Matthew I of the United States (New American Monarchy)

Early Life and Political Career
In the years preceding the Royal Nominations of 1995, the man who would eventually become King Matthew I was known as Alexander Cates. He was born at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. His mother, then known as Jacqueline "Jackie" Cates (née MacNeill) was born in Taunton, Massachusetts and was of Irish and English ancestry. His father, then known as Richard Cates, was born in Birmingham, Alabama and was of Irish and Portuguese ancestry. Alexander's parents met in 1969 through Jacqueline's sister, then known as Jessica Parkour. The couple married young in October of 1971 and gave birth to Alexander the following October.

In March 25, 1975, Richard and Jacqueline gave birth to Alexander's sister Madeleine and then to his brother Samuel in July 10, 1979. The Cates family did not live the typical luxurious life of a royal family. They lived in and out of apartment complexes throughout Alexander's childhood, settling on a three story apartment unit in Fall River, Massachusetts. After Alexander started law school, he discovered his father had been unfaithful to his mother and his parents divorced.

After finishing college and establishing a name for himself in the Massachusetts State Government, Alexander decided to try his best to be a Senator for the State of Massachusetts. While he never achieved his goal for senator, he was elected for the office of governor. His term as Governor of Massachusetts continued from 1989 until the Royal Nominations of 1995. It was a milestone for Unites States history as he was the first openly gay man to successfully run for Governor of Massachusetts.

Royal Nominations of 1995
Nearing the end of the 20th century, the United States Government, in an attempt to salvage the country following a long string of terrible presidents and worsening recession, decided to install an American monarchy. Using lineage from European royalty and a very strict set of criteria, the government singled out three possible candidates for the newly established royal position. Alexander was nominated to represent the new royal House of Boston as he was the oldest male heir on his mother's side, his mother being directly descended from Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. From Texas, representing the House of Houston, was Prince Thomas. From Alaska, representing the House of Anchorage, was Princess Amelia.

The government and the new princes emphasized to the people of the United States that this particular election would be like no other election in history. While most elections determine the reign of one person, this election would determine an entire legacy. The people were not just voting for one king or queen, they were voting for an entire royal family. As such, the campaign had to last for three years.

Prince Alexander's first appearance was alongside Prince Thomas and Princess Amelia at the first royal campaign discussion. Similar to a presidential debate, the royal campaign discussions were meant for the princes to explain their plans for the country and how their successors would continue to enforce these plans. While Prince Alexander and Princess Amelia seemed to get along fairly well, the campaign was more heated between Princes Alexander and Thomas.

A highly conservative man from Texas, Prince Thomas of Houston refused to acknowledge Prince Alexander's claim to the American throne because of his homosexuality. Also, part of Alexander's platform was that he would ensure that all Americans, gay or straight, black or white, male or female, would receive equal pay, benefits, and treatment. Prince Thomas was a staunch supporter of the Defense of Marriage Act and was rumored to have told the Prince of Boston that he would "bring him down."

After a fierce campaign, the potential royal houses waited in their respected homes until the Speaker of the House came to them to say who won the election. Since the government felt it proper that the new sovereign should be the first to know who won, the voting tallies were not broadcast to the public.

On August 26, 1999, after almost twenty-four hours of counting and deliberating, the Speaker of the House, Michael Warren, entered the home of the Prince of Boston, accompanied by the leading members of the Senate, and told Prince Alexander that the people had chosen his family to be the ruling family and that he was the first King of the United States.

He had chosen the regnal name Matthew I. He granted Princess Amelia of Anchorage and Prince Thomas of Houston honorary princely titles.

Marriage
During the royal campaign, then-Prince Alexander met Paul Sefton who was on his campaign team. The two because very close, having established a friendship on the fact that they were the only team members who were gay. As the election date drew closer, the closer Sefton and Alexander became. During the second campaign year, the two started dating, which gained the attention of the entire country. Certain newspapers had started joking calling Sefton "the gay Kate Middleton". Sefton was with the Bostons when Michael Warren had told Alexander that he was the new king.

When King Matthew was crowned on the Fourth of July the following year, Sefton asked him to marry him. The engagement was announced in September of that year much to the delight of half the country. The engagement, however, caught the attention of supporters of the Defense of Marriage Act who refused to acknowledge a king marrying a man. The new United States Congress agreed, however, to allow the King to marry Sefton.

The wedding took place on June 24, 2006 at the National Mall. Attendees included many members of European royal families, the President, the Viceroy of Columbia, and many, many civilians. As the King didn't very much like the title of prince consort, Congress granted Paul the title of Grand Prince.