Prime Secretary (Refliasia)

Prime Secretary of the Duchy of Refliasia
Arms of His Grace's Government
Incumbent
Sir Lewis Godfree
since 14 Grunil 1683
Style	The Right Honorable
Appointer	Charles I
Inaugural holder	Sir Richard Wagner
Formation	1661

The Prime Secretary of the Duchy of Refliasia is political leader of Refliasia's government appointed by the Duke/Duchess and serving at their leisure. In addition the Prime Secretary is honorary representative of the monarch to parliament and as such, is Refliasia's de facto Head of Government.

Authority

As the appointed Head of Government, the Prime Secretary is tasked with organizing a cabinet (known locally as a "Parliament") with which they are able to supervise over the day-to-day running of the realm, acting on the monarch's behalf. In practice, this means that whomever holds the office is able to set into law almost anything they wish (so long as the Duke approves it). Despite these powers, the Prime Secretary is unable to declare war/peace, appoint/dismiss nobility or sign executive orders. Additionally, any law put forward by the Prime Secretary may be repealed or denied by the monarch at any time and for any reason.

Regency

When a monarch is unable to rule (be that because of ill health or age) the Prime Secretary will be granted the additional title of Ducal-Regent and will thusly be charged with executing the powers of the throne until the monarch is able to rule again or until a new ruler is found. A similar situation occurs if the throne ever becomes vacant and an heir cannot be found, in which case the Prime Secretary becomes the next Duke.

Qualifications

The qualifications to become Prime Secretary vary depending on the monarch's individual preferences; however three rules generally apply when deciding who will next assume office...

1. The candidate must be over the age of 16.

2. The candidate must be a member of the nobility (including knighthoods and the titles of Baronet and Baronetess).

3. The candidate must have some prior experience in the court of the Duke or Duchess.

Historically, being male was considered a qualification to assume office but since 1673 it has ceased being so.

List of Prime Secretaries

Name	Period	Notes
Sir Richard Wagner	1661-1668	First Prime Secretary of Refliasia.
Sir David Hutch	1668-1669	Died while in office.
Lord Graham Louis	1669-1673	Forced to retire following money-laundering scandal.
Lady Stacy Stevens	1673-1679	First and only woman to hold the position.
Sir David Godfree	1679-1683	Father of Lewis Godfree.
Sir Lewis Godfree	1683-incumbent	Son of David Godfree.