Kingdom of Ruritania
 | This article contains information pertaining to a simulationist micronation, micronationalist or other element of micronational society or culture. |
Kingdom of Ruritania | |
|---|---|
 Royal Flag Flag
 Royal Coat of Arms Coat of arms
| |
| Capital | Strelsau |
| Official languages | English |
| Demonym(s) | Ruritanian |
| Government | Absolute Monarchy under Divine Right |
• Monarch | Queen Anastasia |
| Establishment | 1967 |
| Population | |
• Census | 200+ |
| Currency | Kronen |
Website undergoing | |
The Kingdom of Ruritania is a micronation with extensive claims to the fictional enclave of the same name in Europe from The Prisoner of Zenda. Uniquely, both the royal family and the living family of Anthony Hope maintain a degree of cordial contact. With support from the family of Sir Anthony Hope, the Ruritanian micronation is effectively a living monument to Sir Anthony Hope in keeping his literary memory alive.
History
The history of the nation prior to the 1950s is based on the plot and setting of The Prisoner of Zenda, a novel which takes place in a fictional Kingdom of Ruritania. Although the country began in 1967 as a geofictional project based on the fictional nation, since the advent of the Internet it has evolved into a relatively well-known simulationist micronation with activities taking place in the real world, such as hosting several Microcons.
Controversy
The retention of Ruritania's fictional backstory has led to some confusion and criticism from those who believe the micronation to be too vague about the division between its fictional and its genuine claims.
Government
Ruritania is an absolute monarchy ruled under the principles of divine right, but does not have a state religion. The fictional location of the country lies somewhere between Dresden and Prague, but the actual physical presence of the government is in an embassy maintained in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Monarchy
The founder of the nation, Queen Anastasia Sophia Maria Helena von Rubenroth Elphberg ,is the ruler of Ruritania, having re-assumed the throne in 2010 following the death of her husband, King Wilhelm-Rudolph, who had served as King since their marriage in 1970. Her Majesty the Queen is assisted in her government duties by her daughters, Grand Duchess Juliana and Grand Duchess Lydia, the former of whom is also the heir apparent to the throne.
Foreign Relations
The Queen of Ruritania has undertaken several state visits, including one with the Republic of Molossia in 2013. Her Majesty also attended MicroCon 2015 in Anaheim, California, and hosted MicroCon 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. During MicroCon 2017, a lavish reception was held at the Ruritanian Embassy for the delegates of the conference. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Grand Duchess Lydia, is planning a state visit to attend one of Aynvaul's scheduled fire parties for 2022 with an aim for April 30.
Delegations from Ruritania attended MicroCon 2015, hosted MicroCon 2017, MicroCon 2019, MicroCon 2022 and Ruritania has registered to attend the upcoming MicroCon 2023 in Chicago.