Monarchy of Highland
| King of the Highlands | |
|---|---|
 Royal coat of arms | |
 Royal Standard | |
| Style | Their Grace |
| Type | Semi-constitutional elective monarchy |
| Residence | none |
| Appointer | Popular vote |
| Term length | Ten years, renewable once |
| Precursor | President of Highland |
| Formation | 12 July 2024 |
| First holder | Avacyn I |
The King of the Highlands, unofficially the King of Highland is the head of state of Highland. The Monarch represents the nation in international relations and micronational relations, administers the foreign political activity of the state, conducts negotiations and concludes international/micronational treaties. The Monarch is directly elected by the citizens of Highland for a 10 year term of office.
History
The head of state position in the Highland Commonwealth was initially allocated to the President of Highland. For nearly two years, this arrangement persisted. However, on July 1, 2024, the position of "King of the Highlands" was established following a proposal by then-President Aiden Sullivan. Given the democratic nature of the Highland Commonwealth, it was determined that the monarchy should be an elected position rather than a hereditary one. Furthermore, the term was set to ten years with no term limits. The first election for the Highland Throne was scheduled for July 4, 2024. Since President Sullivan was the sole candidate, they were elected by a majority of Highland citizens.
Reign of Avacyn I
Aiden Sullivan ascended to the throne on July 12, 2024, taking the name Avacyn I after their favorite character in the popular trading card game, Magic: The Gathering. They appointed then-Prime Minister Noah Wood as "Lord Paramount of the Gulf" and "Lord of Clearwater," reflecting his residence in Clearwater, Florida. Similarly, they granted the titles of "Lord Paramount of the Mountains" and "Lord of Denver" to their Cainteor of Parliament, Oliver Grim, due to his residence near Denver, Colorado.
Powers and duties
The Monarch of the Highland Commonwealth, holding the titles of King of the Highlands and Lord of the Commonwealth, possesses a range of significant ceremonial and executive powers integral to the governance of the nation.
- Representation: The Monarch serves as the representative of the Highland Commonwealth in all official capacities, both domestically and internationally. This includes attending state functions, engaging with foreign dignitaries, and promoting the interests of the Commonwealth on the global stage.
- Granting Pardons and Reprieves: The Monarch holds the authority to grant pardons and reprieves to individuals convicted of crimes, providing a means of mercy and clemency within the justice system.
- Appointments: The Monarch is responsible for appointing ambassadors, high officials, and other key governmental positions, subject to the approval of Parliament. This encompasses the appointment of judges, military leaders, and other significant roles within the administration.
- Emergency Sessions: In times of crisis or urgent need, the Monarch has the power to call emergency sessions of Parliament. This ensures that the legislative body can convene swiftly to address pressing issues affecting the Commonwealth.
- Enforcement of Laws: Ensuring the enforcement of laws passed by Parliament is a key duty of the Monarch. This includes overseeing the implementation of legislation and maintaining the rule of law throughout the nation.
- Ceremonial Duties: The Monarch performs various ceremonial functions, such as presiding over state ceremonies, national celebrations, and other significant events. These duties help to foster national unity and pride among the citizens.
- Advisory Role: Acting as an advisor to the Prime Minister and other government officials, the Monarch provides counsel and guidance on matters of state. This advisory role, while not legislative, offers valuable insights and experience to the governance of the Commonwealth.
- Guardian of the Constitution: As the guardian of the Constitution, the Monarch upholds and protects the constitutional framework and principles of the Highland Commonwealth. This responsibility ensures that all actions and laws adhere to the constitutional standards.
Through these powers and duties, the Monarch plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability, unity, and effective governance of the Highland Commonwealth, balancing ceremonial responsibilities with significant executive functions.