Luthori

[Ligbruderkrieg]

The recent cancellation of the 5727 State Opening of Parliament due to Emperor William XI’s waning health has risen doubt upon the elderly monarch’s health among the public. Ever since his Silver Jubilee celebrations two years ago, the emperor’s health has seemingly worsened over his previous worrying condition. The emperor’s health issues are widely known, already in 5722, the monarch was hospitalised at Bretford Hospital after complaining of “intense back pains”. During the Silver Jubilee, the Emperor wasn’t able to perform Trooping the Colour by riding at horseback, instead riding with the Empress aboard the state landau.

With the Hallowtide holidays approaching, the Emperor is expected to address the Nation in his traditional Hallowtide speech broadcasted throughout the Empire, although the delicate nature of the 87-year-old monarch’s health has risen some worries within the public and the government. Prime Minister Tapihana’s government, only seven months-old, has been briefed by the Imperial Household Ministry on the exact details of the monarch’s health. According to internal leaks, some staffers, who worked alongside the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Park Cheong-Lee have described the briefing as being “worrying”.

Prime Minister Tapihana’s office has rejected these claims, stating that the government was standing alongside the imperial family and remained optimistic about the emperor’s health, further announcing that the monarch was “fit to continue reigning, even amid increasing difficulties.”

According to the Evening Post, during one of her weekly meetings alongside the Cabinet, the Prime Minister raised the proposition to the Imperial Household Minister, Sir Patrick Floyd to have a Regency Act passed in Parliament, in which the Emperor, during time of difficulties involving his health, would be replaced in his duties by his eldest son and heir, Prince Edward, who will officially become his regent in his stead, among other options if the monarch’s health worsens.

For now, the Imperial Household have refused the prospect of a regency, stressing that the emperor remains “mentally fit” to carry out the duties of the Crown, these options might once again arise if the emperor’s health continues to decline over the course of the next few years.