonly known as Prince Leo, is the oldest child of John, Crown Prince of Ghant and Princess Isabella of Latium. At the time of his birth, Leo was third in line to the Obsidian Throne; he is currently fifth. Leo is twenty-first in the line of succession to the Latin throne.

Leo resided in Ghish from his birth until the death of his grandfather Albert I of Ghant, after which he was attained and expelled from Ghant along with his mother and sisters. Leo and his family would reside in Latium following his expulsion from Ghant and was given the honorary title "Prince in Latium". He is the first member of the immediate Ghantish Imperial Family to be both Fabrian Catholic and foreign raised. His attainder, along with that of his two sisters, was lifted in Ghant in 2006 by his half-brother Emperor Nathan IV of Ghant.

Leo is a graduate of Academia Militaris Olympia in Latium where he studied international strategy and participated in the Leadership Development Program. At his graduation he was commissioned as a Decurion, and before he took a leave of absence in 2017 held the honorary rank of Cataptan in the Latin Army. He was a key figure in the 2016 succession crisis, serving as a key commander in the armies of Emperor Constantine XX.

Leo previously served as Master of Offices from 2017 until 2018. In spring 2018, he was appointed Imperial Justicar of Ghant.

Early Life

Leo was born at the Imperial Palace, in Ghish, Ghant on 31 August 1991. He is the third child of John, Crown Prince of Ghant and his first by Princess Isabella of Latium. Leo was named for his grandfather Leo, Prince Consort and prolific ancestor Leo of Ghant. His birth was celebrated in Ghant and in Latium, initially. At the time of his birth his parents were unwed, as John was then married to Caroline Zuria. Though plans for a divorce were in the works prior to Leo's birth, approval for John and Caroline's divorce was not formally sent to the Jauneketxea. However, due to various factors and speculated obstruction, the divorce was not approved. Leo has two younger sisters, Diana and Theodora, as well as three half-siblings from his father's marriage to Zuria, Nathan, Adelaide and Arietta.

Leo was baptized into the Church of Ghant, on 20 January 1992. His godparents are raised at the Imperial Palace, in Ghish, during his formative years. When Leo was 3, his father died in a plane accident. Following John's death, Leo's mother Isabella was charged for the care of all of John's children, including Leo's half-siblings Nathan and Adelaide.

Controversy

Prior to his birth, the Fabrian Catholic Church threatened to censure Isabella following her intentions to marry John, as he was already married to Caroline Zuria. John submitted plans for a divorce from Caroline to the Ghantish Jauneketxea prior to Leo's birth, however, the matter was delayed and ultimately rejected after Leo's birth. Some Latin news outlets referred to Leo's birth mockingly, however publications printing or speaking of these remarks were later prohibited in Latium. While the divorce never occurred, John and Isabella proceeded with their marriage plans and married in a private ceremony in December 1991. When news of this broke, the Fabrian Church asserted that the marriage was illegitimate due to John's marriage to Caroline Zuria. Isabella began to undertake the formal duties of the Crown Princess.

Expulsion from Ghant

On 19 May 1997, Leo's paternal grandfather, Emperor Albert I of Ghant, passed away, with the throne falling to Leo's elder half-brother Nathan. Though during Albert I's reign, there was talk of Leo surpassing Nathan in the line of succession, however Nathan came to the throne uninterrupted. By July, the Jauneketxea decalred a regency led by Prince Albert of Ghant. With his first act as regent, ALbert stripped Isabella, Leo, Diana, and Theodora of their Ghantish imperial titles and rights and repatriated them to Latium. Reports from former household employees of Princess Isabella claim that she and her children were awoken in the middle of the night by Ser Adrasto Minazar, captain of Isabella's personal guard, and told to pack their belongings. Courtiers report that Nathan was not allowed to see Isabella or his siblings before their departure. On the afternoon of 18 July 1997, Leo, his mother, and sisters, were escorted by Imperial Black Guards to the Ghish Airport where they were met by the Latin Ambassador to Latium, who joined them for their flight to Castellum.

Emperor Albert's death quickly reached Latium, as did the news of the actions taken against Leo's family. The incident precipitated a crisis, beginning when his maternal grandparents were mid-flight from Castellum to Adrianople when news reached the Latin Imperial Family. The flight made an emergency landing in Oea, after Leo, Prince Consort suffered a heart attack and died en route to the hospital. Empress Diana Augusta was also rumored to be severely effected by the news, which culminated in the elevation of Emperor Jason VI to co-ruler by his mother May 20. Leo's uncle, Jason, Prince of Youth, welcomed Leo, Diana, Theodora and their mother, Isabella, to Latium on 18 July 1997 at Diana Augusta International Airport in Castellum.

The day after their arrival, Jason introduced the children to court, and Empress Diana announced courtesy titles for Leo and his sisters. Leo and his sisters converted to the Catholicism a month later and were restored their place in the line of succession. Leo was named "Prince in Latium," with a similar title granted to his sisters. This was fully distinct from a Prince of Latium, and "created to affirm [each child's] status as a foreign royal in Latium". Leo continued to hold the status of a ''Prince in Latium'' until September 2016 when he was made a ''Prince of Latium'' by the Emperor's last will and testament.

Education

While in Ghish, Leo's father John hired tutors from both Ghant and Latium, particularly Perateia, to educate Leo and his sisters. The most prominent of which was Pankratios Anemas, whom would later be hired as a tutor for both Leo and his cousin Constantine upon Leo's arrival in Latium. Due to his education, Leo is fluent in Ghantish, Latin, Hellenic. He also received lessons on Arthuristan and Aulic. Leo also received martial training from Ser Adrasto Minazar, a Ghantish knight who remains close with the family.

Upon the insistence of his uncle Jason, Leo was enrolled at Sanctus Michaelis for primary and secondary schooling. As Leo prepared to enter secondary school, his brother's regency was concluded and Nathan's first act was to restore the title and rights of Leo, his mother, and sisters. He attended Lyceum Sanctus Michaelis for secondary school, earning his bac in 2009. He chose to forgo a gap year, and joined the Latin Army where he enrolled at Academia Militaris Olympia. While at Olympia, he primarily studied international strategy and was a participant in the Leadership Development Science program. He graduated in 2013 with a commission as a Decurion.

Military Career

File:Leo of Ghant and Latium.jpg
Prince Leo at event in 2015.

Leo received his military training at Academia Militaris Olympia, the main national military service academy in Latium. He was first enrolled as a cadet in 2009, and during his first year participated in the Student Conference on Belisarian Affairs as his primary extracurricular activity. After undergoing training and schooling for four years at Olympia, Leo was commissioned on 1 June 2013 as a Decurion. Following his commission, Leo sough active service but joined a detachment of 4th Legion, stationed in Kalymnos, outside of Leonopolis, in the Diocese of the East. From April 2014 until June 2015, Leo spent time with a cohort of the 4th legion in Lyncanestria along the Lyncanestrian-Valgtean border. Leo participated in numerous military exercises while stationed with the 4th Legion, including war games with Belisarian allies. By May 2016, Leo was promoted to Tribunus (Military Tribune) and re-stationed to Utica. He was put on leave in early January 2017, and remained a member of legionary reserve until 2020.

2016 succession crisis

Emperor's Council appointment

Leo was appointed Master of Offices on 5 January 2017. The same day, Leo was made Propraetor of Falisca, and Ostia. Throughout his tenure as Master of Office, Leo participated in Imperial duties on behalf of Emperor Constantine, which have included serving as the presiding officer of the 2017 Ludi Circenses, participation in state visits, and even a limited amount of investitures when Emperor Constantine was indisposed or unavailable.

File:Prince Leo at Ludi Circenses.jpg
Leo spectating the chariot races during the 2018 Ludi Circenses.

Leo resigned as Master of Offices after he announced his paternity of an illegitimate child on 21 December 2017. He retained a seat on the council as an Aid-in-council.

Ghantish Privy Council

In spring 2018, Leo was appointed Imperial Justicar of Ghant by his half-brother, Emperor Nathan IV. Prior to his appointment, he held a seat on the Ghantish Privy Council as an Adjunct councilor since 2006.

Personal life

Little is known of Prince Leo's personal life. The most widely known fact of Leo's personal life is that he and Emperor Constantine XX are close friends; Leo was the best man at Constantine's wedding in December 2017. Leo is a known football fan, and is a fan of Liga Premier side FC Imperialis Ianiculum. Along with his military training, Leo is known to be trained at traditional arms, though his swordsmanship skills are largely unknown. He came into possession of the Arragaran steel sword Lokatz.

In February 2018, Leo came into ownership of Palatium Blachernae in Blachernae. It is his primary residence in Latium, though he maintains an apartment at various Imperial residences, including the Palace of Augustus.

Courtships

Rumors of relationship between Leo and Anna Kinnamos, now a Latin Senator, extend as far back as secondary school. The first instance of this was when the pair attended end of the year formal together at Sanctus Michaelis in 2008 and 2009. Over the years, the two have been spotted together at numerous events, state functions, and even in the public sphere.

In summer 2014, Leo travelled to the Kingdom of Izotza, in Ghant, to court Queen Izolde I at the request of his brother. Leo knew little of Izolde at the time and according to those at Ghantish court, she was eager for Leo's arrival. Leo remained in Izotza for a week upon his first visit. Though he was still an active member of the Latin Army, Leo frequented Izotza between 2014 and 2016. In summer 2015, Izolde gave birth to a daughter, Edura, Crown Princess of Izotza. She has thus far refused to speak on her daughter's paternity, though Leo is believed to be Edura's father.

In February 2017, Leo and Lena, Princess Royal were seen together by paparazzi in Ghish, resulting in speculation the two were courting. This speculation grew when Leo traveled to Gelonia in March. Neither publicly commented on the rumored relationship.

Leo became the owner of Palatium Blachernae in 2018.

At the 2017 Ludi Circenses, Leo was photographed with Lyncanestrian noblewoman Caroline de Villeneuve at show jumping and chariot racing events. Speculation began to mount among the media and royal circles that the two had begun courting. It wasn't until October 2017 that spokespersons for both Leo and Caroline confirmed a relationship. In November 2017, Leo attended the Endowment for the Arts charity gala in Beaupré, which was hosted by Caroline. Though she attended the wedding of Emperor Constantine XX on Leo's personal invitation, Leo's acknowledgement of an illegitimate son with unnamed woman in late December 2017 is believed to have placed a strain on his relationship. The courtship ended in February 2018.

Marriage

The Ghantish imperial household announced the engagement of Leo and Princess Elissa of Dakmoor in October 2018. They were married on 1 February 2019, at the Pantheon. Their first child was born in November 2019.

Issue

Leo is the father of one child, an illegitimate son, Felix Gentry, born in August 2017. Leo was not made aware of Felix's birth until December, after purportedly being contacted by the mother. On 21 December 2017, Leo publicly acknowledged his paternity of Felix though refused to comment on the mother, claiming she desired to remain anonymous and out of the eye of the press.

Name Birth Death Notes
By Princess Elissa of Dakmoor
Prince Constantine (2019-11-20) 20 November 2019 (age 4)
By N.N.
Felix Gentry (2017-08-22) 22 August 2017 (age 6) Illegitimate

Titles, styles, honors and arms

Titles and styles

Styles of
The Duke of Alba
File:Coat of Arms of Leo of Ghant and Latium.png
Reference styleHis Imperial Highness
Spoken styleYour Highness
Alternative styleHis Highness
  • 31 August 1991 – 1 May 1997: His Imperial Highness Prince Leo of Ghant
  • 1 May 1997 – 14 January 2006: His Highness Leo, Prince in Latium
  • 14 January 2006 – 3 November 2016: His Imperial Highness Prince Leo of Ghant, Prince in Latium
  • 3 November 2016 – present: His Imperial Highness Prince Leo of Ghant
    • 31 January 2019 – present: His Imperial Highness The Duke of Alba

Leo is a Prince of Ghant by birth, based on his status as the second son of Crown Prince John of Ghant and a male-line member of House Gentry. While entitled to the rank of "prince" in Ghant, Leo had been referred to as "Leo Gentry" by the press in Latium, due to his status in the country as an illegitimate child, until he was made a "Prince in Latium" by Emperor Jason VI Augustus. Due to his royal birth, Leo does not use a surname for everyday purposes. According to classmates at Olympia, Leo's cadet uniform listed his surname as "Ghanteko" (of Ghant)

Leo is also entitled to the rank of "prince" with the territorial designation "of Latium" due a posthumous award of the rank and title by his uncle Jason VI Augustus in his last will and testament. Leo will drop his Latin territorial designation after his marriage when he is to receive the Dukedom of Alba. He will be entitled to retain his Ghantish territorial designation, as will any of his descendants through the male line. This will would be the eighth creation of the Dukedom of Alba; the most recent holder of this title was Prince Michael, Duke of Alba, becoming extinct in 1897 when when he died leaving no legitimate male issue.

He is a Knight of the Order of the Ram, and holds Knight Commander of the Ancient Equestrian Order and Grand Cross of the Sacred Order of Felix. He is also a recipient of the Medal for Valor and holds Membership in the Most Ancient Praetorian Order. He is a member of the Emperor's Council and a Personal aide-de-camp to the Emperor.

Honors

  •  Latium: Knight of the Order of the Winged Ram Red ribbon bar - general use.svg
  •  Latium: Knight of the Sacred Order of Golden Eagle AquilaRomana0.png
  •  Latium: Knight of the Ancient Equestrian Order St.AlexanderOrder-ribbon.svg
  •  Latium: Member of the Order of the Grass Crown Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon.svg

Medals

  •  Latium: Recipient of the Medal for Valor Purple Heart ribbon.svg

Foreign honors

Arms

Template:Infobox COA wide

Ancestry

See also

Leo of Ghant
Born: 31 August 1991
Lines of succession
Preceded by
Prince Nicholas of Ghant
Succession to the Ghantish throne
5th in line
Followed by
Prince Constantine of Ghant
Preceded by
Princess Adriana
Succession to the Latin throne
21st in line
Nobility of Latium
Vacant
6th creation extinct in 1897
Title last held by
The Prince Michael
Duke of Alba
2019–present
Incumbent
Heir:
Prince Constantine
Political offices
Preceded by
The Dowager Empress
Master of Offices
2017–2018
Succeeded by
The Duke of Ossonoba