Melisende III of Sydalon

Melisende III
Melisende in 2018
Queen of Sydalon (more...)
Reign	22 May 2013 – present
Anointing	1 July 2013
Predecessor	Desiderius I
Heir apparent	Hugh, Prince of Petra
Co-Princess of Ascalzar
Reign	22 May 2013 – present
Predecessor	Desiderius I
Captains-General	See list Hiram Abdosir Duke of Rema
First Counsellor	Rafael Matamoros
Born	(1993-08-05) 5 August 1993 Palis de Aultavilla, Ostracine, Sydalon
Spouses	Godfrey Galan (m. 2011; annulled 2013) Michael of Dakmoor (m. 2015)
Issue	Hugh, Prince of Petra Princess Melisende of Sydalon Princess Elisabetta of Sydalon Prince Michael of Sydalon Prince Desiderius of Sydalon
Full name Melisende Belandra Elissa Emmanuelle Dianne
House	Aultavilla (official) Toron (agnatic)
Father	Desiderius, Prince of Petra
Mother	Eirene of Latium
Religion	Fabrian Catholic

Melisende III (Melisende Belandra Elissa Emmanuelle Dianne; b. 5 August 1993) is the Queen of Sydalon.

Melisende was born in Ostracine as the first child of Desiderius, Prince of Petra and Princess Eirene of Latium. She was educated primarily from the home, until her enrollment at Empress Alexandra College, Castellum, where she studied international relations and history. She briefly served in the Sydalene Defense Forces from 2011 through 2012 for her mandatory service requirements. In 2011, she married Godfrey Galan, and the marriage ended in an annulment by 2013. In 2015, she married Prince Michael of Dakmoor.

Melisende became Queen regnant of Sydalon, Co-Princess of Ascalzar, and Grand Master of the Order of the Holy Lance following the death of her father in 2013. She became the youngest Sydalene monarch since of Belandra III in 1834. Melisende's reign was impacted following the arrest of Adeodatus du Caeseti, and the arrest of members of the Order of the Holy Lance for sexual impropriety, eventually leading to the Sydalene Spring. Throughout the revolt, Melisende held court in Ascalzar, until the successful capture of Sydalon and the leaders of the revolution in May 2018. She called for a continuation of her father's progressive policies towards democratization, though has yet to introduce any formal changes.

Early life and education

Melisende was born on 5 August 1993, at Palis de Aultavilla, in Ostracine as the eldest child and daughter of Desiderius, Prince of Petra and Princess Eirene of Latium. She has three younger brothers, William, Roletus, Bohemond; and a younger sister Desideria. Melisende was baptized into the Fabrian Catholic Church on 17 September 1993, in Sarepta, by Pope Ignatius I, with her godparents being, Prince Francis of Sydalon (her paternal uncle); King Jordan IX of Sydalon (her paternal grandfather); Caroline of Ghant, Queen consort of Onneria (her mother's close friend); and Latin Empress Diana Augusta (her maternal grandmother). As the eldest child of the heir apparent, Melisende was second in line to the Sydalene throne at her birth and was afforded the title "Princess of Petra".

Education

Melisende was primarily educated by private tutors and governesses that were hired by her parents. Her lessons primarily focused on art, history, language, scripture, and the Constitution. Throughout her childhood and education, Melisende was also regularly tutored by members of the clergy, most notably the Pope in her teenage years.

Melisende became the first member of the Sydalene Royal Family to attend university when she was enrolled at Empress Alexandra College, Castellum in 2013 after completing a gap year in which she completed a year of mandatory military service. Her enrollment was initially controversial among noble circles in Sydalon when it was reported she would be living in student housing. After the report, the Royal Family announced that Melisende would be living in off-campus housing with Princess Maria of Latium at Velia House.

She earned admission to Empress Alexandra College, a constituent college of University of Castellum Iohannes XIII. While in university, she studied international relations and history. She participated in a number of extra-curricular activities, including equestrian. Melisende was also student leader of the campus's Catholic Student Union and occasionally attending meetings of the college's Student Conservatives club. She ceased attending university after her father's death and did not recieve a degree.

As heir apparent

Upon turning 18, Melisende began to partake in various royal duties on behalf of her grandfather, and even her father who was heir apparent at the time. One of these early duties was as representative of King Jordan at the 2011 Ludi Circenses. Melisende became Honorary President of the Sydalene Football Association in November 2012, and while an honorary position in nature, Melisende was integral in securing Sydalon as the host of the 2014 UAFA World Cup.

Princess Melisende during her mandatory service with the Sydalene Defense Forces, 2012.

However it wasn't until Melisende turned 19 that she began to more actively assume duties, the first of which was an official visit to Ascalzar with her father the King. She also accompanied her father during his 2012 Belisarian trip to Latium, Vannois, Lihnidos, and Nekor. Her first solo international visit came in late 2010 when she traveled to Langael, a predominantly Catholic region of Ghant. It is believed this is when Melisende first met Godfrey Galan. Melisende met with Lord Donal of Langael, and reportedly had elected to remain in Langael for two extra days before returning to Sydalon. Their engagement was announced in November 2010, marrying in summer 2011.

In early 2013, Chancellor-General Recared Athanagild of the Order of the Holy Lance passed away creating the need for King Jordan IX's regent to appoint a replacement. Days after Athanagild's funeral, Melisende publicly announced that she desired to be appointed to the position. Melisende's declaration sparked a debate in the Parliament as to whether she could serve as Chancellor-General without any prior military service or career. During the appointment process, her father announced that he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and Melisende withdrew from contention for the office. Adeodatus du Caeseti was eventually appointed to the position.

Early reign

In spring 2013, King Desiderius I passing away from pancreatic cancer and Melisende ascended to the throne.

Melisende visiting the village of Sarepta after her ascension, October 2017.

Melisende was anointed on 3 October 2017 in a ceremony hosted at Cathedral of the Holy Sepulchre in the city of Sydalon. The event was attended by prominent members of the Parliament, as well as representatives from many nations and monarchies from around the world.

First days

Melisende's first act as monarch was to replace The Lord of Ibelina. Ibelina was removed from office by the Royal prerogative on October 10, and was replaced with Adeodata Haddad de Saabi. Melisende ordered government to lift the ban on restricting senators on the Chamber of Peers from joining political parties. She also explored legislation to require healthcare providers to offer free contraception. On November 4, Melisende provided Royal assent to a Parliamentary bill ordering all healthcare providers in Sydalene markets to offer plans that provide free or significantly reduced contraception as part of carrier plans.

Sydalene troubles

Between late-October and early-November 2017, Chancellor-General Adeodatus du Caeseti of the Holy Lance faced numerous allegation of sexual misconduct and impropriety. These allegations continued to arise throughout the week while du Caeseti was overseas during a foreign visit to Catholic Belisarian nations. On November 1, du Caeseti was recalled to Ostracine by Melisende though he had refused to leave the Sydalene embassy in Castellum. The next day, du Caeseti attempted to flee the Sydalene embassy and make his way to a private jet to reach Fabria, but was apprehended by Latin Frumentarii for questioning in relation to allegations from a Latin citizens of rape.

Days later, du Caeseti was returned to Sydalon by Latin officials and was indicted on 11 criminal counts, including 7 for sexual misconduct by a Royal grand jury assembled by Melisende. The same day, Melisende exercised her royal prerogative to initiate the process to expedite du Caeseti's removal while his criminal case was pending.

The pending criminal charges were not without controversy, as Melisende's decision to expedite du Caeseti's removal was met with numerous protesters claiming the allegations were "fake news and attacks against the faith". The protests resulted in 17 arrests for violation of lese majeste laws. du Caeseti's supporters within the Order continued to denounce Melisdene's "unlawful removal" of du Caeseti, and called it an affront to God "unfit from the protector of Christendom's Holy Land." Melisdende censured the nearly 20 members of the Order's administrative upper echelon. As of November 15, the Sydalene Royal Army's 3rd Legion in Petra was mobilized, as was an army garrisoned near Ostracine.

On November 18, the Royal household announced that it had narrowed down the list of possible replacements down to three.

Sydalene riots

The conflict now referred to as the Sydalene Troubles began on 31 December 2017 as a series of protests against the government and Melisende's decision to push for the death penalty for deposed Order of the Holy Lance members, including Adeodatus du Caeseti. Popular support for Melisende's actions in the Caeseti scandal were initially supportive of her swift action, many saw her subsequent actions of involving herself into criminal prosecution as too far; this resulted in protests at Sant Filipe courthouse in Ostracine, with later protests at the royal residence, Palis de Aultavilla. The protests remained peaceful until January 3, when Royal Guards outside of Palis de Aultavilla opened fire on protesters after broke palace windows and injured guards by throwing bricks or stones. The incident left 5 dead.

The incident at the Palis de Aultavilla gates enraged protesters, who began to gather in greater numbers all throughout the palace district, bottling up streets and bringing the government to a grinding halt due to fear of attack. Later that night, protesters gathered at Sant Filipe forced police and local guards to retreat into the building. Protesters stormed the facility's gates, and were fired at by police, though eventually captured the facility and released the few prisoners held there. Those within Palis de Aultavilla claim Melisende was "distraught" and "unsettled" at the news, both by the actions of the police and the protesters.

Through an alliance led by royalist forces, Latium, and the Order of Saint Joseph, the revolution ended on 10 May 2018 with the capture of Sydalon and the arrest of Adi Philosir and other key members of the Committee for Popular Unity and Safety. She returned to the city the following day, announcing plans for more representative constitutional amendments.

Constitutional reforms

As the revolutionary threat subsided, Melisende made overtures to government during the Mifsud era has been described as tumultuous at best as numerous scandals eventually toppled the attempt at parliamentary democracy in Sydalon. On 27 August 2018, Melisende approved an easing of sanctions on Mutul, which were later revealed to be proposed by then Minister of Finance and Economy Annibale Milki. The news of the proposed eased sanctions prompted outcry from various nations, such as Belfras, Fakolana, and Yisrael, but were praised by Sante Reze. After pressures from allied nations, and the Parliament, Melisende issued a royal decree halting the proposed ease, and sacked Minister Milki.

Scandals

On October 23, government emails from the Council of Ministers were leaked by Ghant-based Honeydrippers. The Honeydippers scandal implicated People's Party Leader and Minister of the Interior Pelae Arvad, Minister of Foreign Affairs Desiderius de Villepena, and Minister of Agriculture Michael Galea. The leaked emails cover topics ranging from lobbying firms offering to meet with members of the Council of Ministers to The Queen to The Prince of Petra. In the emails, government ministers were revealed to accept bribes, and violate lese majeste laws for accusing Melisende of having an affair during her marriage to Godfrey Galan. The scandal prompted the resignation of the government ministers involved, and a dissolution of the National Assembly with new elections by Queen Melisende.

A second election took place on November 24, though unlike the summer 2018 election, Melisende has not appointed any ministers that serve in the National Assembly for the majority party.

Personal life

Marriage to Godfrey Galan

On 13 June 2011, Melisende married Godfrey Galan, the youngest son of Ghantish nobleman Donal, Lord of Langael, at a ceremony in the city of Sydalon at the Cathedral of the Holy Sepulchre and was performed by the Pope. Melisende was first betrothed to Godfrey in December 2010. The ceremony was attended by numerous high profile guests including monarchs or representatives from Latium, Ghant, Lyncanestria, and many others. Melisende and Godfrey were bestowed Castela du Normane. In 2016, Castra Rubea in Sydalon became Melisende's primary residence. She gave birth to their only child, Hugh, Prince of Petra, in 2014.

Melisende's marriage to Godfrey ended on 23 April 2016 when she sought an annulment after Godfrey had been outed as a homosexual. The annulment was granted by Pope Julius IV on 23 April 2016.

Marriage to Michael of Dakmoor

After her annulment, Melisende courted a number of suitors from 2013 to 2015, including Prince Charles of Vierville, Prince Edgar of Gaemar, and Gabriel, Hereditary Prince of Montgisard. However, the Royal Household announced Melisende's engagement to Prince Michael of Dakmoor in January 2015.

She and Michael were married on 3 June 2015, at Cathedral of the Holy Sepulchre in the city of Sydalon. The service was performed by the Pope, with invitees from throughout the world. She gave birth to their first child, Melisende in October 2016. A third child, Elisabetta, was born in 2018. In September 2019, she gave birth to twins: Michael and Desiderius.

Styles, honors, and arms

Styles of The Queen
Reference style	Her Royal Majesty
Spoken style	Your Majesty
Alternative style	Her Majesty

Styles

• 5 August 1993 – 22 May 2013: Her Royal Highness Princess Melisende of Petra
• 22 May 2013 – 3 September 2017: Her Royal Highness The Princess of Petra
  • 22 May 2013 – 3 September 2017: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Aballava
• 3 September 2017 – present: Her Royal Majesty The Queen
  • in Ascalzar: 3 September 2017 – present: Her Majesty The Queen, Princess of Ascalzar

Foreign decorations

• Ascalzar: Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Hieronymus I November 2014
• Latium: Knight of the Order of the Ram 2 August 2014
• Lyncanestria: Officer of the Order of the Imperial Lion <imgur w="50">5qFKBzS.png</imgur> March 2017

Issue

Name	Date of birth	Date of death	Spouses
By Godfrey Galan (b. 1990):
Hugh, Prince of Petra	(2014-04-10) 10 April 2014
By Prince Michael of Dakmoor (b. 1991):
Princess Melisende of Sydalon	(2016-02-01) 1 February 2016
Princess Elisabetta of Sydalon	(2018-10-01) 1 October 2018
Prince Michael of Sydalon	(2019-09-12) 12 September 2019
Prince Desiderius of Sydalon	(2019-09-12) 12 September 2019

Ancestry

Ancestors of Melisende III of Sydalon

16. Theodore IV, Duke of Toron 8. Tancred II, Duke of Toron 17. Emilia Matamoros Gallagán 4. Jordan IX of Sydalon 18. Sebastián Ordaz 9. Elissa IV of Sydalon 19. Emmanuelle I of Sydalon 2. Desiderius, Prince of Petra 20. Louis IV, Duke of Philippopolis 10. Charles IV, Duke of Philippopolis 21. Emma of Melfi 5. Melisende of Philippopolis 22. Arnaut I, Lord of Canosa 11. Olympias of Canosa 23. Sabine of Calla 1. Melisende III of Sydalon 24. Theodosius Claudius, Duke of Adrianople 12. Jason Claudius, Duke of Adrianople 25. Princess Isobel of Gaemar 6. Leo Claudius, Duke of Adrianople 26. Leon I, Duke of Thapse 13. Isabella of Thapse 27. Theodora Aemelia 3. Princess Eirene of Latium 28. John Anicius, Duke of Beroea 14. Constantine XIX of Latium 29. Joanna of Latium 7. Diana Augusta of Latium 30. Prince Henri, Duke of Épernon 15. Princess Marie Christine of Épernon 31. Adalinda of Silingia