Carolyn I of Ladonia
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| Carolyn I | |
|---|---|
| Queen of Ladonia | |
 | |
| Queen of Ladonia | |
| Reign | 2 June 2011 - present |
| Coronation | 19 September 2011 |
| Predecessor | Queen Ywonne I Jarl |
| Heir apparent | The Crown Princess Greta |
| Born | 1976 (age 47–48) |
| Consort | Prince David of Ladonia |
| Issue | Greta, The Crown Princess of Ladonia (Heir) The Prince Maximilian The Prince David Edward |
Queen Carolyn I of Ladonia is the reigning monarch of the Ladonia, known for her dynamic leadership and advocacy for cultural preservation and free expression. Ascending to the throne in 2011, Queen Carolyn has played a crucial role in shaping Ladonia's identity and international presence. Her reign is marked by significant efforts in promoting the arts, championing free speech, and preserving Ladonia’s unique cultural heritage, particularly the Nimis and Arx sculptures. A notable figure in the micronational community, Queen Carolyn's commitment to these ideals was further recognized with her election to the Micronational Hall of Excellence in 2023. Under her leadership, the Ladonia Foundation was established, furthering her vision of a culturally rich and expressive micronation.
Election as Queen of Ladonia
The election of Carolyn Shelby as Queen of Ladonia marked a pivotal moment in the nation's history. This transition of power followed the tenure of Queen Ywonne I Jarl, who held Ladonia's throne from her election in 1997 until her departure in 2011. When the Cabinet of Ministers exercised their constitutional right to remove Queen Ywonne through a supermajority vote, it set in motion a constitutionally mandated election to fill the vacant throne.
Under Ladonia's constitution, any female citizen could be nominated for the queenship by a member of the Cabinet. In the 2011 election, six women received nominations, including notable figures like actress Angelina Jolie, though her nomination was set aside as she was not a citizen. Each candidate had the opportunity to address the Cabinet, presenting their qualifications and vision for Ladonia’s future, showcasing Ladonia’s commitment to democratic principles and transparent governance.
One of the frontrunners was Carolyn Shelby, who had served Ladonia since 1998 as Minister of Customizations and Gary. In this role, she had worked closely with Ladonian citizens and officials, shaping customs that balanced tradition with a progressive spirit and supporting Ladonia’s unique character. Her decade-long dedication to Ladonia’s mission and culture resonated deeply with both the Cabinet and the citizens.
The vote began in late May 2011, concluding on June 1, with Carolyn emerging as the clear choice. Her election as Queen was a testament to the trust Ladonians placed in her, recognizing her years of service and dedication. Officially proclaimed Queen on Ladonia's National Day, June 2, 2011, she pledged to guide Ladonia’s growth, preserve Nimis, and champion free speech and expression.
Her coronation took place on September 19, 2011, at Nimis — the heart of Ladonia’s cultural and artistic heritage. Attended by Ladonia's founder and State Secretary, Lars Vilks, several Cabinet members, as well as members of the Swedish press, this ceremony was both a formal induction and a celebration of Ladonia’s artistic legacy.
Reign and Contributions
Digital Advancements and Infrastructure
Since her coronation in 2011, Queen Carolyn I has been instrumental in modernizing and digitizing Ladonia’s infrastructure, significantly enhancing its global presence and accessibility. She spearheaded a comprehensive digital repair and renovation project, achieving several key milestones:
- Creation of official social media accounts for Ladonia on Facebook and Twitter, increasing visibility and engagement.
- Securing all variations of Ladonia domain names to consolidate the nation’s online identity.
- Overhauling the Ladonia.org website on a secure server, implementing robust security measures, and cleansing compromised files, ensuring a safe and user-friendly online experience.
- Establishing a digital citizenship database, streamlining the citizenship application process to be fully online, thereby making record-keeping and access more efficient.
- Launching an online souvenir shop, providing a platform for supporters globally to acquire Ladonian memorabilia.
- Setting up bank accounts and digital payment systems, facilitating online donations and purchases, a significant upgrade from the previous system of mailing checks to a post office box in Sweden.
International Presence and Diplomacy
Queen Carolyn I has actively participated in and spoken at various micronational conferences worldwide, solidifying Ladonia's status in the micronational community. Her international engagements include:
- Speaking at Polination 2012 in London and Polination 2015 in Perugia.
- Leading the Ladonian delegations at MicroCon events in Anaheim (2015), Toronto (2019), and Las Vegas (2022), and hosting MicroCon 2023 in Chicago and MicroCon EU 2023 in Ypres.
- Visiting the Principality of Aigues-Mortes for the Le Godet D'Or event multiple times.
- Regular visits to Ladonia and meetings with the ministers, and formerly with the State Secretary until his death in 2021.
Awards and Honors
Queen Carolyn's contributions have been recognized by various micronations, reflecting her esteemed position in the community. Her accolades include:
- From Westarctica: Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the Snowflake, Stranger Dame in the Illustrious Antarctic Order of the Orca, Dame in the Order of the Polar Cross.
- From Kolios: Knight Commander in the Most Honorable Order of Kolios.
- From Kaharagia: Dame Commander of the Royal Order of the Kaharagian Eagle.
- From the Grand Duchy of Flandrensis: Commander of the Order of Saint Polycarpus.
- From Karnia-Ruthenia: Dame of the Order of the Lion.
- From Austenasia: Dame of Edd in the Order of the Bullmastiff.
- From the Principality of Aigues-Mortes: Dame of the Order of the Flamingo.
- From Latitudia: Dame of the Order of the Black Cross.
In 2023, Queen Carolyn was elected to the Micronational Hall of Excellence, a testament to her significant impact and leadership within the micronational sphere.
Legacy and Vision
Throughout her reign, Queen Carolyn I has been a driving force behind Ladonia’s progression and increased prominence in the micronational community. Her commitment to digital innovation, international diplomacy, and cultural preservation has significantly shaped Ladonia’s identity and legacy in the 21st century.