Difference between revisions of "Coronation of the Consul-General"

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[[File:Travis in Marmaris Castle.png|thumb|Travis in Marmaris Castle prior to the coronation ceremony]]
The '''Coronation of the Consul-General''' as Head of State and Government of the [[Achaean Territory of Antarctica]] took place at Marmaris Castle in Marmaris, Turkey on 8 September 2001. This was two months prior to the actual filing of the [[Claimant Letter]] that would later lead to the creation of [[Westarctica]].
The '''Coronation of the Consul-General''' as Head of State and Government of the [[Achaean Territory of Antarctica]] took place at Marmaris Castle in Marmaris, Turkey on 8 September 2001. This was two months prior to the actual filing of the [[Claimant Letter]] that would later lead to the creation of [[Westarctica]].


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Having been inspired by Napoleon to become the ruler of a nation, [[Grand Duke Travis|Travis McHenry]] always knew he would lead his new country as a royal figure. However, he also wished to present an accurate picture of himself as a representative of his country to the world at large. Therefore, the title "Consul-General" was selected to conjure images of a diplomat, but also as an homage to Napoleon's first political position "First Consul of France."
Having been inspired by Napoleon to become the ruler of a nation, [[Grand Duke Travis|Travis McHenry]] always knew he would lead his new country as a royal figure. However, he also wished to present an accurate picture of himself as a representative of his country to the world at large. Therefore, the title "Consul-General" was selected to conjure images of a diplomat, but also as an homage to Napoleon's first political position "First Consul of France."


As Head of State, Travis would also be head of the noble class that was to be appointed as governors of the various regions of [[Marie Byrd Land]]. In order to effectively lead the nobility, he needed to become a member of them by way of a coronation ceremony formally draping his rule in the mantle of royalty.  
As Head of State, Travis would also be head of the [[Hereditary Nobility of Westarctica|noble class]] that was to be appointed as governors of the various regions of [[Marie Byrd Land]]. In order to effectively lead the nobility, he needed to become a member of them by way of a coronation ceremony formally draping his rule in the mantle of royalty.  


Initially, it was thought that the coronation ceremony would only occur after the first visit to the continent of [[Antarctica]], and then, it should only occur on the actual territory of Achaea. Those plans changed quickly after Travis arrived in Marmaris, Turkey for a port visit while he was stationed as an Intelligence Specialist on the U.S. Navy ship, USS ''Kearsarge''.
Initially, it was thought that the coronation ceremony would only occur after the first visit to the continent of [[Antarctica]], and then, it should only occur on the actual territory of Achaea. Those plans changed quickly after Travis arrived in Marmaris, Turkey for a port visit while he was stationed as an Intelligence Specialist on the [[U.S. Navy]] ship, USS ''Kearsarge''.


==Crown, clothing, and venue==
==Crown, clothing, and venue==
[[File:Consular Crown1.jpg|thumb|Detail view of the Consular Crown]]
===The crown===
===The crown===
::''Main article: [[Consular Crown]]''
::''Main article: [[Consular Crown]]''
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===The coronation outfit===
===The coronation outfit===
[[File:Marmaris-Castle.jpg|thumb|350px|Courtyard of Marmaris Castle]]
The choice of clothing for the coronation was deliberately sourced from local garment merchants as a way of respecting and celebrating the culture of Turkey. The outfit consisted of three parts:
The choice of clothing for the coronation was deliberately sourced from local garment merchants as a way of respecting and celebrating the culture of Turkey. The outfit consisted of three parts:


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==The coronation ceremony==
==The coronation ceremony==
[[File:Coronation Photo.png|thumb|Still frame from the sepia-toned video of Travis McHenry's coronation ceremony as Consul-General of the Achaean Territory of Antarctica.]]
After Travis obtained the completed crown from the jeweler and tested it for proper fit, he and his shipmate from the ''Kearsarge'', Christopher Wisniewski, proceeded directly through the streets of Marmaris to Marmaris Castle. They walked to the second floor of the south-eastern tower and, after rearranging the antique furniture on display, began the ceremony. Christopher handled the video camera and recorded the entire event.
After Travis obtained the completed crown from the jeweler and tested it for proper fit, he and his shipmate from the ''Kearsarge'', Christopher Wisniewski, proceeded directly through the streets of Marmaris to Marmaris Castle. They walked to the second floor of the south-eastern tower and, after rearranging the antique furniture on display, began the ceremony. Christopher handled the video camera and recorded the entire event.


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==Significance of the coronation==
==Significance of the coronation==
[[File:Turkey Port Guard.jpg|thumb|The Consul-General shortly after the coronation]]
[[File:Turkey Port Guard.jpg|thumb|The Consul-General shortly after the coronation]]
Following the coronation, no videos or pictures were ever shared with the public. Even pictures of the crown itself were not made public due to the government's concern no one would believe the crown was made of real gold. However, shortly after the ceremony, the newly-crowned [[Consul-General of the Achaean Territory|Consul-General]], still in his coronation outfit, did pose with a Turkish port guard holding a submachine gun and this picture was widely distributed.
Following the coronation, no videos or pictures were ever shared with the public. Even pictures of the crown itself were not made public due to the government's concern no one would believe the crown was made of real gold. However, shortly after the ceremony, the newly-crowned [[Consul-General of the Achaean Territory|Consul-General]], still in his coronation outfit, posed with a Turkish port guard holding a submachine gun and this picture was widely distributed.


It remains the only coronation ever performed for a monarch of [[Westarctica]], and even after assuming the throne as [[Grand Duke of Westarctica|Grand Duke]], Travis did not perform a second coronation, believing the first was more reverential and significant than an event with a large audience and fancy regalia.
It remains the only coronation ever performed for a monarch of [[Westarctica]], and even after assuming the throne as [[Grand Duke of Westarctica|Grand Duke]], Travis did not perform a second coronation, believing the first was more reverential and significant than an event with a large audience and fancy regalia.


Following the coronation ceremony, Travis began to refer to himself as "His Eminence, the Consul-General of Achaea."
Following the coronation ceremony, Travis became known as "His Eminence, the Consul-General of Achaea."


[[Category:Achaean Territory]]
[[Category:The Achaean Territory]]
[[Category:Government of Westarctica]]
[[Category:Government of Westarctica]]

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