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{{Infobox monarchy
 
{{Infobox monarchy
| royal_title = Emperor
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| royal_title = Queen
 
| realm = the Cygnians
 
| realm = the Cygnians
| coatofarms = Coat of arms of the House of Stuart-Campbell.png
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| coatofarms = Coat of arms of Cygnia.png
 
| coatofarms_size = 200px
 
| coatofarms_size = 200px
| coatofarms_article = Coat of arms of the Cygnian Imperial Family
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| coatofarms_article = Imperial coat of arms of Cygnia (Joan of What?){{!}}Coat of arms of Cygnia
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| flag = Imperial Standard of Cygnia.png
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| flag_size = 200px
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| flag_article = Royal Standard of Cygnia
 
| type = commonwealth
 
| type = commonwealth
| image = TheodoreV-CYG-GoN.jpg
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| image = Queen Elizabeth II March 2015.jpg
| incumbent = [[Theodore V of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Theodore V]]
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| incumbent = {{JoW|Queen Elizabeth|Elizabeth}}
| incumbentsince = 4 December 1996
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| incumbentsince = 6 February 1952
| his/her = His
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| his/her = Her
| style = His Imperial Majesty
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| style = Her Imperial Majesty
| heir_apparent = [[Prince Alexander, Duke of Augusta (Joan of What?)|Prince Alexander, Duke of Augusta]]
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| heir_apparent = {{JoW|Charles, Prince of Wales}}
| first_monarch = [[Alexander I of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Alexander I]]
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| first_monarch = [[George I of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|George I]]
 
| date = 5 May 1792
 
| date = 5 May 1792
| residence = [[Ellingham Palace (Joan of What?)|Ellingham Palace]]
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| residence = [[Mandurah Palace (Joan of What?)|Mandurah Palace]]
 
}}
 
}}
   
The '''Emperor of the Cygnians''', commonly referred to as the '''Cygnian Emperor''', is the {{W|constitutional monarchy|constitutional monarch}} of [[Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Cygnia]]. The {{W|monarch}}'s title is "Emperor" (male) or "Empress" (female). The current monarch and head of state, [[Theodore V of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Theodore V]], ascended the throne in 1996 following the death of his father, [[Ellory I of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Ellory I]].
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The '''Queen of the Cygnians''', commonly referred to as the '''Queen''' or (erroneously) the '''Queen of Cygnia''', is the {{W|constitutional monarchy|constitutional monarch}} of [[Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Cygnia]]. The {{W|monarch}}'s title is "King" (male) or "Queen" (female). The current monarch and head of state, {{JoW|Queen Elizabeth|Elizabeth}}, acceded to the throne following the death of her father, {{JoW|George IV of Cygnia|George IV}}.
   
The monarch and [[House of Stuart-Campbell (Joan of What?)|his or her immediate family]] undertake various official, ceremonial, diplomatic and representational duties. As the monarchy is constitutional, the monarch is limited to non-partisan functions such as bestowing [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|honours]] and appointing the [[Chancellor of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Chancellor]]. The monarch is, by tradition, commander-in-chief of the Cygnian Imperial Armed Forces. Though the ultimate formal executive authority over the government of Cygnia is still by and through the monarch's royal prerogative, these powers may only be used according to laws enacted in Congress and, in practice, within the constraints of convention and precedent.
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The monarch and [[Cygnian Royal Family (Joan of What?)|his or her immediate family]] undertake various official, ceremonial, diplomatic and representational duties. As the monarchy is constitutional, the monarch is limited to non-partisan functions such as bestowing [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|honours]] and appointing the [[Chancellor of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Chancellor]]. The monarch is, by tradition, commander-in-chief of the Cygnian Imperial Armed Forces. Though the ultimate formal executive authority over the government of Cygnia is still by and through the monarch's royal prerogative, these powers may only be used according to laws enacted in Congress and, in practice, within the constraints of convention and precedent.
   
 
==Constitutional role==
 
==Constitutional role==
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[[File:Imperial Standard of Cygnia.png|thumb|250px|The Imperial Standard of Cygnia, the monarch's official flag]]
In the Imperial Constitution, the Emperor (otherwise referred to as the Sovereign or "His/Her Imperial Majesty", abbrieviated H.I.M.) is the Head of State, as established in Article II, Section 1. Oaths of allegiance and office in Cygnia are made to the Emperor and his lawful successors. "[[Mine Faithful Emperor (Joan of What?)|Mine Faithful Emperor]]" is the Cygnian imperial anthem, and an abbrieviated version is used as the official imperial fanfare. The Emperor also appears on postage stamps and coins.
 
   
 
In the {{JoW|Constitution of Cygnia}}, the monarch (otherwise referred to as the Sovereign or "His/Her Imperial Majesty", abbreviated H.I.M.) is the Head of State, as established in Article II, Section 1. Oaths of allegiance and office in Cygnia are made to the Queen and her lawful successors. "{{JoW|God Save the Queen}}" is the Cygnian imperial anthem, and an abbreviated version is used as the official imperial fanfare. The Sovereign also appears on postage stamps and coins.
The Emperor takes a relatively significant role in Government for a constitutional monarch. While the decisions to exercise sovereign powers are delegated from the Emperor, either by statute or by convention, to the Chancellor, the Cabinet, officers of the Crown, or other public bodies, exclusive of the Emperor personally, the Emperor acts as an important part of the system of checks and balances to the various political institutions of the country.
 
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*Legislative power is exercised by [[Imperial Congress of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Congress]], comprised of the [[Cygnian Senate (Joan of What?)|Senate]] and the [[Cygnian House of Representatives (Joan of What?)|House of Representatives]].
 
 
The monarch takes little direct part in Government. The decisions to exercise sovereign powers are delegated from the monarch by the Constitution to the Chancellor, the Cabinet, officers of the Crown, or other public bodies, exclusive of the monarch personally. Thus the acts of state done in the name of the Crown, such as Crown Appointments, even if personally performed by the monarch, depend upon decisions made elsewhere:
*Executive power is exercised by His Majesty's Government, which comprises the [[Chancellor of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Chancellor]] and his/her Cabinet. While the Emperor serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Cygnian Imperial Armed Forces, the powers associated with the Commander-in-Chief are exercised by the Chancellor through [[Unified Defence Command (Joan of What?)|Unified Defence Command]] and the [[Imperial Secretariat for Defence (Joan of What?)|Imperial Secretariat for Defence]]. The Cabinet also has the direction of the Civil Service and other Imperial Servants such as the Diplomatic Corps and the Military Intelligence Bureaus (the Emperor receives certain foreign intelligence reports before the Chancellor does).
 
*Judicial power is vested in the various courts of the Empire, the most senior of these being the [[Supreme Court of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Supreme Court of Cygnia]].
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*Legislative power is exercised by [[Cygnian Congress(Joan of What?)|Congress]], comprised of the [[Cygnian Senate (Joan of What?)|Senate]] and the [[Cygnian House of Representatives (Joan of What?)|House of Representatives]].
 
*Executive power is exercised by Her Imperial Majesty's Government, which comprises the [[Chancellor of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Chancellor]] and his/her Cabinet. While the Sovereign serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Cygnian Imperial Armed Forces, the powers associated with the Commander-in-Chief are exercised by the Chancellor through the {{JoW|Chiefs of Staff Committee}} and the {{JoW|Cygnian Ministry of Defence|Ministry of Defence}}. The Cabinet also has the direction of the Civil Service and other Imperial Servants such as the Diplomatic Corps and the {{JoW|Cygnian Intelligence Community|Intelligence Community}} (the monarch receives certain foreign intelligence reports before the Chancellor does).
*The [[Church of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Church of Cygnia]], of which the Emperor is the head, has its own legislative, judicial and executive structures.
 
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*Judicial power is vested in the various courts of the Union, the most senior of these being the [[Supreme Court of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Supreme Court of Cygnia]].
 
*The [[Church of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Church of Cygnia]], of which the monarch is the head, has its own legislative, judicial and executive structures.
 
*Powers independent of government are legally granted to other public bodies by statute or Statutory Instrument such as an Order in Council, Imperial Commission or otherwise.
 
*Powers independent of government are legally granted to other public bodies by statute or Statutory Instrument such as an Order in Council, Imperial Commission or otherwise.
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===Appointment of the Chancellor===
 
===Appointment of the Chancellor===
Every four years or when otherwise necessary, the Emperor is responsible for appointing a new Chancellor (or reaffirming the appointment of the existing Chancellor if re-elected). The Chancellor is constitutionally empowered to appoint and dismiss every other member of the Cabinet, and thereby constitutes and controls the government. While by tradition the Emperor may appoint whomever he deems fit to serve as Chancellor, Constitutional law binds the Emperor to appoint the leader of the majority party in the {{JoW|Cygnian House of Representatives|House of Representatives}}. The Chancellor takes office in a public inauguration ceremony in the presence of the Emperor.
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Every four years or when otherwise necessary, the monarch is responsible for appointing a new Chancellor (or reaffirming the appointment of the existing Chancellor if re-elected). The Chancellor is constitutionally empowered to appoint and dismiss every other member of the Cabinet, and thereby constitutes and controls the government. While by tradition the Sovereign may appoint whomever he or she deems fit to serve as Chancellor, Constitutional law binds the monarch to appoint the leader of the majority party in the {{JoW|Cygnian House of Representatives|House of Representatives}}. The Chancellor takes office in a public inauguration ceremony in the presence of the monarch.
   
 
===Imperial Prerogative===
 
===Imperial Prerogative===
Some of the government's executive authority is theoretically and nominally vested in the Sovereign and is known as the imperial prerogative. The Emperor acts within the constraints of convention and precedent, exercising prerogative only on the advice of the Chancellor and the Imperial Council. In practice, prerogative powers are exercised only on the Chancellor's advice – the Chancellor, and not the Sovereign, has control. The Emperor holds a weekly audience with the Chancellor. No records of these audiences are taken and the proceedings remain fully confidential. The Emperor may express his views, but as a constitutional ruler must ultimately accept the decisions of the Chancellor and the Cabinet except in circumstances as provided in the Constitution.
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Some of the government's executive authority is theoretically and nominally vested in the Sovereign and is known as the imperial prerogative. The monarch acts within the constraints of convention and precedent, exercising prerogative only on the advice of the Chancellor and the Federal Executive Council. In practice, prerogative powers are exercised only on the Chancellor's advice – the Chancellor, and not the Sovereign, has control. The monarch holds a weekly audience with the Chancellor. No records of these audiences are taken and the proceedings remain fully confidential. The Sovereign may express his or her views, but as a constitutional ruler must ultimately accept the decisions of the Chancellor and the Cabinet except in circumstances as provided in the Constitution.
 
Despite being a constitutional monarch, however, the Emperor possesses significant power in comparison with other constitutional rulers. For example, the Emperor has the ultimate authority to sign bills into law, and may veto the bill if he believes it is not in the interests of the Cygnian people.
 
   
The Imperial Prerogative includes the powers to appoint and dismiss officials, regulate the civil service, and issue passports. The decision to declare war and make peace is not the Emperor's to make; Congress instead has the powers to do so. The Emperor personally shares with the Chancellor the powers to negotiate and ratify treaties, alliances and international agreements. Any treaties cannot, however, alter the domestic laws of the Empire; an Act of Congress is necessary in such cases. The Emperor is also jointly responsible for the protection of Cygnians abroad and foreign nationals in Cygnia, making the powers related to those specific responsibilities fall outside the jurisdiction of Imperial prerogative. The Emperor is commander-in-chief of the Imperial Armed Forces, accredits Cygnian High Commissioners and ambassadors, and receives diplomats from foreign states.
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The Imperial Prerogative includes the powers to appoint and dismiss officials, regulate the civil service, and issue passports. The decision to declare war and make peace is not the monarch's to make; Congress instead has the powers to do so. The Sovereign is responsible for the protection of Cygnians abroad and foreign nationals in Cygnia, making the powers related to those specific responsibilities fall outside the jurisdiction of Imperial prerogative. The monarch is commander-in-chief of the Imperial Armed Forces, accredits Cygnian High Commissioners and ambassadors, and receives diplomats from foreign states.
   
It is the prerogative of the Emperor to convene, adjourn, and dissolve Congress. Each Congress begins with the Emperor's summon, although in practice new Congresses are opened on 23 January. The new Congress' first session is marked by the State Opening of Congress, during which the Emperor reads the Speech from the Throne in the Senate chamber, outlining the Government's legislative agenda. Adjournment usually occurs about one year after a session begins, and formally concludes the session. Dissolution ends a congressional term, and is followed by a federal election for all seats in the House of Representatives, and half of those in the Senate. A federal election is held four years after the previous one as provided in Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution. In the event of a motion of no confidence in either the Chancellor or the Government in Congress, the Emperor is ''de facto'' empowered – this is not explicitly permitted in the Constitution – to declare a {{JoW|Complete dissolution (Cygnia)|complete dissolution}} (dissolution of both Houses of Congress, including the entire Senate) and call for midterm elections to form a new Congress to complete the term. This has thus far happened only once, and was employed by Emperor Ellory I as an improvised solution to the {{JoW|1975 Cygnian constitutional crisis|1975 constitutional crisis}}.
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It is the prerogative of the monarch to convene, adjourn, and dissolve Congress. Each Congress begins with the Sovereign's summon, which traditionally occurs on 3 January. The new Congress' first session is marked by the State Opening of Congress, during which the monarch reads the Speech from the Throne in the House of Representatives chamber, outlining the Government's legislative agenda. Adjournment usually occurs about one year after a session begins, and formally concludes the session. Dissolution ends a congressional term, and is followed by a federal election for all seats in the House of Representatives, and half of those in the Senate. A federal election is held four years after the previous one as provided in Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution. In the event of a motion of no confidence in either the Chancellor or the Government in Congress, the monarch is empowered to declare a {{JoW|double dissolution}} (dissolution of both Houses of Congress, including the entire Senate) and call for midterm elections to form a new Congress and Government to complete the term.
   
Before a bill is passed by Congress can become law, Imperial Assent (the Emperor's approval) is required. Assent can either be granted (making the bill law) or withheld (vetoing the bill). However a veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress, whereupon the Emperor is required to give Imperial Assent to the bill.
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Before a bill passed by Congress can become law, Imperial Assent (the Sovereign's approval) is required. Assent can either be granted (making the bill law) or withheld (vetoing the bill). However a veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress, whereupon the Sovereign is required to give Imperial Assent to the bill.
   
The Emperor is considered to be the "fount of honour", the source of all honours and dignities in Cygnia. The Crown creates all peerages, appoints members of the orders of chivalry, grants knighthoods and awards other honours. Although peerages and most other honours are granted on the advice of the Chancellor, some honours are within the personal gift of the Sovereign, and are not granted on cancellarial advice. The Emperor alone appoints members of the Order of the Garter, Order of the Swan, the Imperial Ellorian Order and the Order of Merit.
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The monarch is considered to be the "fount of honour", the source of all honours and dignities in Cygnia. The Crown creates all peerages, appoints members of the orders of chivalry, grants knighthoods and awards other honours. Although peerages and most other honours are granted on the advice of the Chancellor, some honours are within the personal gift of the Sovereign, and are not granted on cancellarial advice. The monarch alone appoints members of the Order of the Garter, Order of the Swan, the Imperial Victorian Order and the Order of Merit.
   
 
==Religious role==
 
==Religious role==
The Emperor is the Supreme Governor of the established Church of Cygnia. Archbishops and bishops are appointed by the Emperor, choosing the appointee from a list of nominees prepared by a Church Commission. The Crown's role in the Church of Cygnia, however, is otherwise titular; the most senior clergyman, the Archbishop of Swanstone, is the spiritual leader of the Church.
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The monarch is the Supreme Governor of the established Church of Cygnia. Archbishops and bishops are appointed by the Sovereign, choosing the appointee from a list of nominees prepared by a Church Commission. The Crown's role in the Church of Cygnia, however, is otherwise titular; the most senior clergyman, the Archbishop of Perth, is the spiritual leader of the Church. As a result of the Sovereign's technical leadership of the Church, they are granted the title ''Defender of the Faith''.
 
As a result of the Emperor's technical leadership of the Church, before 1962 Emperors were granted the title ''Defender of the Faith''. However, in 1962 Ellory I through Letters Patent permanently changed the title to ''Defender of Faith'', to reflect the equal importance of his non-Church of Cygnia subjects.
 
   
 
==Succession==
 
==Succession==
Succession to the Cygnian throne is governed by the Acts of Succession. The Acts may only be amended or added to by Acts of Congress; it is not possible for an individual to renounce his or her right of succession. The Acts of Succession restricts the succession to the legitimate descendants of [[Alexander I of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Alexander I]].
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Succession to the Cygnian throne is governed by the Acts of Succession. The Acts may only be amended or added to by Acts of Congress; it is not possible for an individual to renounce his or her right of succession. The Acts of Succession restricts the succession to the legitimate descendants of [[George I of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|George I]].
   
Upon the death of a sovereign, his or her heir immediately and automatically succeeds, and the accession of the new sovereign is publicly proclaimed by the Chancellor. Upon their accession, a new sovereign is required by law to take the Oath of Accession. The latest oath, taken by [[Theodore V of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Theodore V]] in 1996, is as follows:
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Upon the death of a sovereign, his or her heir immediately and automatically succeeds, and the accession of the new sovereign is publicly proclaimed by the Chancellor. Upon their accession, a new sovereign is required by law to take the Oath of Accession. The latest oath, taken by {{JoW|Queen Elizabeth|Elizabeth}} in 1953, is as follows:
   
{{Quote|I, Theodore Frederick Thomas Oliver Charles Elliott William, do hereby solemnly and sincerely affirm that I will in my capacity as Emperor of the Cygnians uphold, defend and protect the Constitution of the Empire of the United Cygnian States, and to the best of my ability serve and defend the will of the Cygnian people. I further affirm that I shall protect the democratic rights of all citizens of the Empire, and fulfil my responsibilities and duties without fear or favour, affection or ill will. This I declare, and this I affirm.}}
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{{Quote|I, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, do solemnly swear that I will in my capacity as Queen of the Cygnians preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United Cygnian States, and to the best of my ability serve and uphold the will of the Cygnian people. I further swear that I shall protect the democratic rights of all citizens of the Union, and fulfil my responsibilities and duties without fear or favour, affection or ill will. So help me God!}}
   
During the {{JoW|Empire of Cygnia|First Empire}}, Emperors were crowned in St George Cathedral, normally by the Archbishop of Swanstone. A coronation was not prescribed by law, and was not necessary for a sovereign to reign. Since the restoration of the Empire in 1946, Emperors have instead been inaugurated in secular ceremonies similar to those which swear in the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor.
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Monarchs are crowned at St George Cathedral in {{JoW|Perth}}, normally by the Archbishop of Perth. A coronation is not prescribed by law, and is not necessary for a sovereign to reign. While the monarch is technically the Supreme Governor of the Church of Cygnia, a religious oath or affirmation is not legally required.
   
 
After an individual ascends the throne, he or she usually reigns until death. However, the Constitution provides procedures for the abdication of a monarch. In the event that the Sovereign is suspected of "treason, bribery and other high crimes or misdemeanours," Congress is empowered to suspend the Sovereign, institute a regency, try the Sovereign and thereafter if convicted the Sovereign can be compelled to abdicate. This abdication would be formally advised to the Sovereign by the Chancellor.
While the Emperor is technically the Supreme Governor of the Church of Cygnia, a religious oath or affirmation is not legally required. Indeed, all three Emperors since the restoration of the Empire made secular affirmations at their inaugurations. However, to assume their roles as the leaders of the Church, it has become customary to swear a separate, religious oath in a more private ceremony at St George Cathedral.
 
   
After an individual ascends the throne, he or she usually reigns until death. However, the Constitution provides procedures for the abdication of a monarch. In the event that the Emperor is suspected of "treason, bribery and other high crimes or misdemeanours," Congress is empowered to suspend the Emperor, institute a regency, try the Emperor and thereafter if convicted the Emperor can be compelled to abdicate. This abdication would be formally advised to the Emperor by the Chancellor. So far, this has not yet happened in Cygnian history. No Emperor has ever abdicated, although this will change on 5 May 2017, when it is expected that [[Theodore V of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Theodore V]] will abdicate in favour of the [[Prince Alexander, Duke of Augusta (Joan of What?)|Duke of Augusta]].
 
 
===Restrictions by gender and religion===
 
===Restrictions by gender and religion===
Succession during the [[Empire of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|First Empire]] was largely governed by male-preference cognatic primogeniture, under which sons inherit before daughters, and elder children inherit before younger ones of the same gender. The Second Amendment to the Acts of Succession, which was passed shortly after the restoration of the Imperial Constitution under the [[Government of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Second Empire]] in 1946, abolished the gender-preference rule for anyone born after 1 June 1946. The Amendment also provided that Emperors would not be prohibited from marrying a Roman Catholic – a law which dated from the pre-Cygnian Acts of Settlement 1701. However, since the Emperor is also the Supreme Governor of the Church of Cygnia, the law which prohibits a Roman Catholic from acceding to the throne remains. The Amendment was passed by Congress on 14 May 1946, and was given Imperial Assent on 25 May.
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Succession during the [[Empire of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Empire]] was largely governed by male-preference cognatic primogeniture, under which sons inherit before daughters, and elder children inherit before younger ones of the same gender. The Second Amendment to the Acts of Succession abolished the gender-preference rule for anyone born after 1 June 1946. The amendment also provided that monarchs would not be prohibited from marrying a Roman Catholic – a law which dated from the pre-Cygnian Acts of Settlement 1701. However, since the monarch is also the Supreme Governor of the Church of Cygnia, the law which prohibits a Roman Catholic from acceding to the throne remains. The amendment was passed by Congress on 14 May 1950, and was given Imperial Assent on 25 May.
   
 
Only individuals who are Protestants may inherit the Crown. Roman Catholics are prohibited from succeeding. An individual thus disabled from inheriting the Crown is deemed "naturally dead" for succession purposes, and the disqualification does not extend to the individual's legitimate descendants.
 
Only individuals who are Protestants may inherit the Crown. Roman Catholics are prohibited from succeeding. An individual thus disabled from inheriting the Crown is deemed "naturally dead" for succession purposes, and the disqualification does not extend to the individual's legitimate descendants.
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===Regency===
 
===Regency===
The Regency Acts allow for regencies in the event of an Emperor who is a minor or who is physically or mentally incapacitated. When a regency is necessary, the next qualified individual in the line of succession automatically becomes regent, unless they themselves are a minor or incapacitated.
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[[Constitution_of_Cygnia_(Joan_of_What?)#Section_3_2|Article Two, Section 3]] of the {{JoW|Constitution of Cygnia|Constitution}} allows for regencies in the event of a King or Queen who is a minor or who is physically or mentally incapacitated. When a regency is necessary, the next qualified individual in the line of succession automatically becomes regent, unless they themselves are a minor or incapacitated. Should all qualified individuals in the line of succession be unable to serve as regent, Congress is empowered to elect ten members of the Federal Executive Council (not currently serving in Congress) to form a collective regency until the heir is deemed by Congress to be fit to rule.
   
During a temporary physical infirmity or an absence, the Emperor may temporarily delegate some of his functions to Counsellors of State, who consist of the Empress and the first four adults in the line of succession. The present Counsellors of State are [[Elizabeth of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Empress Elizabeth]], the [[Prince Alexander, Duke of Augusta (Joan of What?)|Duke of Augusta]], the [[Danielle, Princess Imperial (Joan of What?)|Princess Imperial]] and the [[Princess Louise, Duchess of Carnarvon (Joan of What?)|Duchess of Carnarvon]].
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During a temporary physical infirmity or an absence, the monarch may temporarily delegate some of her functions to Counsellors of State, who consist of the Prince Consort and the first four adults in the line of succession. The present Counsellors of State are the {{JoW|Philip, Duke of Palmerston|Duke of Palmerston}}, the [[Prince Charles, Duke of Sydney (Joan of What?)|Duke of Sydney]], the [[Prince William, Duke of Bunbury (Joan of What?)|Duke of Bunbury]], the {{JoW|Prince Harry, Duke of Albany|Duke of Albany}}, and the {{JoW|Anne, Princess Imperial|Princess Imperial}}.
   
 
==Finances==
 
==Finances==
All official expenses of the Emperor are covered by the government, including those for staffing, state visits, public engagements, and official entertainment. This is provided through the Civil List, and its size is fixed by Congress every eight years; any money saved is carried forward to the next eight-year period. An annual Property Services Grant-in-Aid is paid for the upkeep of the Imperial residences, and an annual Imperial Travel Grant-in-Aid paid for travel.
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All official expenses of the monarch are covered by the government, including those for staffing, state visits, public engagements, and official entertainment. This is provided through the Civil List, and its size is fixed by Congress every eight years; any money saved is carried forward to the next eight-year period. An annual Property Services Grant-in-Aid is paid for the upkeep of the Imperial residences, and an annual Imperial Travel Grant-in-Aid paid for travel.
   
The Imperial property portfolio, known as the Crown Estate, is one of the largest property owners in Cygnia, with holdings of §7.3 billion in 2011. It is held in trust, and cannot be sold or owned by the Emperor in a private capacity. In modern times, the profits surrendered from the Crown Estate to the Treasury have exceeded the Civil List and Grants-in-Aid. For example, the Crown Estate produced §200 million in the financial year 2007–8, whereas reported Congressional funding for the Emperor was §40 million during the same period.
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The Imperial property portfolio, known as the Crown Estate, is one of the largest property owners in Cygnia, with holdings of £7.3 billion in 2011. It is held in trust, and cannot be sold or owned by the monarch in a private capacity. In modern times, the profits surrendered from the Crown Estate to the Treasury have exceeded the Civil List and Grants-in-Aid. For example, the Crown Estate produced £200 million in the financial year 2007–8, whereas reported Congressional funding for the monarch was £40 million during the same period.
   
Like the Crown Estate, the land and assets of the Duchy of Augusta is a similar estate held in trust to meet the expenses of the Emperor's eldest son. The Imperial Collection, which includes artworks and the Crown Jewels, is not owned by the Emperor personally and is held in trust, as are the Imperial residences in Cygnia such as [[Ellingham Palace (Joan of What?)|Ellingham Palace]] and [[Theodora House (Joan of What?)|Theodora House]].
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Like the Crown Estate, the land and assets of the Duchy of Sydney is a similar estate held in trust to meet the expenses of the monarch's eldest son. The Imperial Collection, which includes artworks and the Crown Jewels, is not owned by the monarch personally and is held in trust, as are the Imperial residences in Cygnia such as [[Mandurah Palace (Joan of What?)|Mandurah Palace]] and [[Admiralty House (Joan of What?)|Admiralty House]].
   
The Emperor is subject to indirect taxes such as value-added tax, and since 1983 the Emperor has paid income tax and capital gains tax on personal income. Congressional grants to the Emperor are not treated as income as they are solely for official expenditure. Republicans estimate that the real cost of the monarchy, including security and potential income not claimed by the state, such as profits from the Duchy of Augusta and rent of Ellingham Palace and Theodora House, is §334 million a year.
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The monarch is subject to indirect taxes such as value-added tax, and since 1983 the monarch has paid income tax and capital gains tax on personal income. Congressional grants to the Sovereign are not treated as income as they are solely for official expenditure. Republicans estimate that the real cost of the monarchy, including security and potential income not claimed by the state, such as profits from the Duchy of Sydney and rent of Mandurah Palace and Admiralty House, is £334 million a year.
   
The Emperor is also granted access to various vehicles for transportation, many of which are shared with the Chancellor. For ground travel, the Emperor uses the Imperial state car, which is an armoured limousine built on a heavily mmodified Holden-based chassis. The Chancellor uses an identical vehicle. One of two identical Douglas Madison Royce MAC-30 aircraft, which are extensively modified versions of DMR-18-800 airliners, have since 2015 served as long distance travel for the Emperor and are referred to as ''Air Force One'' while the Emperor is on board (although any Cygnian Imperial Air Force aircraft the Emperor is aboard is designated as "Air Force One" for the duration of the flight). Domestic trips are typically handled with just one of the two planes while international flights are handled with both, one primary and one backup. Any civilian aircraft the Emperor is aboard is designated Executive One for the flight. The Emperor also has access to a fleet of twenty Cygnian Imperial Marine Corps helicopters of various models, designated as ''Marine One'' when the Emperor is aboard any particular one in the fleet. Flights are typically handled with as many as five helicopters all flying together and frequently swapping positions as to disguise which helicopter the Emperor is actually aboard to any would-be threats. The Emperor is usually prohibited from travelling in the same helicopter fleet, plane, or car as the Chancellor, for security reasons.
+
The monarch is also granted access to various vehicles for transportation. For ground travel, the monarch uses the Imperial state car, which is an armoured limousine built on a heavily modified Holden-based chassis. The Chancellor uses an identical vehicle. One of two identical Douglas-Royce MAC-30 aircraft, which are extensively modified versions of DR-80 airliners, have since 2015 served as long distance travel for the monarch and are referred to as ''Air Force One'' while the monarch is on board (although any Cygnian Imperial Air Force aircraft the monarch is aboard is designated as "Air Force One" for the duration of the flight). Domestic trips are typically handled with just one of the two planes while international flights are handled with both, one primary and one backup. Any civilian aircraft the monarch is aboard is designated Executive One for the flight. The Sovereign also has access to a fleet of 20 Cygnian Imperial Marine Corps helicopters of various models, designated as ''Marine One'' when the monarch is aboard any particular one in the fleet. Flights are typically handled with as many as five helicopters all flying together and frequently swapping positions as to disguise which helicopter the monarch is actually aboard to any would-be threats. The monarch is usually prohibited from travelling in the same helicopter fleet, plane, or car as the Chancellor, for security reasons.
   
 
==Residences==
 
==Residences==
[[File:Ellingham.jpg|thumb|250px|Ellingham Palace, the main residence of the Emperor.]]
+
[[File:Ellingham.jpg|thumb|250px|Mandurah Palace, the main residence of the monarch.]]
   
The Emperor's official residence in Swanstone is [[Ellingham Palace (Joan of What?)|Ellingham Palace]], located in the southern side of the city. It is the site of most state banquets, investitures, Imperial christenings and other ceremonies. An alternative residence is [[Theodora House (Joan of What?)|Theodora House]] in the northern city of [[Theodora (Joan of What?)|Theodora]]. Other members of the Imperial family use different residences, although they unlike the monarch are not prohibited from taking residence on privately-owned property. For example, the Duchess of Carnarvon lives with her family in the southern suburbs of Swanstone. The Duke of Augusta and his family lives in [[Colburn House (Joan of What?)|Colburn House]], a Government-owned riverside mansion in the inner neighbourhood of Colburn, Swanstone.
+
The monarch's official residence in Northam is [[Mandurah Palace (Joan of What?)|Mandurah Palace]], located in the southern side of the city. It is the site of most state banquets, investitures, Imperial christenings and other ceremonies. An alternative residence is [[Admiralty House (Joan of What?)|Admiralty House]] in the eastern city of {{JoW|Sydney}}. Other members of the Imperial family use different residences, although they unlike the monarch are not prohibited from taking residence on privately-owned property. For example, the Duchess of Carnarvon lives with her family in the southern suburbs of Perth. The Duke of Melbourne and his family lives in [[Cockburn House (Joan of What?)|Cockburn House]], a Government-owned riverside mansion in the southern neighbourhood of Cockburn, Perth.
   
 
==Style==
 
==Style==
The present Emperor's full style and title is "Theodore the Fifth, by the Grace of the People and the Constitution, of the Cygnian People Emperor, Head of the House of Stuart-Campbell, Defender of Faith". The title "Head of the House of Stuart-Campbell" is bestowed by the [[House of Stuart-Campbell (Joan of What?)|Imperial family]] under its House laws, and is technically not tied to the Crown. The style "Defender of Faith" dates back to 1521, when Pope Leo X first granted the title "Defender of ''the'' Faith" to Henry VIII of England in 1521, rewarding him for his support of the Papacy during the early years of the Protestant Reformation, particularly for his book the Defence of the Seven Sacraments. After Henry broke from the Roman Church, Pope Paul III revoked the grant, but Parliament passed a law authorising its continued use. The usage of the title "Defender of the Faith" continued in Cygnia after Alexander I became Emperor of Cygnia. The style was changed to "Defender of Faith" by [[Ellory I of Cygnia (Joan of What?)|Ellory I]] in 1962 to reflect the equal importance of his non-Church of Cygnia subjects.
+
The present monarch's full style and title is "Elizabeth, Queen of the Cygnians and of Her other Peoples, Realms, and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith". The style "Defender of the Faith" dates back to 1521, when Pope Leo X first granted the title to Henry VIII of England in 1521, rewarding him for his support of the Papacy during the early years of the Protestant Reformation, particularly for his book the Defence of the Seven Sacraments. After Henry broke from the Roman Church, Pope Paul III revoked the grant, but Parliament passed a law authorising its continued use. The usage of the title "Defender of the Faith" continued in Cygnia after George III of the United Kingdom became King of the Cygnians.
   
The Emperor is known as "His Imperial Majesty". The form "Cygnian Majesty" appears in international treaties and on passports to differentiate the Cygnian monarch from foreign rulers. The latter title is used in the prefixes of military installations and naval vessels. Navy ships carry the prefix ''Cygnian Majesty's Ship'' (CMS), while Army and Naval bases have the prefixes ''Cygnian Majesty's Army Base'' (CMAB) and ''Cygnian Majesty's Naval Base'' (CMNB) respectively.
+
The Queen is known as "Her Imperial Majesty". The form "Cygnian Majesty" appears in international treaties and on passports to differentiate the Cygnian monarch from foreign rulers. The former title is used in the prefixes of military installations and naval vessels. Navy ships carry the prefix ''Her Imperial Majesty's Ship'' (HIMS), while Army and Naval bases have the prefixes ''Her Imperial Majesty's Army Base'' (HIMAB) and ''Her Imperial Majesty's Naval Base'' (HIMNB) respectively.
   
The Emperor chooses his regnal name, not necessarily his first name – Emperors Theodore II and Theodore IV did not use their first names.
+
The Sovereign chooses their regnal name, not necessarily their first name – Kings Edward I and George IV did not use their first names.
   
Traditionally in Britain, the signature of the King included his regnal name but not ordinal, followed by the letter R, which stands for ''rex'' or ''regina'' (Latin for ''King'' and ''Queen'', respectively). After three ''Theodore''s occupied the throne consecutively, Theodore III dropped the usage of the initial, which had since become an I for ''imperator'' (Latin for Emperor), and instead used his full regnal name, ''Theodore III''. This continued with Theodore IV. Ellory I also used his ordinal in his signature, although since his ordinal was ''I'', it would not have made a difference since the ordinal could have been interpreted as the ''imperator'' "I" as well. Theodore V also uses his ordinal in his signature.
+
Traditionally in Britain, the signature of the King included his regnal name but not ordinal, followed by the letter R, which stands for ''rex'' or ''regina'' (Latin for ''King'' and ''Queen'', respectively). This continues in Cygnia. Elizabeth's signature is therefore "Elizabeth R".
   
 
==List of monarchs==
 
==List of monarchs==
===First Empire (1792–1946)===
+
===House of Stuart (1792–1901)===
====House of Stuart (1792–1821)====
 
 
{| style="text-align:Center; width:100%" class="wikitable"
 
{| style="text-align:Center; width:100%" class="wikitable"
 
! width=15% | Name<br/>Reign
 
! width=15% | Name<br/>Reign
Line 109: Line 110:
 
! Claim
 
! Claim
 
|-
 
|-
| '''{{JoW|Alexander I of Cygnia|Alexander I}}'''<br>Alexander Henry<br>18 March 1793<br>–<br>2 February 1809
+
| '''{{JoW|George I of Cygnia|George I}}'''<br>George William Frederick<br>18 March 1793<br>–<br>29 January 1820
 
| [[File:King_George_III_of_England_by_Johann_Zoffany.jpg|120px]]
 
| [[File:King_George_III_of_England_by_Johann_Zoffany.jpg|120px]]
 
| [[File:Coat of arms of Cygnia (1783-1821).png|120px]]
 
| [[File:Coat of arms of Cygnia (1783-1821).png|120px]]
 
| 6 December 1740<br>Norfolk House
 
| 6 December 1740<br>Norfolk House
   
Son of {{JoW|William IV of the United Kingdom}} and {{w|Caroline of Ansbach}}
+
Son of {{w|Frederick, Prince of Wales}} and {{w|Caroline of Ansbach}}
| {{JoW|Alexandra of Cygnia|Alexandria of Mecklenburg-Strelitz}}<br>{{w|St James's Palace}}<br>21 April 1761
+
| {{JoW|Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz}}<br>{{w|St James's Palace}}<br>8 September 1761
   
2 children
+
15 children
| 2 February 1809<br>{{JoW|Ellingham Palace|Ellingham House}}<br>aged 68
+
| 29 January 1820<br>{{JoW|Mandurah Palace|Mandurah Palace}}<br>aged 81
| {{JoW|Constitution of Cygnia}}
+
| {{JoW|Imperial Constitution of Cygnia}}
 
|-
 
|-
| '''{{JoW|Theodore I of Cygnia|Theodore I}}'''<br>Theodore William Alexander<br>2 February 1809<br>–<br>9 August 1821
+
| '''{{JoW|George II of Cygnia|George II}}'''<br>George Augustus Frederick<br>29 January 1820<br>–<br>26 June 1830
 
| [[File:George IV 1821 color.jpg|120px]]
 
| [[File:George IV 1821 color.jpg|120px]]
 
| [[File:Coat of arms of Cygnia (1783-1821).png|120px]]
 
| [[File:Coat of arms of Cygnia (1783-1821).png|120px]]
| 31 July 1765<br>Kensington Palace
+
| 12 August 1762<br>Kensington Palace
   
Son of {{JoW|Alexander I of Cygnia|Alexander I}} and {{JoW|Alexandra of Cygnia|Alexandra of Mecklenburg-Strelitz}}
+
Son of {{JoW|George I of Cygnia|George I}} and {{JoW|Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz}}
| {{JoW|Anne of Cygnia|Anne Harris}}<br>{{JoW|Ellingham Palace|Ellingham House}}<br>9 April 1786
+
| {{JoW|Caroline of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel}}<br>{{JoW|Government House, Perth}}<br>8 April 1795
   
  +
1 daughter
5 children
 
| 9 August 1821<br>{{JoW|Ellingham Palace}}<br>aged 56
+
| 26 June 1830<br>{{JoW|Mandurah Palace}}<br>aged 67
| Son of Alexander I
+
| rowspan=2 | Son of George I
 
|-
 
|-
  +
| '''{{JoW|King William of Cygnia|William}}'''<br>William Henry<br>26 June 1830<br>–<br>20 June 1837
 
| [[File:William IV%2C_.jpg|120px]]
 
| [[File:Coat of arms of Cygnia (1821-1871).png|120px]]
  +
| 21 August 1765<br>Buckingham Palace
  +
 
Son of {{JoW|George I of Cygnia|George I}} and {{JoW|Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz}}
  +
| {{JoW|Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen}}<br>{{JoW|Mandurah Palace}}<br>13 July 1818
  +
  +
2 daughters
  +
| 20 June 1837<br>Mandurah Palace<br>aged 71
 
|-
  +
| '''{{JoW|Queen Victoria|Victoria}}'''<br>Alexandrina Victoria<br>20 June 1837<br>–<br>22 January 1901
 
| [[File:Queen Victoria 1843.jpg|120px]]
 
| [[File:Coat of arms of Cygnia (1821-1871).png|120px]]
  +
| 24 May 1819<br>Admiralty House
  +
  +
Daughter of the {{JoW|Prince Edward, Duke of Charlottesville|Duke of Charlottesville}} and {{JoW|Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld}}
  +
| {{JoW|Albert, Prince Consort|Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha}}<br>{{JoW|Mandurah Palace}}<br>10 February 1840
  +
 
9 children
  +
| 22 January 1901<br>Kiribilli House<br>aged 81
  +
| Granddaughter of {{JoW|George I of Cygnia|George I}}
 
|}
 
|}
   
===={{JoW|House of Stuart-Campbell}} (1821–1946)====
+
==={{JoW|House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha}} (1901&ndash;present)===
 
{| style="text-align:Center; width:100%" class="wikitable"
 
{| style="text-align:Center; width:100%" class="wikitable"
 
! width=15% | Name<br/>Reign
 
! width=15% | Name<br/>Reign
Line 145: Line 168:
 
! Claim
 
! Claim
 
|-
 
|-
| '''{{JoW|Alexander II of Cygnia|Alexander II}}'''<br>Alexander George Louis<br>9 August 1821<br>–<br>6 October 1840
+
| '''{{JoW|Edward I of Cygnia|Edward I}}'''<br>Albert Edward<br>22 January 1901<br>–<br>6 May 1910
| [[File:1st Earl of Munster.jpg|120px]]
+
| [[File:Edward VII in coronation robes.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:Coat of arms of Cygnia (1821-1871).png|120px]]
+
| [[File:Coat of arms of Cygnia.png|120px]]
| 27 June 1788<br>{{JoW|Ellingham House}}
+
| 9 November 1841<br>{{JoW|Mandurah Palace}}
   
Son of {{JoW|Theodore I of Cygnia|Theodore I}} and {{JoW|Anne of Cygnia|Anne Harris}}
+
Son of {{JoW|Queen Victoria|Victoria}} and {{JoW|Albert, Prince Consort|Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha}}
| {{JoW|Josephine of Cygnia|Josephine Campbell}}<br>{{JoW|St George Cathedral}}<br>16 August 1799
+
| {{JoW|Alexandra of Denmark}}<br>St George Cathedral<br>10 March 1863
   
2 children
+
6 children
| 6 October 1840<br>{{JoW|Ellingham Palace}}<br>aged 33
+
| 6 May 1910<br>{{JoW|Mandurah Palace}}<br>aged 68
| Son of Theodore I
+
| Son of {{JoW|Queen Victoria|Victoria}}
 
|-
 
|-
| '''{{JoW|Theodore II of Cygnia|Theodore II}}'''<br>Albert Alexander Theodore<br>6 October 1821<br>–<br>3 February 1885
+
| '''{{JoW|George III of Cygnia|George III}}'''<br>George Frederick Ernest Albert<br>6 May 1910<br>–<br>20 January 1936
| [[File:King Edward VIII, when Prince of Wales - Cope 1912.jpg|120px]]
+
| [[File:King George V 1911.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:Coat of arms of Cygnia (1821-1871).png|120px]]
+
| [[File:Coat of arms of Cygnia.png|120px]]
| 2 June 1828<br>{{JoW|Ellingham Palace}}
+
| 3 June 1865<br>Admiralty House
   
Son of {{JoW|Alexander II of Cygnia|Alexander II}} and {{JoW|Josephine of Cygnia|Josephine Campbell}}
+
Son of {{JoW|Edward I of Cygnia|Edward I}} and {{JoW|Alexandra of Denmark}}
| {{JoW|Mary of Cygnia|Mary Frances Tennyson}}<br>{{JoW|St George Cathedral}}<br>10 August 1847
+
| {{JoW|Mary of Teck}}<br>{{JoW|St George Cathedral}}<br>6 July 1893
   
5 children
+
6 children
| 3 February 1885<br>{{JoW|Ellingham Palace}}<br>aged 57
+
| 20 January 1936<br>{{JoW|Mandurah Palace}}<br>aged 70
| Son of Alexander II
+
| Son of {{JoW|Edward I of Cygnia|Edward I}}
 
|-
 
|-
| '''{{JoW|Theodore III of Cygnia|Theodore III}}'''<br>Theodore Albert Alexander Charles William<br>3 February 1885<br>–<br>2 August 1928
+
| '''{{JoW|Edward II of Cygnia|Edward II}}'''<br>Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David<br>20 January 1936<br>–<br>11 December 1936
| [[File:Duke of Edinburgh by Alan Sutherland.jpg|120px]]
+
| [[File:Edward VIII Portrait - 1936.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:Coat of arms of the House of Stuart-Campbell.png|120px]]
+
| [[File:Coat of arms of Cygnia.png|120px]]
| 24 March 1855<br>{{JoW|Ellingham Palace}}
+
| 24 March 1894<br>{{JoW|Kiribilli House}}
   
Son of {{JoW|Theodore II of Cygnia|Theodore II}} and {{JoW|Mary of Cygnia|Mary Frances Tennyson}}
+
Son of {{JoW|George III of Cygnia|George III}} and {{JoW|Mary of Teck}}
| {{JoW|Alexis of Cygnia|Alexis of Spain}}<br>{{w|Almudena Cathedral}}<br>4 July 1886
+
| {{JoW|Wallis Simpson}}<br>Château de Candé<br>3 June 1937
   
2 children
+
No children
| 2 August 1928<br>{{JoW|Ellingham Palace}}<br>aged 73
+
| 28 May 1972<br>{{JoW|Neuilly-sur-Seine}}<br>aged 77
  +
| rowspan=2 | Son of {{JoW|George III of Cygnia|George III}}
| Son of Theodore II
 
 
|-
 
|-
| '''{{JoW|Theodore IV of Cygnia|Theodore IV}}'''<br>William Theodore Victor Frederick Peter<br>2 August 1928<br>–<br>3 May 1932
+
| '''{{JoW|George IV of Cygnia|George IV}}'''<br>Albert Frederick Arthur George<br>11 December 1936<br>–<br>6 February 1952
| [[File:Charles, Prince of Wales portrait young.jpg|120px]]
+
| [[File:King George VI crop.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:Coat of arms of the House of Stuart-Campbell.png|120px]]
+
| [[File:Coat of arms of Cygnia.png|120px]]
| 30 April 1888<br>{{JoW|Ellingham Palace}}
+
| 14 December 1895<br>{{JoW|Mandurah Palace}}
   
Son of {{JoW|Theodore III of Cygnia|Theodore III}} and {{JoW|Alexis of Cygnia|Alexis of Spain}}
+
Son of {{JoW|George III of Cygnia|George III}} and {{JoW|Mary of Teck}}
| {{JoW|Gertraud of Cygnia|Gertraud Wolfshiem}}<br>{{JoW|Ellingham Palace}}<br>3 October 1908
+
| {{JoW|Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon}}<br>{{JoW|St George Cathedral}}<br>26 April 1923
   
  +
2 daughters
4 children
 
| 3 May 1932<br>{{JoW|Ellingham Palace}}<br>aged 43
+
| 6 February 1952<br>{{JoW|Kiribilli House}}<br>aged 56
| Son of Theodore III
 
 
|-
 
|-
| '''{{JoW|Ellory I of Cygnia|Ellory I}}'''<br>Ellory Alexander William Theodore Victor Albert Louis<br>3 May 1932<br>–<br>4 December 1996
+
| '''{{JoW|Queen Elizabeth|Elizabeth}}'''<br>Elizabeth Alexandra Mary<br>6 February 1952<br>–<br>Present
| [[File:ElloryI-young-CYG-GoN.jpg|120px]]
+
| [[File:Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Portrait Herbert James Gunn.jpg|120px]]
| [[File:Coat of arms of the House of Stuart-Campbell.png|120px]]
+
| [[File:Coat of arms of Cygnia.png|120px]]
| 8 October 1921<br>{{JoW|Ellingham Palace}}
+
| 21 April 1926<br>{{JoW|Perth}}
   
Son of {{JoW|Theodore IV of Cygnia|Theodore IV}} and {{JoW|Gertraud of Cygnia|Gertraud Wolfshiem}}
+
Son of {{JoW|George IV of Cygnia|George IV}} and {{JoW|Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon}}
| {{JoW|Victoria of Cygnia|Victoria Geraldton}}<br>{{JoW|St George Cathedral}}<br>3 October 1945
+
| {{JoW|Prince Philip, Duke of Palmerston|Philip of Greece and Denmark}}<br>{{JoW|St George Cathedral}}<br>20 November 1947
   
3 children
+
4 children
  +
| Living<br>age 92
| 4 December 1996<br>{{JoW|Swanstone}}<br>aged 75
 
  +
| Daughter of {{JoW|George IV of Cygnia|George IV}}
| Son of Theodore IV
 
|}
 
===Second Empire (1946–present)===
 
====House of Stuart-Campbell (1946–present)====
 
{| style="text-align:Center; width:100%" class="wikitable"
 
! width=15% | Name<br/>Reign
 
! width=105px | Portrait<ref group="n">At or close to time of accession, as no coronation portraits have been painted after Theodore IV's.</ref>
 
! width=105px | Arms
 
! width=15% | Birth<br/>Parentage
 
! width=15% | Marriage(s)<br/>Issue
 
! width=19% | Death
 
! Claim
 
|-
 
| '''{{JoW|Ellory I of Cygnia|Ellory I}}'''<br>Ellory Alexander William Theodore Victor Albert Louis<br>3 May 1932<br>–<br>4 December 1996
 
| [[File:ElloryI-young-CYG-GoN.jpg|120px]]
 
| [[File:Coat of arms of the House of Stuart-Campbell.png|120px]]
 
| 8 October 1921<br>{{JoW|Ellingham Palace}}
 
 
Son of {{JoW|Theodore IV of Cygnia|Theodore IV}} and {{JoW|Gertraud of Cygnia|Gertraud Wolfshiem}}
 
| {{JoW|Victoria of Cygnia|Victoria Geraldton}}<br>{{JoW|St George Cathedral}}<br>3 October 1945
 
 
3 children
 
| 4 December 1996<br>{{JoW|Swanstone}}<br>aged 75
 
| Son of Theodore IV
 
|-
 
| '''{{JoW|Theodore V of Cygnia|Theodore V}}'''<br>Theodore Frederick Thomas Oliver Charles Elliott William<br>4 December 1996<br>–<br>present
 
| [[File:Theodore V 1996.jpg|120px]]
 
| [[File:Coat of arms of the House of Stuart-Campbell.png|120px]]
 
| 5 June 1951<br>{{JoW|Swanstone Central Hospital}}
 
 
Son of {{JoW|Ellory I of Cygnia|Ellory I}} and {{JoW|Victoria of Cygnia|Victoria Geraldton}}
 
| {{JoW|Elizabeth of Cygnia|Elizabeth Cooke-Lyon}}<br>{{JoW|St George Cathedral}}<br>2 April 1979
 
 
2 children
 
| ''Living''
 
| Son of Ellory I
 
|-
 
| colspan="7" style="text-align:left;" | <small><references group="n" /></small>
 
 
|}
 
|}
   

Revision as of 03:34, 14 October 2019

Queen of the Cygnians
Coat of arms of Cygnia
Coat of arms of Cygnia
Incumbent
Queen Elizabeth II March 2015
Elizabeth
since 6 February 1952
Details
Style Her Majesty
Heir apparent Charles, Prince of Wales
First monarch George I
Formation 5 May 1792
Residence Mandurah Palace

The Queen of the Cygnians, commonly referred to as the Queen or (erroneously) the Queen of Cygnia, is the constitutional monarch of Cygnia. The monarch's title is "King" (male) or "Queen" (female). The current monarch and head of state, Elizabeth, acceded to the throne following the death of her father, George IV.

The monarch and his or her immediate family undertake various official, ceremonial, diplomatic and representational duties. As the monarchy is constitutional, the monarch is limited to non-partisan functions such as bestowing honours and appointing the Chancellor. The monarch is, by tradition, commander-in-chief of the Cygnian Imperial Armed Forces. Though the ultimate formal executive authority over the government of Cygnia is still by and through the monarch's royal prerogative, these powers may only be used according to laws enacted in Congress and, in practice, within the constraints of convention and precedent.

Constitutional role

Imperial Standard of Cygnia

The Imperial Standard of Cygnia, the monarch's official flag

In the Constitution of Cygnia, the monarch (otherwise referred to as the Sovereign or "His/Her Imperial Majesty", abbreviated H.I.M.) is the Head of State, as established in Article II, Section 1. Oaths of allegiance and office in Cygnia are made to the Queen and her lawful successors. "God Save the Queen" is the Cygnian imperial anthem, and an abbreviated version is used as the official imperial fanfare. The Sovereign also appears on postage stamps and coins.

The monarch takes little direct part in Government. The decisions to exercise sovereign powers are delegated from the monarch by the Constitution to the Chancellor, the Cabinet, officers of the Crown, or other public bodies, exclusive of the monarch personally. Thus the acts of state done in the name of the Crown, such as Crown Appointments, even if personally performed by the monarch, depend upon decisions made elsewhere:

  • Legislative power is exercised by Congress, comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
  • Executive power is exercised by Her Imperial Majesty's Government, which comprises the Chancellor and his/her Cabinet. While the Sovereign serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Cygnian Imperial Armed Forces, the powers associated with the Commander-in-Chief are exercised by the Chancellor through the Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Ministry of Defence. The Cabinet also has the direction of the Civil Service and other Imperial Servants such as the Diplomatic Corps and the Intelligence Community (the monarch receives certain foreign intelligence reports before the Chancellor does).
  • Judicial power is vested in the various courts of the Union, the most senior of these being the Supreme Court of Cygnia.
  • The Church of Cygnia, of which the monarch is the head, has its own legislative, judicial and executive structures.
  • Powers independent of government are legally granted to other public bodies by statute or Statutory Instrument such as an Order in Council, Imperial Commission or otherwise.

Appointment of the Chancellor

Every four years or when otherwise necessary, the monarch is responsible for appointing a new Chancellor (or reaffirming the appointment of the existing Chancellor if re-elected). The Chancellor is constitutionally empowered to appoint and dismiss every other member of the Cabinet, and thereby constitutes and controls the government. While by tradition the Sovereign may appoint whomever he or she deems fit to serve as Chancellor, Constitutional law binds the monarch to appoint the leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives. The Chancellor takes office in a public inauguration ceremony in the presence of the monarch.

Imperial Prerogative

Some of the government's executive authority is theoretically and nominally vested in the Sovereign and is known as the imperial prerogative. The monarch acts within the constraints of convention and precedent, exercising prerogative only on the advice of the Chancellor and the Federal Executive Council. In practice, prerogative powers are exercised only on the Chancellor's advice – the Chancellor, and not the Sovereign, has control. The monarch holds a weekly audience with the Chancellor. No records of these audiences are taken and the proceedings remain fully confidential. The Sovereign may express his or her views, but as a constitutional ruler must ultimately accept the decisions of the Chancellor and the Cabinet except in circumstances as provided in the Constitution.

The Imperial Prerogative includes the powers to appoint and dismiss officials, regulate the civil service, and issue passports. The decision to declare war and make peace is not the monarch's to make; Congress instead has the powers to do so. The Sovereign is responsible for the protection of Cygnians abroad and foreign nationals in Cygnia, making the powers related to those specific responsibilities fall outside the jurisdiction of Imperial prerogative. The monarch is commander-in-chief of the Imperial Armed Forces, accredits Cygnian High Commissioners and ambassadors, and receives diplomats from foreign states.

It is the prerogative of the monarch to convene, adjourn, and dissolve Congress. Each Congress begins with the Sovereign's summon, which traditionally occurs on 3 January. The new Congress' first session is marked by the State Opening of Congress, during which the monarch reads the Speech from the Throne in the House of Representatives chamber, outlining the Government's legislative agenda. Adjournment usually occurs about one year after a session begins, and formally concludes the session. Dissolution ends a congressional term, and is followed by a federal election for all seats in the House of Representatives, and half of those in the Senate. A federal election is held four years after the previous one as provided in Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution. In the event of a motion of no confidence in either the Chancellor or the Government in Congress, the monarch is empowered to declare a double dissolution (dissolution of both Houses of Congress, including the entire Senate) and call for midterm elections to form a new Congress and Government to complete the term.

Before a bill passed by Congress can become law, Imperial Assent (the Sovereign's approval) is required. Assent can either be granted (making the bill law) or withheld (vetoing the bill). However a veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress, whereupon the Sovereign is required to give Imperial Assent to the bill.

The monarch is considered to be the "fount of honour", the source of all honours and dignities in Cygnia. The Crown creates all peerages, appoints members of the orders of chivalry, grants knighthoods and awards other honours. Although peerages and most other honours are granted on the advice of the Chancellor, some honours are within the personal gift of the Sovereign, and are not granted on cancellarial advice. The monarch alone appoints members of the Order of the Garter, Order of the Swan, the Imperial Victorian Order and the Order of Merit.

Religious role

The monarch is the Supreme Governor of the established Church of Cygnia. Archbishops and bishops are appointed by the Sovereign, choosing the appointee from a list of nominees prepared by a Church Commission. The Crown's role in the Church of Cygnia, however, is otherwise titular; the most senior clergyman, the Archbishop of Perth, is the spiritual leader of the Church. As a result of the Sovereign's technical leadership of the Church, they are granted the title Defender of the Faith.

Succession

Succession to the Cygnian throne is governed by the Acts of Succession. The Acts may only be amended or added to by Acts of Congress; it is not possible for an individual to renounce his or her right of succession. The Acts of Succession restricts the succession to the legitimate descendants of George I.

Upon the death of a sovereign, his or her heir immediately and automatically succeeds, and the accession of the new sovereign is publicly proclaimed by the Chancellor. Upon their accession, a new sovereign is required by law to take the Oath of Accession. The latest oath, taken by Elizabeth in 1953, is as follows:

I, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, do solemnly swear that I will in my capacity as Queen of the Cygnians preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United Cygnian States, and to the best of my ability serve and uphold the will of the Cygnian people. I further swear that I shall protect the democratic rights of all citizens of the Union, and fulfil my responsibilities and duties without fear or favour, affection or ill will. So help me God!

Monarchs are crowned at St George Cathedral in Perth, normally by the Archbishop of Perth. A coronation is not prescribed by law, and is not necessary for a sovereign to reign. While the monarch is technically the Supreme Governor of the Church of Cygnia, a religious oath or affirmation is not legally required.

After an individual ascends the throne, he or she usually reigns until death. However, the Constitution provides procedures for the abdication of a monarch. In the event that the Sovereign is suspected of "treason, bribery and other high crimes or misdemeanours," Congress is empowered to suspend the Sovereign, institute a regency, try the Sovereign and thereafter if convicted the Sovereign can be compelled to abdicate. This abdication would be formally advised to the Sovereign by the Chancellor.

Restrictions by gender and religion

Succession during the Empire was largely governed by male-preference cognatic primogeniture, under which sons inherit before daughters, and elder children inherit before younger ones of the same gender. The Second Amendment to the Acts of Succession abolished the gender-preference rule for anyone born after 1 June 1946. The amendment also provided that monarchs would not be prohibited from marrying a Roman Catholic – a law which dated from the pre-Cygnian Acts of Settlement 1701. However, since the monarch is also the Supreme Governor of the Church of Cygnia, the law which prohibits a Roman Catholic from acceding to the throne remains. The amendment was passed by Congress on 14 May 1950, and was given Imperial Assent on 25 May.

Only individuals who are Protestants may inherit the Crown. Roman Catholics are prohibited from succeeding. An individual thus disabled from inheriting the Crown is deemed "naturally dead" for succession purposes, and the disqualification does not extend to the individual's legitimate descendants.

Regency

Article Two, Section 3 of the Constitution allows for regencies in the event of a King or Queen who is a minor or who is physically or mentally incapacitated. When a regency is necessary, the next qualified individual in the line of succession automatically becomes regent, unless they themselves are a minor or incapacitated. Should all qualified individuals in the line of succession be unable to serve as regent, Congress is empowered to elect ten members of the Federal Executive Council (not currently serving in Congress) to form a collective regency until the heir is deemed by Congress to be fit to rule.

During a temporary physical infirmity or an absence, the monarch may temporarily delegate some of her functions to Counsellors of State, who consist of the Prince Consort and the first four adults in the line of succession. The present Counsellors of State are the Duke of Palmerston, the Duke of Sydney, the Duke of Bunbury, the Duke of Albany, and the Princess Imperial.

Finances

All official expenses of the monarch are covered by the government, including those for staffing, state visits, public engagements, and official entertainment. This is provided through the Civil List, and its size is fixed by Congress every eight years; any money saved is carried forward to the next eight-year period. An annual Property Services Grant-in-Aid is paid for the upkeep of the Imperial residences, and an annual Imperial Travel Grant-in-Aid paid for travel.

The Imperial property portfolio, known as the Crown Estate, is one of the largest property owners in Cygnia, with holdings of £7.3 billion in 2011. It is held in trust, and cannot be sold or owned by the monarch in a private capacity. In modern times, the profits surrendered from the Crown Estate to the Treasury have exceeded the Civil List and Grants-in-Aid. For example, the Crown Estate produced £200 million in the financial year 2007–8, whereas reported Congressional funding for the monarch was £40 million during the same period.

Like the Crown Estate, the land and assets of the Duchy of Sydney is a similar estate held in trust to meet the expenses of the monarch's eldest son. The Imperial Collection, which includes artworks and the Crown Jewels, is not owned by the monarch personally and is held in trust, as are the Imperial residences in Cygnia such as Mandurah Palace and Admiralty House.

The monarch is subject to indirect taxes such as value-added tax, and since 1983 the monarch has paid income tax and capital gains tax on personal income. Congressional grants to the Sovereign are not treated as income as they are solely for official expenditure. Republicans estimate that the real cost of the monarchy, including security and potential income not claimed by the state, such as profits from the Duchy of Sydney and rent of Mandurah Palace and Admiralty House, is £334 million a year.

The monarch is also granted access to various vehicles for transportation. For ground travel, the monarch uses the Imperial state car, which is an armoured limousine built on a heavily modified Holden-based chassis. The Chancellor uses an identical vehicle. One of two identical Douglas-Royce MAC-30 aircraft, which are extensively modified versions of DR-80 airliners, have since 2015 served as long distance travel for the monarch and are referred to as Air Force One while the monarch is on board (although any Cygnian Imperial Air Force aircraft the monarch is aboard is designated as "Air Force One" for the duration of the flight). Domestic trips are typically handled with just one of the two planes while international flights are handled with both, one primary and one backup. Any civilian aircraft the monarch is aboard is designated Executive One for the flight. The Sovereign also has access to a fleet of 20 Cygnian Imperial Marine Corps helicopters of various models, designated as Marine One when the monarch is aboard any particular one in the fleet. Flights are typically handled with as many as five helicopters all flying together and frequently swapping positions as to disguise which helicopter the monarch is actually aboard to any would-be threats. The monarch is usually prohibited from travelling in the same helicopter fleet, plane, or car as the Chancellor, for security reasons.

Residences

Ellingham

Mandurah Palace, the main residence of the monarch.

The monarch's official residence in Northam is Mandurah Palace, located in the southern side of the city. It is the site of most state banquets, investitures, Imperial christenings and other ceremonies. An alternative residence is Admiralty House in the eastern city of Sydney. Other members of the Imperial family use different residences, although they unlike the monarch are not prohibited from taking residence on privately-owned property. For example, the Duchess of Carnarvon lives with her family in the southern suburbs of Perth. The Duke of Melbourne and his family lives in Cockburn House, a Government-owned riverside mansion in the southern neighbourhood of Cockburn, Perth.

Style

The present monarch's full style and title is "Elizabeth, Queen of the Cygnians and of Her other Peoples, Realms, and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith". The style "Defender of the Faith" dates back to 1521, when Pope Leo X first granted the title to Henry VIII of England in 1521, rewarding him for his support of the Papacy during the early years of the Protestant Reformation, particularly for his book the Defence of the Seven Sacraments. After Henry broke from the Roman Church, Pope Paul III revoked the grant, but Parliament passed a law authorising its continued use. The usage of the title "Defender of the Faith" continued in Cygnia after George III of the United Kingdom became King of the Cygnians.

The Queen is known as "Her Imperial Majesty". The form "Cygnian Majesty" appears in international treaties and on passports to differentiate the Cygnian monarch from foreign rulers. The former title is used in the prefixes of military installations and naval vessels. Navy ships carry the prefix Her Imperial Majesty's Ship (HIMS), while Army and Naval bases have the prefixes Her Imperial Majesty's Army Base (HIMAB) and Her Imperial Majesty's Naval Base (HIMNB) respectively.

The Sovereign chooses their regnal name, not necessarily their first name – Kings Edward I and George IV did not use their first names.

Traditionally in Britain, the signature of the King included his regnal name but not ordinal, followed by the letter R, which stands for rex or regina (Latin for King and Queen, respectively). This continues in Cygnia. Elizabeth's signature is therefore "Elizabeth R".

List of monarchs

House of Stuart (1792–1901)

Name
Reign
Portrait Arms Birth
Parentage
Marriage(s)
Issue
Death Claim
George I
George William Frederick
18 March 1793

29 January 1820
King George III of England by Johann Zoffany Coat of arms of Cygnia (1783-1821) 6 December 1740
Norfolk House

Son of Frederick, Prince of Wales and Caroline of Ansbach

Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
St James's Palace
8 September 1761

15 children

29 January 1820
Mandurah Palace
aged 81
Imperial Constitution of Cygnia
George II
George Augustus Frederick
29 January 1820

26 June 1830
George IV 1821 color Coat of arms of Cygnia (1783-1821) 12 August 1762
Kensington Palace

Son of George I and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz

Caroline of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel
Government House, Perth
8 April 1795

1 daughter

26 June 1830
Mandurah Palace
aged 67
Son of George I
William
William Henry
26 June 1830

20 June 1837
William IV, Coat of arms of Cygnia (1821-1871) 21 August 1765
Buckingham Palace

Son of George I and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz

Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen
Mandurah Palace
13 July 1818

2 daughters

20 June 1837
Mandurah Palace
aged 71
Victoria
Alexandrina Victoria
20 June 1837

22 January 1901
Queen Victoria 1843 Coat of arms of Cygnia (1821-1871) 24 May 1819
Admiralty House

Daughter of the Duke of Charlottesville and Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld

Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha
Mandurah Palace
10 February 1840

9 children

22 January 1901
Kiribilli House
aged 81
Granddaughter of George I

House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (1901–present)

Name
Reign
Portrait Arms Birth
Parentage
Marriage(s)
Issue
Death Claim
Edward I
Albert Edward
22 January 1901

6 May 1910
Edward VII in coronation robes Coat of arms of Cygnia 9 November 1841
Mandurah Palace

Son of Victoria and Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha

Alexandra of Denmark
St George Cathedral
10 March 1863

6 children

6 May 1910
Mandurah Palace
aged 68
Son of Victoria
George III
George Frederick Ernest Albert
6 May 1910

20 January 1936
King George V 1911 Coat of arms of Cygnia 3 June 1865
Admiralty House

Son of Edward I and Alexandra of Denmark

Mary of Teck
St George Cathedral
6 July 1893

6 children

20 January 1936
Mandurah Palace
aged 70
Son of Edward I
Edward II
Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David
20 January 1936

11 December 1936
Edward VIII Portrait - 1936 Coat of arms of Cygnia 24 March 1894
Kiribilli House

Son of George III and Mary of Teck

Wallis Simpson
Château de Candé
3 June 1937

No children

28 May 1972
Neuilly-sur-Seine
aged 77
Son of George III
George IV
Albert Frederick Arthur George
11 December 1936

6 February 1952
King George VI crop Coat of arms of Cygnia 14 December 1895
Mandurah Palace

Son of George III and Mary of Teck

Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
St George Cathedral
26 April 1923

2 daughters

6 February 1952
Kiribilli House
aged 56
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary
6 February 1952

Present
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Portrait Herbert James Gunn Coat of arms of Cygnia 21 April 1926
Perth

Son of George IV and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon

Philip of Greece and Denmark
St George Cathedral
20 November 1947

4 children

Living
age 92
Daughter of George IV