Chapter 5: The Coronation (Pt 4)
“I’m Rebecca Nash, with continuing live coronation coverage. This morning, the heir to Weston’s throne was crowned as His Royal Highness, the Sovereign Prince Stephen III during a private ceremony at St. George’s Cathedral which drew royalty and aristocrats from across the continent.”
“I’m Scott Dearborn, and Prince Stephen’s processional has concluded, arriving at the National Assembly Hall in downtown Weston, where the sovereign is scheduled to address the people in his first official address as monarch. Authorities are estimating more than 200,000 Westonians crowded city streets during the processional, and the excitement has been palpable. Kristin Delacourt is at the National Assembly Hall, bringing us live coverage of Prince Stephen’s address.”
“Kristin, how is the mood there?”
“Well, Scott, there’s a holiday feeling across the city today, combined with a sense of pride in Weston’s history and – especially – in the monarchy. The crowd here at Weston’s National Assembly Hall, where the nation’s legislative body is gathering for the Prince’s address, is festive, to say the least. Everyone is so excited to hear of the prince’s plans for Weston and his agenda moving forward. He’ll be appearing on the balcony right up there.”
“The prince is already there, I assume?”
“Yes. His carriage arrived about 20 minutes ago at the back door of the Assembly Hall, and the crowd is waiting for Prince Stephen to appear on the balcony right up there to address the people. In fact, I think that roar means the prince is coming out now. We have cameras in the building across the plaza to give us a better view as the address begins.”
“There is the new monarch, joined by his mother, the dowager princess of Weston, and Weston’s prime minister, David Darnley, so it looks as if we’re about ready to begin. The prince is stepping to the podium now.”
“People of Weston. My people. I greet you today, not as your new ruler, but as your servant. Just as my family has served the people of Weston faithfully for nearly 280 years, I have taken an oath to put your needs before my own and to devote all of my life to the benefit of Weston, as a nation and as a people.”
“There is much work to be done. While our lovely capital city continues to offer one of the highest standards of living in the developed world, it is time to ensure that all Westonians share the same rights and benefits as our residents here. My father, God rest his soul, was working toward this goal at his death, and I promise to continue pursuing it with all of the passion I can muster.”
“To help residents in our outlying communities, like Grenville Bay, enjoy the same privileged lifestyle we have here in Weston will require not only a commitment from our National Assembly, but also help from our neighbors, both here in Oceana and around the globe.”
“To obtain this assistance, I will be travelling to the United States to meet with the president to help build greater awareness of our needs and negotiate increased trade and investment. It is my hope that these investments will help remedy the scourge of unemployment and restlessness that has gripped these communities.”
“But that is only a beginning. We must also undo the terrible environmental damage that previous exploitation has done to places like Grenville Bay so that, as the economy recovers, life can flourish there as it has not for generations. To that end, I will also appear before the United Nations to request assistance with the technologies needed to repair the damage and make our nation a model of clean energy, industry and living.”
“The crown will continue to serve those less fortunate by taking on additional patronages, as it is my belief that royal privilege comes with a responsibility to lift up those in need of help, so that we can all pursue our dreams with equal opportunity and boundless possibilities.”
“To you, today, I promise to do everything within my power to make Weston a more beautiful, bountiful and tolerant nation, so that, upon my death, I will have left our nation better than I found it. I can think of no better contribution a monarch can make to his people, his nation and the world.”
“I must add that I have deeply appreciated the support and the warm reception all of you have granted me. I am truly touched by the affection I have felt in such abundance throughout the day, and I shall strive to earn its continuation throughout my reign. Thank you.”
“That was the Sovereign Prince Stephen III, addressing the people as he assumes the crown of Weston and begins what promises to be a remarkable reign.”
“Absolutely, Kristin. I think we’re all impressed by not only Prince Stephen’s passion, but also the detailed plans he already seems to have in place for improvements across the country.”
“We’ll be back after these messages to talk with several members of the Weston National Assembly, as well as representatives from several of the nation’s great noble families, about their impressions of Prince Stephen’s address.”
“Plus we’ll be hearing from our society reporter, Willa Daley, about preparations for tonight’s coronation ball, Rebecca. I’m Scott Dearborn, with Rebecca Nash, bringing you ongoing coverage of the coronation of Prince Stephen III. We’ll be right back.”
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Continent of Oceana | History of Weston
Thanks for your patience! This was a long chapter, with lots of locations and moving parts -- and I can really only work on my story on the weekends, so it took a while to say the least. Hope you’re enjoying the story so far! Let me know, as I’d love to hear what you think!