Monarchy of Midrasia

Monarchy of Midrasia
Royal Coat of Arms
Henry V
Details
Style	His/Her Majesty
First monarch	Toussaint
Last monarch	Henry V Charles IV (disputed)
Formation	891
Abolition	23 September 1642
Residence	Palais de Roixs Palais d'Autun Chateau Thierry Palazzo Mydrazia
Appointer	Hereditary
Pretender(s)	Eleanor, Duchess of Giozzara Louis Devreux

The Monarchy of Midrasia was the monarchy of Midrasia, its dependencies and overseas territories until its abolition in 1642. The monarchy was also a popular and hereditary position whose incumbent is styled the King or Queen of the Mydra (Midrasian:Roi/Reine des Mydra). The monarch served as the country's head-of-state and had considerable political power, allowing them to act in an absolute manner without the consent of parliament.

Officially, the last monarch to sit the Midrasian throne was Henry V in 1642, though the short reign of Charles IV in 1871 is disputed. Since the end of the Midrasian Civil War in 1648 the royal family has resided in exile in Atresca. In recent times however, the Head of the Midrasian royal family has taken to disavowing their claims to the Midrasian throne, allowing them to officially enter the country.

The current head of the royal household is Eleanor, Duchess of Giozzara, who acceded to the position following the death of her grandfather, Louis of Giozzara, on 20 July 2017.

The Midrasian monarchy had its origins in the various Kingdoms referred to as the Mydran Realms which dominated the area of modern Midrasia following the fall of the Fiorentine Empire. The modern Midrasian royal house traces its ancestry back to the rulers of the Kingdom of Toussaint which eventually went on to form the Kingdom of Midrasia. The Midrasian monarchy ruled consecutively for 733 years until the Midrasian Civil War where it was abolished and a republican system of government under the Consul implemented.

Historical role

Historically the Midrasian monarchs served as the country's head of state and the lead representative of the Alydian Church in Midrasia (although this authority is usually handed to the Midrasian Cardinal by convention). Furthermore, the Midrasian monarch was also expected to lead their troops into battle, acting as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. All Midrasian monarchs at some point led their troops on the battlefield until the abolition of the monarchy. For much of their history, the Midrasian royal family operated as an absolute monarchy, able to act independently of the Midrasian nobility and enforce its will upon the country and their subjects. Nevertheless, a representative assembly did exist known as the Estates General, wherein the three estates of the Kingdom, the Nobility, Clergy and Commons would be represented. This body would only be called when the monarch deemed it necessary, and even then mostly only during times of crisis. Another body, known as the Noble Assembly also existed. This was mostly an informal body or gathering of the nobility to advise the monarch on matters of state and foreign affairs or remonstrate against their actions. This body would only be called sporadically however, with several monarch selecting to call the assembly more often than others. A major contributing factor in the outbreak of the Civil War was Henry V's refusal to call the body, whereas his predecessors relied heavily on the Noble Assembly to legitimise their actions.

Succession

Succession to the throne of Midrasia operated based on Absolute primogeniture in which sex is irrelevant for inheritance. This has been the case since 1995 when family decided to shift away from the system of male-preference primogeniture which had been in operation since the first rulers of Toussaint. Following the death of Louis of Giozzara's heir and grandson Napoleone in 2017, Princess Eleanor became the de-jure heir of the Midrasian royal house. The current heir apparent is Henri, Duke of Piemonte, uncle to the sitting head Eleanor.

Historically, the heir apparent to the Midrasian throne was usually styled the 'Prince of Alpiens' (Príncep d'Alpiens) in reference to the Principality of Alpiens (modern day Vaellenia), which has been a part of Midrasia since mid-Seventeenth Century.

List of monarchs

Toussaint dynasty (891–1227)

The Toussaint dynasty refers to the rulers of the rulers of western Midrasia after the conversion of King Toussaint to the Alydian faith in the year 891. The Toussaint dynasty were descended from the burgundian and langobardic kings who ruled over the Midrasian region following the fall of the Fiorentine Empire in the mid 5th century. The region they ruled was henceforth referred to as the Kingdom of Toussaint and covered the modern regions of Toussaint, Lotrič and portions of Viure, Catougne and Veleaz. The Toussaint dynasty and its various branches ruled over the Kingdom of Toussaint until it passed outside of the family in 1227, however would reclaim the throne under the House of Eurical in 1408.

Direct Toussantians (891–964)

The direct Toussantians refers to the rule of Toussaint and his direct descendants from 891 until the lines extinction in 984. The rule of the direct branch of the Toussaint dynasty is split into two phases by the Succession Crisis of 964–966.

Portrait	Name	Monarch from	Monarch until	Relationship with predecessor(s)	Title
	Toussaint	June 891	May 934	• Son of Albrich I, King of the Burgundians	King of the Burgundians (Roi des Bourguignons)
	Hadrian (Hadrien Ier)	May 934	11 September 948	• Son of Toussaint, King of Goths	King of Toussaint (Roi de Toussaint)
	Clovis I	11 September 948	4 March 962	• Brother of Hadrien, King of Toussaint	King of Toussaint (Roi de Toussaint)
	Clovis II	4 March 962	6 August 964	• Grandson of Clovis I, King of Toussaint	King of Toussaint (Roi de Toussaint)

House of Lereff (964–966)

The House of Lereff was branch of Toussaint dynasty, descended from John, second son of Clovis I. Following the death of all of Clovis' sons a succession crisis developed, with Clovis II, grandson to the old King being crowned in 962. In rebellion against the King and supported by a number of nobles, Francis was crowned King of Toussaint in 964 and successfully ousted Clovis II in 964, ruling the Kingdom for two years before he himself was deposed and executed.

Portrait	Name	Monarch from	Monarch until	Relationship with predecessor(s)	Title
	Francis I (François Ier)	6 August 964	30 September 966	• Son of John, second son to Clovis I, King of Toussaint	King of Toussaint (Roi de Toussaint)

Direct Toussantians (966–984)

The execution of Francis I saw the conclusion of the succession crisis, with Clovis II regaining the throne in 966. The direct descendants of King Toussaint would rule the Kingdom until 984. With the death of Clovis III, the Kingdom would pass to the son of Francis I who was spared following the succession crisis.

Portrait	Name	Monarch from	Monarch until	Relationship with predecessor(s)	Title
	Clovis II	30 September 966	1 February 984	• Grandson of Clovis I, King of Toussaint	King of Toussaint (Roi de Toussaint)
	Clovis III	1 February 984	4 June 984	• Son of Clovis II, King of Toussaint	King of Toussaint (Roi de Toussaint)

House of Lereff (984–1179)

The House of Lereff returned to the throne in 984 following the death of the childless Clovis III. Initially there was much opposition to the accession of Francis II to the throne due to his father's role in the Succession Crisis of 964–966. Despite being pardoned by Clovis II, Francis II chose to confirm his legitimacy by marrying Maria Leronde, a descendant of King Toussaint who formed part of the House of Albon. Under the House of Lereff Toussaint would join in a union with the Kingdom of Mydroll, uniting much of western Midrasia in the process. The House of Lereff would rule Toussaint until its demise in 1179.

Portrait	Coat of Arms	Name	Monarch from	Monarch until	Relationship with predecessor(s)	Title
		Francis II the wise (François II le Sage)	4 June 984	12 August 1008	• Son of Francis I, Great Nephew of Clovis III, King of Toussaint	King of Toussaint (Roi de Toussaint)
		Louis I the great (Luix le Grand)	12 August 1008	11 March 1026	• Son of Francis II, King of Toussaint	King of Toussaint (Roi de Toussaint)
		Louis II (Luix II)	11 March 1026	2 January 1048	• Son of Louis I, King of Toussaint	King of Toussaint (Roi de Toussaint)
		Hugh I (Hugues Ier)	2 January 1048	14 November 1067	• Son of Louis II, King of Toussaint	King of Toussaint (Roi de Toussaint)
		John I (Jean Ier)	14 November 1067	2 August 1082	• Brother of Hugh I, King of Toussaint	King of Toussaint (Roi de Toussaint)
		Robert I the unifier (Robert Ier l'unificateur)	2 August 1082	5 April 1111	• Son of John I, King of Toussaint, Cousin of Alois, King of Mydroll	King of Toussaint (Roi de Toussaint) King of Mydroll (Roi de Mydroll)
		Robert II	5 April 1111	5 April 1123	• Son of Robert I, King of Toussaint and Mydroll	King of Toussaint and Mydroll (Roi de Toussaint et Mydroll)
		John II (Jean II)	5 April 1123	20 May 1155	• Son of Robert II, King of Toussaint and Mydroll	King of Toussaint and Mydroll (Roi de Toussaint et Mydroll)
		Francis III (François III)	20 May 1155	3 December 1179	• Son of John II, King of Toussaint and Mydroll	King of Toussaint and Mydroll (Roi de Toussaint et Mydroll)

House of Albons (1179–1227)

Following the death of Francis III, the throne of Midrasia passed to the House of Albons, the next dynastic branch with the strongest claim to the throne. Only two generations of the House of Albons would rule Midrasia, with Queen Emily as Henry's only heir, the Queen's marriage to an Atrescan noble Maurice Annabaldi would see the Kingdom pass from the Toussaint dynasty.

Portrait	Coat of Arms	Name	Monarch from	Monarch until	Relationship with predecessor(s)	Title
		Henry I the holy (Henri Ier le saint)	3 December 1179	30 April 1201	• Descendant of Robert II's third son Henry, Kinsman to Francis III, King of Toussaint and Mydroll	King of Toussaint and Mydroll (Roi de Toussaint et Mydroll)
		Emily (Emilie)	30 April 1201	4 November 1227	• Daughter of Henry I, King of Toussaint and Mydroll	Queen of Toussaint and Mydroll (Reine de Toussaint et Mydroll)

Annabaldi dynasty (1227–1408)

The Annabaldi dynasty were rulers of San Fausto since 1187. Through the marriage of Queen Emily to the cousin of an Atrescan Duke, a cadet branch of the Atrescan ducal family came to rule over the Kingdoms of Toussaint and Mydroll. The Annabaldi dynasty would rule the Kingdom from 1227 to 1408 and would oversee the unification of the Kingdom of Midrasia in 1309.

Portrait	Coat of Arms	Name	Monarch from	Monarch until	Relationship with predecessor(s)	Title
		Henry II (Henri II)	4 November 1227	2 October 1263	• Son of Emily, Queen of Toussaint and Mydroll	King of Toussaint and Mydroll (Roi de Toussaint et Mydroll)
		Louis III (Luix III)	2 October 1263	15 April 1299	• Son of Henry II, King of Toussaint and Mydroll	King of Toussaint and Mydroll (Roi de Toussaint et Mydroll)
		Louis IV the great (Luix IV le grand)	15 April 1299	26 July 1313	• Son of Louis III, King of Toussaint and Mydroll	King of Toussaint and Mydroll (Roi de Toussaint et Mydroll) King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)
		Louis V (Luix V)	26 July 1313	8 March 1328	• Son of Louis IV, King of the Mydra	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)
		Francis IV the lion (François IV le lion)	8 March 1328	10 January 1356	• Brother of Louis V, King of the Mydra	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)
		Philip I (Philippe Ier)	10 January 1356	11 October 1399	• Son of Francis IV, King of the Mydra	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)
		Eliane the beloved (Éliane le bienaimé)	11 October 1399	6 August 1408	• Daughter of Philip I, King of the Mydra	Queen of the Mydra (Reine des Mydra)

Disputed claimants

Upon the death of the childless Queen Eliane, the throne of Midrasia was claimed by Matteo, King of Atresca on the grounds of being the head of the House of Annabaldi and thereby rightful successor based on Atrescan succession law. This claim was disputed by the Midrasian nobility on the grounds of Atrescan Salic Law only allowing inheritance through male lineage. The nobility elected Philip II of the House of Eurical as King of Midrasia following the death of Eliane.

Portrait	Coat of arms	Name	Monarch from	Monarch until	Claim	Title
		Matteo I of Atresca (Mattieu Ier d'Atresca)	6 August 1408	12 September 1415	By right of his position as head of the House of Annabaldi following the death of Eliane of Midrasia	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)

Toussaint dynasty (1408–present)

The Toussaint dynasty were restored following the death of the childless and unmarried Queen Eliane. The nobility had elected Philip of Eurical a descendant of Toussaint as the next Midrasian King, however his elevation was disputed by the Duke of Lucania, Matteo I. The resulting succession war would spark the seven year long Lombard War between the two Kingdoms.

House of Eurical (1408–1642)

Whilst the House of Eurical acceded to the throne in 1408, its claim was disputed by the Mardimon nobility. Following a Midrasian victory in the Lombard War, the Mardimons dropped their claim and Philip II was confirmed as Midrasian King. Under the House of Eurical Midrasia would reach the zenith of its power within the early modern period, expanding overseas and becoming a foremost military power. However, under the House of Eurical the Midrasian Civil War would take place as Henry V ousted the boy King Louis VII and would in turn be removed himself, leading to the abolition of the Midrasian monarchy. Despite this, the royal house would flee first to Vaellenia and then to Atresca. Following the death of Hugh of Eurical on the battlefield, the House of Valperge came to head the Midrasian royal household. The House of Valperge was a cadet branch of the Toussaint dynasty descended from Charles I. The House of Valperge would live out its time in-exile in Atresca and would never set foot on Midrasian soil. Despite this, the household would remain a wealthy and politically powerful body within the Atrescan kingdom. The House of Valperge ultimately died off following the death of the childless Hugh Valperge, leaving the household to pass into the House of Detudiém which remains the head of the Toussaint branch of the royal household to this day.

Portrait	Coat of arms	Name	Monarch from	Monarch until	Claim	Title
		Philip II the victor (Philippe II le vainqueur)	6 August 1408	11 November 1444	• Descendant of Toussaint, by way of Robert II, King of Toussaint and Mydroll	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)
		John III (Jean III)	11 November 1444	23 June 1453	• Son of Philip II, King of the Mydra	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)
		Francis V (François V)	23 June 1453	29 April 1472	• Brother of John III, King of the Mydra	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)
		Louis VI (Luix VI)	29 April 1472	1 January 1492	• Uncle of Francis V, King of the Mydra	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)
		Henry III the good (Henri III le bon)	1 January 1492	4 August 1538	• Grandson of Louis VI, King of the Mydra	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)
		Philip III (Philippe III)	4 August 1538	11 February 1552	• Son of Henry III, King of the Mydra	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)
		Henry IV (Henri IV)	11 February 1552	4 September 1555	• Grandson of Philip III, King of the Mydra	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)
		Charles I the bold (Charles Ier l'audacieux)	4 September 1555	12 October 1587	• Cousin of Henry IV, King of the Mydra	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)
		Charles II	4 September 1555	25 December 1601	• Son of Charles I, King of the Mydra	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)
		Charles III	25 December 1601	2 February 1632	• Uncle of Charles II, King of the Mydra	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)
		Louis VII (Luix VII)	2 February 1632	4 April 1633	• Son of Charles III, King of the Mydra	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)
		Henry V (Henri V)	4 April 1633	23 September 1642	• Uncle of Louis VII, King of the Mydra	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)
		Hugh II (Huges II)	23 September 1642	14 March 1648	• Brother of Henry V, King of the Mydra	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)

House of Devreux (1784-1791)

The House of Devreux, known for their role as Protecteur and Consul following the Midrasian Civil War also attempted to style themselves in a monarchical fashion under the auspices of Jean-Jacques Devreux who changed his name to Cesare. Devreux styled himself as Emperor of the Mydra during the Midrasian Revolution, a title disputed by parliament and the royal household in-exile. The Devreux family was forced to relinquish the title as part of the settlement of 1791, however a number of Devreuxan supporters continue to view the Devreux family as the legitimate heirs to the Midrasian throne.

Portrait	Coat of arms	Name	Monarch from	Monarch until	Claim	Title
		Cesare	9 November 1784	11 Feburary 1791	• By right of his position as Consul of the Midrasian Republic and through the necessity to bring "stability and orderly rule to a fractured nation"	Emperor of the Mydra (Emperaire des Mydra)

House of Detudiém (1871)

The House of Detudiém came to head the Midrasian royal household following the demise of the House of Valperge. The House was formed by Philip of Giozzara, second cousin to Hugh Valperge. Whilst much of the House of Detudiém spent their time in-exile in Atresca, during the crisis of the early 1870s, Royalists launched a coup against the republican government, installing Charles IV as king. Despite this, Charles was forced to resign his title around 5 months later as the republican government retook control of the capital. The House of Detudiém remains in exile to this day, although in recent years members of the household have taken to renouncing their claim to the Midrasian throne, allowing them to enter the country. The current pretender to the throne from the House of Detudiém is Eleanor, Duchess of Giozzara, however she has renounced her claim to the Midrasian throne.

Portrait	Coat of arms	Name	Monarch from	Monarch until	Claim	Title
		Charles IV	4 May 1871	12 September 1871	• Grandson of Eleanor, Duchess of Giozzara	King of the Mydra (Roi des Mydra)

Current pretenders

Current pretenders to the Midrasian throne exist in both the Toussaint and Devreux households. There are currently two claimants to the Midrasian royal throne:

• Eleanor, Duchess of Giozzara of the Toussaint Royal Household
• Louis Devreux of the Imperial Devreux Household