Coronation of Emperor Nathan III

The coronation of Emperor Nathan III took place in the afternoon of 18 Konil, 1704 (18.XII.1704), the same day that Nathan II abdicated in the morning. The ceremony was held in the Cathedral-Basilica of the Sacred Calf (The Ruined Cathedral) in Lindstrom following a procession through downtown and celebrations throughout the day.

Preparations

Planning for the coronation ceremony began after Nathan II's 59th birthday on 18 Konil, 1703, when he announced to the nation his intent to abdicate in one year, on his 60th birthday, to allow for his young son to provide a stable reign for decades more. The Imperial Court of Natopia began planning the event by appointing the Chief Herald, the Captain of the Satyric Guard, and a representative from the House of Waffel-Paine to serve on the Coronation Committee. It was decided early on that an abdication ceremony would take place in the morning to honor and celebrate Nathan II's years on the throne and then Nathan III's coronation would happen in the afternoon. The committee established an initial budget of ₦30,000,000 for both ceremonies.

Coronation Committee

Claire De Fond was selected to chair the committee. As Chief Herald of Natopia she was responsible for protocol and designing the new coats of arms to be used by Nathan III's consorts. As was customary for each reigning emperor, the herald chose a personal crest to add to the Heraldic Achievement for the duration of their reign. A clenched fist, to represent power and authority, was chosen for Nathan III. Alexandros Epsilon, Captain of the Satyric Guard, served as vice-chair, and was responsible for logistics and security. The Satyrs were the personal guard to the Emperor and, by special decree, protection had been extended to Nathan III and his spouses during this transition period as well. Makhmud Kalimatov was appointed to serve as the House of Waffel-Paine's representative and liaison. As the future Emperor-consort, Kalimatov is prepared to participate in many ceremonies and head of state duties. Nathan III suggested Kalimatov serve on the committee so he may have a period of time to adjust to the expectations of his new public life. Also appointed to serve on the committee was Sigismund Sturm, Director of the Capital City Services Administration, Lindstrom's mayoral position. The Metrobosarch of Tapfer, Vadoma Rowena Waffel-Paine, was appointed to the committee as Pentheral Liaison, as the Pentheros of the Dozan Bovic Church is required by the constitution to officiate the coronation. Andrej Mika, Court of the Calm Waters' Assistant Secretary of Political Affairs was appointed to select the guest list of foreign heads of state and government.

A procession route was determined through Old Town that would begin at Empire Ave and Lindstrom Blvd. Temporary festival structures would be erected in Lindstrom Square. The procession would travel southeast down Lindstrom Blvd to Davis Memorial Mall, circling the Fountain of the Waters before proceeding down Davis St towards Tapfer St and finally ending at the front steps of the Ruined Cathedral, which also faces Lindstrom Square.

Guest List

A list of foreign heads of state, heads of government, and other invited guests:

•  Benacian Union:
  •  Jeremiah Avon-El, Frumst Frainan (retired), Head of Legation in Lindstrom, accompanied by first consort, Johanna Zebulonsdottar;
• Constancia
•  Shireroth:
  •  Kaiseress Salome, stepsister to the new Emperor
• Nouvelle Alexandrie
• Floria
• Ransenar
•  Sanama:
  •  Anyala Puniso, co-chairperson of the Foreign Relations Committee
• Senya
• Craitland
•  Hurmu:
  •  Li Naomiai, Presiding Officer of the Senate of the Lakes, Chancellor of the Order of the Holy Lakes, and former Empress Consort of Natopia, accompanied by her husband Prince Zahir al Din.
• Jääland
• Lac Glacei
•  Mondosphere
  • Ichirō, Viscount Audon of Varmland, and Yukiji, Dowager Viscountess Audon of Varmland, Regent of Varmland
• Mercury
• Sankt Ludwigshafen
•  Highpass:
  •  Oze IV and Dina, Count and Countess of Highpass
•  Suren:
  •  Mitradokht of Suren, Shahbanu of the Suren, accompanied by her husband and Astabadh, Kalkul Sahib;
•  Normark
  •  Tarjei Thorgilsson, King of Normark, accompanied by the Crown Prince Fredrik and his consort, Elsje.
  • Nathaniel Karrot, Metrobosarch of Elijah's Rest
• Zeed
• Tellia

Abdication of Nathan II

The abdication service was conducted in the morning of 18.XII.1704 at Vista de Nada Palace. The legal act of abdication took place during a session of the Imperial Council of Natopia. The session began with Nathan II giving a televised address while seated on the throne:

"Beloved people of the Natopian Nation, I sit before you this morning as your emperor, and this afternoon I shall be standing among you as a citizen. I am grateful for the decades of service I was able to give you, through tough times and high points. I inherited the throne as a young boy, surrounded by tragedy as a struggled to come to terms with the death of my sainted mother, Empress Asara. The ripples of her traumatic death echo to this day, it weighs on me . However, it forced me to raise my children to be ready for their future. Nathan-Luix will be a greater ruler than any previous Natopian ruler. His education and experience has directed him to no other goal than to sit on this throne. He is physically strong, bolstered with the resilient genetics of the Athlonic satyrs. He is mentally sharp, educated in the finest universities of our nation. He cannot be coerced by foreign fiends, he is married to a Natopian. Today is my 60th birthday, and while I feel alert, youthful, and sharp how can I guarantee that in five or ten more years? Leading this nation is a cherished and sacred duty, ordained by Bous themself."

During the session he signed the formal abdication papers in the presence of the Chancellor of Natopia, Ministers, and Secretaries. The Emperor also inducted all members of the Imperial Council into the Order of the Black Hole. The Chancellor then read a list of accomplishments and accolades, formally thanked him for his service, and presented the Emperor-emeritus with the Gold Cross of Sovereignty, the highest Natopian honor. Fireworks were set off in Lindstrom Square as a choir sang the Imperial Hymn, How Mighty is Bous Our God.