The Monarchy of Svarthaedir is a constitutional institution with a rich historical legacy within the Dominion of Svarthaedir. The Dominion encompasses Svarthaedir proper and the autonomous territory of Almseyrøm, officially called Svartic Glaciaria; its roots trace back to around 700BP, with rulers consistently referred to as "kings" in contemporary sources, suggesting the early consolidation of the Dominion.
The current Royal House is the House of Freyrsson originating from Snaeffellstadir in southern Svarthaedir. The Svarthaedir monarchy operates within defined limits as enshrined in the Constitution of Svarthaedir. While the monarch retains ultimate executive authority through royal reserve powers, these powers are primarily exercised in accordance with laws enacted by the legislature or within the bounds of convention. In practice, the monarch's role is largely ceremonial and non-partisan, encompassing duties such as conferring honours and formally appointing the president. Additionally, the monarch and immediate family members undertake various official, diplomatic, and representational responsibilities on behalf of the Dominion.
History[]
See also; List of Monarchs of Svarthaedir
Constitutional and official role[]
According to the Svarthaedir Constitution, the Svarthaedir monarch, the head of state and commander-in-chief of the Svartic Defence Force, holds executive authority and shares legislative power with the legislature. The monarch retains the prerogative to withhold royal assent from a bill and has the authority to appoint or dismiss the President or any Minister of Government, with or without cause. This has not been tested in recent memory.
The Svarthaedir Constitution collectively affirms that the powers vested in the monarch are exercised through ministers, who bear full responsibility for all governmental actions, thereby absolving the monarch of any political or legal liability. In contemporary governance, the monarch delegates significant royal authority to government ministers, enabling the monarch to primarily fulfil the ceremonial duties outlined in the Svarthaedir constitution. The President and Cabinet members regularly convene for meetings presided over by the monarch, during which royal assent is granted to legislation. The President and Minister of Foreign Affairs also regularly update the monarch on political developments. The monarch also hosts official visits by foreign Heads of State, undertakes state visits abroad, receives credentials from foreign ambassadors, and signs those of Svarthaedir ambassadors.
Traditionally, following a general election, the convention for appointing a new president involves consultation with representatives of political parties. Subsequently, the monarch invites the party leader to form a government with the support of the most parliamentary seats in the legislature. Once formed, the monarch formally appoints the government.
Former Eastern Islands Nations[]
Succession[]
In the Dominion of Svarthaedir, absolute primogeniture has been the established system of inheritance since 317AP. The cornerstone of this succession practice lies in the Svarthaedir Act of Succession, whose precise date of ratification is yet to be determined. Enshrined within this legislative framework is the stipulation that only descendants of King Kjartan I and his consort, through marriages approved by the monarch, are eligible to inherit the throne. This criterion ensures a direct line of descent from the founding monarch, thereby emphasizing the importance of royal lineage in determining the succession to the Svarthaedir throne. Through the implementation of absolute primogeniture and the careful regulation of marital unions among dynasts, the Svarthaedir Act of Succession seeks to safeguard the stability and integrity of the monarchy, ensuring a smooth transition of power from one generation to the next.
Line of Succession[]
People in the line of succession are listed with a number signifying their place in the line;
- King Kjartan I (-)
- King Kjartan II (-)
- King Kjartan III (born - )
- (1) Crown Princess Alexandra (born - )
- (2) Prince Sigmar (born - )
- (3) Prince Elias (born - )
- (4) Princess Anna (born - )
- (5) Prince Oskar (born - )
- (6) Princess Klara (born - )
- (7) Princess Amalia (born - )
- (8) Prince Marku (born - )
- (9) Prince Matthais (born - )
- (10) Princess Freyja (born -)
- (1) Crown Princess Alexandra (born - )
- (11) Princess Eva (born - )
- (12) Princess Helena (born - )
- (13) Princess Katrin (born - )
- (14) Prince Mikael (born - )
- (15) Princess Johanna (born - )
- (16) Prince Sigur (born - )
- (17) Prince Thor (born - )
- King Kjartan III (born - )
- King Kjartan II (-)
Residences[]
In xxxAP, a significant shift in governance occurred within the Dominion of Svarthaedir with the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. This pivotal moment marked the transfer of ownership of the royal palaces to the state, symbolizing a transition towards a more accountable and representative form of government. Prior to this constitutional reform, the royal palaces had been exclusive domains of the reigning monarch. However, with the advent of constitutional principles, power became more distributed, necessitating the integration of these iconic symbols of royal prestige into the broader framework of state assets. This change not only reflected the evolving political landscape towards a system where the state's interests were increasingly intertwined with those of the people. Consequently, the royal palaces of Svarthaedir assumed new roles as symbols of national identity and heritage, accessible to the citizenry as tangible embodiments of the collective history and aspirations of the nation.
Current residences[]
Royal Family[]
Within the Dominion of Svarthaedir, a protocol exists regarding the membership of the royal family. Those individuals within the ruling dynasty who bear the titles of Prince or Princess of Svarthaedir are regarded as integral members of the Svarthaedir royal family. The monarch and their kin are affiliated with the House of Freyrsson, reflecting the lineage and heritage of the reigning dynasty. This familial association extends beyond mere titles, encompassing shared traditions, obligations, and responsibilities towards the monarchy and the nation. The members of the Svarthaedir royal family play vital roles in representing the country, participating in official ceremonies, and engaging with the populace, thereby embodying the continuity and unity of the Dominion under the sovereignty of the monarch.