The fifth anniversary of the Austenasian Declaration of Independence is being celebrated across the Empire with a three-day-long public holiday.

The actual anniversary of Austenasia’s founding was Friday 20th, but Independence Day is celebrated today (21st) on the third Saturday of September. His Imperial Majesty the Emperor announced last weekend that a public holiday would be held over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 22nd in celebration of this milestone.

Emperor Jonathan I returned home to Wrythe from Roehampton University yesterday on the 20th, having spent the afternoon at Thanasia with Countess Eritoshi of Memphis on the way back. The Emperor appointed her to the ceremonial rank of Augusta by an Imperial Edict, granting her the style of Imperial Highness and making her second only to himself in the order of precedence in the Empire.

This morning, Independence Day was marked in New South Scotland with a parade by its Constabulary, an organisation founded by Governing Commissioner Haakon Lindström to enforce law in the Crown Dependency. The celebration was concluded with Mr. Lindström having drinks with the members of the Constabulary.

Celebrations continued as Jonathan I this evening accompanied Crown Princess Caroline, Emperor Father Terry and Emperor Mother Margaret to a quiz night at Carshalton Methodist Church with a fish and chips supper, joined by Lord Marshal William and the population of Zephyria and by Lord Michael, Dame Rosalind and Lady Catherine of the Boxall family (the family of the Emperor Mother).

Tomorrow, the final day of the independence anniversary holiday, looks set to be a more relaxed day, with no major celebrations planned.