Crowning of High Duke Nikolai III Event

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Reitzmag Reply:
The Royal Family came days before the coronation and the funeral. George spent a lot of time with Nikolai to comfort him and help him get through some anxieties when he became the High Duke. Just before the event, all of the Royal Family stayed with Nikolai to help him in his first duties. When Nikolai approached the king for some advice, he smiled and responded.

GR: "Don't worry about your age, it doesn't matter. The youngest king to ever serve in Reitzmag was 21 when he began his reign. It was my ancestor Richard VII, the son of Queen Anne. He successfully ruled for more than 40 years. And his secret to good leadership is to be present for the people, and keep yourself strong for them. Don't think of the people as critics, but rather take them as inspiration for your reign. That way, you'll be a successful Head of State just as my ancestors were."

The royals made their final preparations, George wore his air force attire With all his medals and honours as king displayed. Opting for a purple sash for the Order of the Crown, as a way to give recognition to Nikolai's marriage to the Princess Royal.

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Nikolai was reassured by the king . These nerves must be normal. He'd enjoyed his marriage to Victoria not only was she lovely but her family had accepted him so readily. He couldn't wait for the rest of the marriage. he night had gone quickly and it reached 12:30 the time of the coronation the service began.

It cut to the RTD broad casst

Welome to RTD today on this exciting day for the Duchies. The great and the good of Europe all have gathered for the coronation of Nikolai III who has said the service will evoke a modern yet traditional aesthetic and theme with social justice at the centre .

And we begin with The pre-service orchestral epic march the Master of Arms enters with the Arch Bishop Himmelfarbof of Arrynfort for the Catholic Church , Archbishop Lex Wells of the Lutheran Church , International Superintendant of the ICS Church Noel Douglas. Archbishop Benedict Hopfer of Cair Para of the Episocal Church and Patriarchs Florentine Mauss and Bishop of the Duchies Jakob Knight of the Goldecian and Inquistan Orthodox Churches. They sit down at the front of the Grand Hall the biggest hall of any palace in Europe and tallest in this grandest of venues.

And now as the Grand Ducal started playing , Nikolai starts down the aisle flanked by the High Duke Guards front with his Dad , Princess Victoria of Reitzmag his wife , King George of Reitzmag and his father Duke Horace III of Albion on this long walk down the aisle.

The High Duke Elect Nikolai III sits on the princely throne.

We now go to our second hymn To God Be The Glory. Soon we will hear the speeches by Archbiship of Arrynfort on behalf of the Catholic Church indeed Nikolais Church the first Catholic High Duke in many years. A reminder that this is the Able Noise are made up of Neurodivergent incuding many Autistic children a theme of the service today. Indeed we are crowning the first known Autistic High Duke of the Duchies a historic first.

The ArchBishop of Arrynfort now gets up to speak.

[Kingdom of Reitzmag]

The Archbishop and two sacrists proceeds to the front and bows to the High Duke-elect before then proceeding to the lectern. He opens his speech and begins.

AH: "May the Lord, and the Almighty Father be with us all this day as we celebrate the installment of a new servant he has sent to guide our beloved nation according to his will. Throughout the ages our nation has thrived through our strong faith on god, and these High Dukes which he has sent to keep this faith strong and steady for years since the reign of Ludger I. These rulers have also been a reason why our nation has kept itself united despite the numerous faiths, and to which we shall all be thankful for. And for this I ask for everyone to pray for our beloved rulers, especially the new High Duke Nikolai III, that they may continue to serve us all the way our almighty father has loved this great nation. Amen."

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And now the Archbishop Lex Wells of the Lutheran Church gets up to speak.
"Thank you brother Himmelfarbof and yes I say Brother. Why because you are my brother in Christ and a Brother as a Duchian. Look to your left to your right you see your brothers and sisters as Duchians, Europeans and people made by God. Now we have not had it easy as a nation and strife is here. I look back to those terrible days over 3,000 brothers and sisters died in this nation. We mourned as husbands , wives, fathers , mothers, brothers , sisters , friends and many more were killed by cowards who thought that a few bombs could break our spirit and it has been hard I see the faces of Children , men and women in this room who lived through that and I today say people like you are the hope of this nation you have shown as has this nation fear will not win, the devil will not win. And I turn to our Anastasian Duchian brothers and sisters , today we are with you as Duchians , never will we let those who want darkness over your lives win we will fight with you as Duchians. You see this is the Duchies I know a Duchies who protested when one of our own was nearly killed just for being Autistic , brother Amaziah we all stand with you and you have the nations love I tell you but today is a crowning achievement of importance because we stood as one and elected the first Autist High Duke we know who was Autistic why because we see him as an equal , a Duchian who can serve this nation proudly, and Nikolai its been my pleasure to meet you. I pray today that your reign be one of peace , unity and acceptance under God's love as you serve this nation and God as I know you will do well. May you prosper for a long time. Let us bow our heads in Prayer for our soon to be High Duke Nikolai III.

Prayer: Lord may you bless our nation , bless our people and bless His Highness Nikola as he leads us into a new golden age of the nation and leads with your wisdom love and acceptance.

Amen

Thank you .

Commentator:What beautiful speeches by the major religious leaders of this fine country.

We now go into our 3rd hymn and unusual modern number for sure led by Hillsong band from the ICS denomination. We sing Oceans.

A powerful moment in the service for sure and unusual to see these halls. We can see on Ogobook the reactions coming in and I must say if that is anything to go by people are liking the direction under Nikolai so far.

We now enter our 4th Hymn In the Distance . We have the official reason from the palace as to why this was chosen. Nikolai himself indeed has said "I want to be a High Duke for All, no matter what creed, disability, neurotype , nationality. A High Duke for the weak and the strong. A High Duke for all Gods Children these Duchies. There is one Duchies and one Duchian people and that is whats important as we move on together from hard times." I must say we all echo it and as we emerge from hard times may we prosper all together.

And we now have a video produced by the palace for the Duchies. Adressing the challenges called We are One. Such an important message at this time in these Duchies when we come out towards a brighter future and into a new era and reign.

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TheGlobal Pastor of the International Church of Salvation Noel Douglas comes up to speak:
Today my Brothers and Sisters we are here as Duchians. Its great to see the great variety , Catholic , Episcopal, Lutheran and Orthodox as well as every group in this nation has come together and also may I add the Jewish and other various groups of this nation. We must come together as Duchians and I must say I think Nikolai is fantastic. He is just what we need , the way he's brought together this service today only shows why he is a good ruler, he may be young but it is said in Timothy 4:12
" Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. "I today say to you Nikolai after having met you can say I have met a great wise , kind humble young man of God and this nation is blessed to have you as its High Duke , I can only say I am proud to serve under you , honour you and be there for when you need guidance but I know you have what you need. Let no one tell you you cannot do this you can, and I today echo the prayers before , may God bless you and may God blesss these Duchies"

A more personal speech by the ICS Global Pastor who I understand are supportive of Nikolai.

Now we have coming up Archbishop Benedict Hopfer of Cair Para of the Episocal Church .

Archbishop Benedict Hopfer:Thank you your highness for this great honour to speak here and may I say someone is popular and why not. I will be proud and honoured to have you as High Duke of this nation. Today we have seen the best of Duchians, times have been hard but one thing I know We are One, We are Duchian. When Duchians unite we can do anything , we can move mountains, we can crush poverty, we can crush evil and destroy despair. I ask you all today as Duchians listen to this service because it is important not just because we have a new High Duke blessed by God but because God is speaking and what is God saying , God is saying be a good neighbour, love all and above all work for good. May Nikolai's Reign personify this.

Amen,

Now we have the hymn before Patriarchs Florentine Mauss and Jakob Knight of the Goldecian and Inquistan Orthodox Churches are called. Let us stand for O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Now the Patriarch Mauss of the Goldecian Orthodox Church speaks:
"I'm going to keep this short as so much has been said already but today we do not have a catholic being crowned but a Christian Brother. I have met him he is kind, he is wise and he will do anything to help. Did you know last night there were over 40 Children who were Neurodivergent and Christian in this palace ? Why because our High Duke wanted them to be comfortable today , he wanted them to enjoy this knowing what is happening , not worrying. That is a sign of a humanitarian yet today when I spoke to him he just acted as if thats nothing, it's just the thing to do yet he is the first to commit to do this not just last night but for any future event. Let his character , his actions be an example for us all , include everyone , help your brothers and sisters , if we all just do this we can will overcome evil and I know we will you know why because we are Duchian , we are one and we have overcome before and will overcome all thats happened in the last year and if history is anything to go by we will come back stronger and more united than ever. So long live High Duke Nikolai III and long live these Duchies.

We now have the Inquistan Orthodox Bishop of the Duchies Jakob Knight speak.

[Inquista]

Bishop Jakob Knight, the Bishop of the Inquistan Orthodox Diocese of the United Duchies, spoke next.

"It is such a special and blessed occasion for all of us to be gathered here today for the crowning of High Duke Nikolai III. As many have already said, the High Duke is kind, compassionate, and wise beyond his years. He has overcome many difficulties and obstacles, and has remained strong and steadfast when facing adversity. It is his character, not just his bloodline, which has made him fit to be High Duke. There is little doubt that he is worthy of his position, and that his reign will bear fruits of prosperity for the Duchies.

As the High Duke accepts his new responsibilities, it is also a reminder for all of us to accept ours. To quote Philippians 3:13-14, 'I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.' We have all had our own struggles, but our past does not define us. Instead, we must continue to move forward, accept the responsibilities that we have and the realities that we face, and we must work together to build a better world that the Lord has intended for us to build.

As Romans 8:37 reminds us, 'in all these things we are more than conquerors'. We are all truly remarkable, with capabilities beyond even our own comprehension. Thus, by not being deterred by struggles or by fear, and by committing ourselves to our responsibilities and duties, we will be more than we ever imagined. This is how we shall honour ourselves, our country, our High Duke, and also how we honour our Lord. As the High Duke accepts his new crown, so do we all. Now, let us march on together in His name."

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What a beautiful inspirational talk by the Inquistan Orthodox Arch Bishop of the Duchies.

We now sing the first verse of God Defend the Duchies:
God of Nations at Thy feet,
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our 7 stars.
Guard Europes 7 stars
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend the Duchies.

Prime Minister John Key comes up to podium to speak:
Thank you Duchians. As a nation we have had hard times, we think of the bombings the present strife in Anastasia but today is an occasion of hope, an occasion of unity , it doesn't matter whether left , centre or right this is an occasion for you all , if you are Duchian this is your occasion and may I say Nikolai gives so much hope for the future a smart , kind , patriotic loving person who seeks to look after all his people. That is the kind of leader we need and the kind of leader we deserve and we have him so I am hopeful for the future of these United Duchies. Thank you

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We now go on to Oh Most Merciful. And now the master of arms brings in the regalia, the High Duke Crown.

We now sing Let thy hands be strenghtened
The heads of the all the churches bless the Regalia and Pray led by Arch Bishop Himmelfarbof
Prayer:Lord bless thy Crown
Lord may thy crown be a symbol of peace, love and service to you and may this crown represent a new age of peace , love , equality and prosperity for all as we move into this new age.
Amen

And now the High Duke Elect Nikolai III moves to the Ducal Throne. The High Duke is blessed by oil and water by each Church leader.

We now sing the The Lords Prayer

We now go to the High Duke , and the Master of Arms comes up.
Master of Arms:Nikolai Drummford do you promise to protect this nation from all threats and serve god and the people every day taking this holy oath before god
Nikolai: I do
Master of Arms may you now say the Oath of the High Duke
Nikolai:I swear to observe the Constitution and the laws of these United Duchies, to protect and serve the people ,maintain the dignity and honour of the crown, maintain the national independence, democracy and integrity of these United Duchies, as well as public and individual liberties. So help me God.
Master of Arms:You have pledged before the people and God to protect this nation serve them always and always protect the honour of this nation. I now crown and declare you High Duke of United Duchies , all 8 Duchies Albion, Anastasia, Aranvale, Baltica, Cair Para , Doornevale,Supseaxe and Westseaxna and of all the people within. May God bless you in your reign.

Prime Minister:Long Live the High Duke
Audience:Long Live the High Duke,Long Live the High Duke,Long Live the High Duke
Now we sing the God Defend the Duchies
Lyrics:
God Defend the Duchies:
God of Nations at Thy feet,
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our 7 stars.
Guard Europes 7 stars
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend the Duchies.

Men of every duchy and church,
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our 7 stars.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our state,
Make our country good and great,
God defend the Duchies

Faith and toil shall be our boast,
But, should foes assail our lands,
Make us then a mighty force,
God defend our 7 stars.
Lord of battles in Thy might,
Put our enemies to flight,
Let our cause be just and right,
God defend the Duchies

Let our love for Thee increase,
May Thy blessings never cease,
Give us plenty, give us peace,
God defend our 7 stars.
From dishonour and from shame,
Guard our seven stars spotless name,
Crown her stars with immortal fame,
God defend the Duchies

May our mountains ever be
Freedom's ramparts on the sea,
Make us faithful unto Thee,
God defend our 7 stars.
Guide her in the nations' van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out Thy glorious plan,
God defend the Duchies

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And now we go to the High Duke Speech.
Nikolai III: Thank you ladies and gentlemen here and throughout the Duchies. I thank you all especially the legislators and public servants of this nation for their support. I will rule as a servant a servant to you the people of these United Duchies. Its to you I owe this role and to you this role is designed to protect the rights of. I will modernise, my predecessor did many great things but ultimately these are new times with new challenges just ruling like in the past is not an option.

I think for too long now social justice has not had the priority it deserves. I will be a High Duke for all Duchians for the weak and for the strong , for the poorer and the more well off , for all nationalities , for all faiths and for all disabled and neurodivergent and all neurotypical. I will make sure in my role I promote charities and causes that bring about an even greater and fairer society than we have now, we still as a rich nation have people in poverty and that is not right we need a society that has zero tolerance on poverty and I will promote that and be part of the solution. I will make sure to be the High Duke for all , not the High Duke for the few. I ask today only for your support in this and for Gods grace to help me help Duchians and love others like Christ has loved me. I pray I can be the leader you deserve and the leader you need, I want to make clear I will not be left or centrist or right but Duchian , I will be above all a humanitarian and support full rights and equality for all , equality and rights for all is not a political issue , maybe how you achieve it is but whether left or right we should all be for equality and rights , this should not be a partisan issue but one of being a good society of good people who look out for each other. If you call this social justice I subscribe to that. So Duchians may you unite and love each other and make a society of Harmony , self sacrifice and selflessness. Let us show the Godly and humanitarian values that make us Duchian.As our national motto says Octo Ut Unum.

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A revolutionary speech by the High Duke presumably referencing the recent inclusion of Anastasia City into the Duchies. This is showing his view of Anastasians as fellow Duchians.

We now got the hymn Gloria in Excelsis
And now we we go to the pledges of allegiance to the High Duke.First the eight Dukes and Duchesseswill declare their alliegance.

We go to Duke Xavier I of Doornevale
Do you Xavier I, Duke of Doornevale of the House of Redwood declare allegiance to High Duke Nikolai III
Xavier I:I , Xavier I, Duke of Doornevale of the these United Duchies, pledge to serve faithfully and protect the people, government, and the High Duke under God Almighty. Long Live the High Duke.

We now go to Robyn II , Duke of Aranvale
Do you Robyn II Duke of Aranvale of the House of Mormont declare allegiance to High Duke Nikolai III

Robyn II: I , Robyn II , Duke of Aranvale of the these United Duchies, pledge to serve faithfully and protect the people, government, and the High Duke under God Almighty. Long Live the High Duke.

We now go to Mary I Duchess of Baltica
Do you Mary I Duchess of Baltica of the House of Stuart-Lane declare allegiance to High Duke Nikolai III

Mary I: I , Mary I Duchess of Baltica of the these United Duchies, pledge to serve faithfully and protect the people, government, and the High Duke under God Almighty. Long Live the High Duke.

We now go to Horace III, Duke of Albion
Do you Horace III, Duke of Albion of the House of Drummford declare allegiance to High Duke Nikolai III

Horace III: I , Horace III, Duke of Albion of the these United Duchies, pledge to serve faithfully and protect the people, government, and the High Duke under God Almighty. Long Live the High Duke.

We now go to Nicola I, Duchess of Supseaxe
Do you Nicola I, Duchess of Supseaxe of the House of Schweistein declare allegiance to High Duke Nikolai III

Nicola I: I , Nicola I, Duchess of Supseaxe of the these United Duchies, pledge to serve faithfully and protect the people, government, and the High Duke under God Almighty. Long Live the High Duke.

We now go to Frederick IV , Duke of Westseaxna
Do you Frederick IV , Duke of Westseaxna of the House of Schonburg declare allegiance to High Duke Nikolai III

Frederick IV: Frederick IV , Duke of Westseaxna of the these United Duchies, pledge to serve faithfully and protect the people, government, and the High Duke under God Almighty. Long Live the High Duke.

We now go to Henri III, Duke of Cair Para
Do you Henri III, Duke of Cair Para of the House of Ludendorff declare allegiance to High Duke Nikolai III

Henri III: I , Henri III, Duke of Cair Para of the these United Duchies, pledge to serve faithfully and protect the people, government, and the High Duke under God Almighty. Long Live the High Duke.
We now finally go to Queen Anastasia who is also Duchess of Anastasia City in the role of Duchess of Anastasia City today.
Do you Anastasia, Duchess of Anastasia City declare allegiance to High Duke Nikolai III

Queen Anastasia :I , Anastasia Duchess of Anastasia City of the these United Duchies, pledge to serve faithfully and protect the people, government, and the High Duke under God Almighty. Long Live the High Duke.

With that the 8 Dukes and Duchesses have now declared their allegiance to Nikolai III

Now we go to Prime Minister John Peter Key for his oath of alliengance
Do you John Peter Key Prime minister of these United Duchies declare allegiance to High Duke Nikolai III

I , the John Peter Key of these United Duchies, swear to uphold the Constitution, and serve and protect the people and their rights as the leader of his majesties government under God Almighty. Long Live the High Duke.

We now go to Speakers of the Parliament for their Pledge
Do you the Speakers of the Parliament of these United Duchies declare allegiance to High Duke Nikolai III

We, the Speakers of the Parliament of these United Duchies, swear to uphold the Constitution, and serve and protect the people and their rights as presidents of the legislature under God Almighty. Long Live the High Duke.

And finally , Do you the Members of Parliament of these United Duchies declare allegiance to High Duke Nikolai III

All parliamententarians present stand

We, the Members of the Parliament of these United Duchies, swear to serve the people of this nation as we serve the High Duke under our Constitution and God Almighty. Long Live the High Duke.

With that Nikolai III has the support and alliegiance of All Duchies , houses of parliament and the government of these United Duchies, Long Live the High Duke.

We now go into our final hymn as the High Duke leaves in the closing precession with all the Dukes, and Master of Arms , Members of Parliament and Heads of the Churches present. A recital of The Trumpet Tune

We now will go to the balcony where new High Duke, His family and Wife will wave to the crowd though we understand there may be a friend on the balcony with him also while the Ducal 19 Gun Salute fires one for each year of his age before a Flyover of the Ducal Air Force takes place.The guest can look forward to a night of fine music and food at the High Duke Coronation Gala as is traditional. Soon this hall will look very different indeed by about 5 PM .