The past week has been a very busy and productive week for Austenasia, with a myriad of news from all aspects of political life, whether it be the recent legalisation of same-sex marriage, or the alteration of the Imperial line of succession.

The Foreign Office has had plenty of news since last weeks update. A Foreign Office project previously featured on the last article has been postponed due to safety concerns due to regional tensions following the escalation and spillover of the Iran War, resulting in concerns from the South Asian micronational community – the relevant ambassador will review the situation with the Foreign Office once tensions subside. On 15 March following advice from the Senate, Emperor Alexander informed Vishwamitra that Austenasia was to terminate their treaty, citing a “long-term breakdown of communication” resulting in the treaty effectively falling into abeyance. On the 16th, Lord Green resigned from his role as Ambassador to New Virginia in light of the pending secession of Etchemin-on-Kennebec. On the 19th, Lady Willow Winchester was appointed as the new Ambassador to New Virginia – alongside two new additions to the Foreign Office team, that being the appointment of Aidan McGrath as the Ambassador to Canada, and the appointment of Dilly M. Johnson as Consul-General to Kentucky.

Likewise there has been a notable shake-up with the royals. Following a temporary incapacitation owing to a wrist operation, Crown Prince John and Lord Bradley of Frisia were named as counselors-of-state for a minimum of a week on the 17th. On the 19th, the Senate updated the line of succession to include Vera Caesarissa Romanorum in honour of her long history with and meritious achievements within Austenasia spanning over a decade. The line of succession is now as follows:

1. Crown Prince John
2. Lord Simpson of Taysha
3. Vera Caesarissa Romanorum
4. Emperor Adam I of Adammia

Same-sex marriage was finally legalised in Austenasia after a long and hard-fought campaign, best detailed in our last article. Following the momentous moment, Crown Prince John awarded Vera Caesarissa Romanorum the honour of Dame Protector of the Order of the Crown Prince for services to the Empire and long-fight for LGBT rights; and likewise Lord Jonathan of Sweetpea Valley was awarded Knight Protector of the Order of the Crown Prince for long-service. Parliament is currently voting on a bill to formally legislate marriage equity following the annulment of the Second Amendment’s controversial provision.

The Ministry of Culture has appointed Lord Valentinus of Bōsford as the new editor-in-chief of the Austenasian Times, replacing Lord Griffin of Glainamar who controversially oversaw the Times output during the Musgrave Regime.

Team Austenasia has had mixed success during the 2026 MOF eGames – so far the largest known online micronational sporting event in history. Dilly M. Johnson was disqualified from the competition for inactivity. Laird O’Halloran of Blue Ridge has defeated Brando Pernico of Landopia to climb the brackets in the Chess event, where O’Halloran is billed as a top contender. Valentinus has been largely eliminated from the games, following recent defeats to Asa Ward of Curnon, Tree of Medoles and Eric Smith of Mendersia. Although it is heavily unlikely that Team Austenasia will be able to repeat the unprecedented success they saw at the Austenasia-hosted 2025 MOF Intermediate Games.. there remains potential yet for Austenasia to grab a gold.

And that’ll be all for this week!