On Saturday 21 September 2013 we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Foundation of the Empire. The changes our country has undergone since that Saturday morning in September 2008 when the Declaration of Independence was sent are monumental. Our population has increased from four to twenty four; our territory has grown from under 2,500 square feet to more than 580 times that number at over thirty three and a half acres. We have gone from being a single family in south London to an international empire on which the sun never sets – once obscure, now famed and respected.
Our first year saw the addition of Glencrannog and what is now Zephyria as our friends the Kingsnorths joined Austenasia. Our second year, though tainted by civil war, saw the emergence of the Empire as a local power and the laying of the foundations of today’s monarchy. Our third year saw an increasingly close friendship with New Wessex, and the growth of our international diplomatic influence. Our fourth year started with the implementation of our current Constitution, and saw a massive increase in our influence on the world stage, becoming a leading member of the Grand Unified Micronational and entering into formal relations with many tiny nations right across the world. Our fifth year saw Austenasia expanding in land and population to a massive degree with the annexation of seven new territories, and retaking its place as the leading local nation as Carshalton became free of the influence of New Wessex.
In celebration of these past five years – the cultural and geopolitical growth of the Empire, its steadfastness in the face of trials, the loyalty and solidarity of its people – Our Imperial Majesty proclaims the following:
Friday 20th, Saturday 21st, and Sunday 22nd of September 2013 will all be public holidays in celebration of Independence Day 2013. Rest from labour and enjoy yourselves.
In celebration of this event we furthermore bestow the following titles and honours:
- The peerage Duchess of Merton is granted to HIH Emperor Grandmother Joyce.
- Lord Marshal William Kingsnorth, Baron of Zephyria is made Knight Companion of the Glorious Order of St. John and Imperial Knight of the Austenasian Order.
- Her Illustrious Highness Countess Eritoshi of Memphis is made Knight Companion of the Glorious Order of St. John.
- HIM Emperor Taeglan I Nihilus is made Knight of Carothan.
- Sôgmô Gaius Sörgel Publicola is made Imperial Knight of the Austenasian Order.
- HM Queen Emma I is made Dame Commander of the Austenasian Order.
- The following are made Commanders of the Austenasian Order: President Alex Whitmarsh, SCP, CCL; and Håkon Lindström, OAO.
- The following are made Officers of the Austenasian Order: Lord Karanys Dómynus, Duke of Grantabridge; Lord John Gordon, Baron of Palasia; Hugh McFarlane; and Joseph Kennedy, MAO.
- Lord Tribune Andrew Jones-Creed-Mortimer, Baron of Corinium Terentium is made Member of the Austenasian Order.
We express our wishes that Austenasia’s independence will last for many more years to come. We shall rule the Empire to the best of our ability, following the best examples of our predecessors – the paternal wisdom of Terry I, the imperial might of Esmond III, and the cultural advancements of Declan I. We wish all our subjects a happy Independence Day. Long live the Empire!
Proclaimed at Wrythe this fifteenth day of September during the first year of our reign, in the year of the consulship of Carolina Kingsnorthus and Pater Imperatoris Terentius.