Istalia

[XanderOne]

The State Funeral of Tommaso V

Istalia stand still to pay its last respects to the Sovereign who defined an era

30 April 5689

---

ROMULA - A majestic silence enveloped Romula today, broken around 10:00 a.m. by the sound of bells throughout the capital, which began to ring in mourning as the funeral procession of the late Tommaso V left Quattroregni Palace for its final journey.

The city seemed suspended in time, even as nearly a million people poured into the streets to pay their last respects to the sovereign who passed away suddenly a few days ago, in a tribute of emotion and respect that united an entire nation. Flagpoles, lampposts, and balconies everywhere were adorned with black drapes and black-bordered national flags and imperial banners, while along the route only the solemn music of military bands, the marching of soldiers and the rhythmic clatter of hooves broke the silence.

The Imperial coffin, resting on an ancient cannon carriage drawn by six black horses, advanced slowly, preceded and followed by platoons from the Armed Forces and escorted by mounted Imperial Guards. Behind the coffin, on foot, followed the Imperial Family: Empress Eleonora I in the front row, alongside Empress Dowager Melissa, both in veiled black gowns. Prince Consort Marco and the couple's children were just behind them, followed by the rest of the Imperial House, including the Grand Dignitaries of the Crown.

The procession, which passed through the main streets of Romula to the Basilica of All Angels, was accompanied by funeral marches and military dirges performed by bands from each branch of the Armed Forces. The solemn music, amplified by the streets of the city center, blended with the soft weeping of the crowd.

Upon arrival at the Basilica, the coffin was carried inside by officers of the Imperial Navy, Tommaso V's beloved chosen corps. The entire nave, draped in black drapes and Istalian and imperial banners, was packed with the highest officials of the state, the entire National Congress, religious, academic and industrial representatives, and, of course, the official delegations from every continent.

The numerous foreign heads of state and sovereigns who flocked to pay their last respects to the Istalian Emperor are a further testament to the respect and authority Tommaso V has earned, even internationally, recognizing his commitment to promoting dialogue and diplomacy, as well as his determination to defend the honor and dignity of his country and his people. Among the guests, the following certainly stood out: King Leon Alexander of Egelion and New Endralon/Kizenia accompanied by Royal Councilor of Egelion Catalina Mondragon y Astures and the Foreign Minister of New Endralon and Kizenia Cezar Istrati, the Head of the Presidential Council of Nadiya Eva Maria Frolova and the former Tsarina Anastasia Alexanderova, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Empire of Kalistan and Ananto Sir Thomas Harney, the Director for Foreign Affairs of Narikaton & Darnussia Dirk van Held, Emperor Richard II and Empress Valeria of Luthori, accompanied by Prince of Orange William and Princess of Orange Mary and the Prime of Mordusia Denny Woodfort, the Prime Minister of Pontesi, President of Valruzia Urzsula Pawlik, Queen Arianna of Hutori, the Federal President of Dundorf Wolfgang Prawius, the Premier of Xsampa Sherab Aurousseau, the President of Kundrati Alaiza Kubitchek and the Chancellor of the Republic of Badara, Abdul Jabbar accompanied by the Foreign Minister Salman al-Makhtoum.

As the Empress and the Imperial Family went inside, the entire Basilica rose to its feet and solemn bows accompanied them to the altar, both sad and profound for the body, filled with reverence for the new Sovereign. The ceremony was officiated by the Bishop of Romula and Primate of Istalia, Monsignor Emilio Poretti, joined for the occasion by the Patriarch of Istalia, Solentia, and Quanzar, His Eminence Samir Twal, who came from Solentia to impart the final blessing. During the service, a choir of one hundred voices sang hymns and anthems that marked the various phases of the service, contributing to a solemn yet emotional atmosphere.

After the funeral service, the coffin was carried outside and placed on the state hearse to be carried to the Imperial Mausoleum, parading through the city and crossing the river toward Michele I Imperatore Park, escorted by a second procession. Guests were taken directly to the Mausoleum, while the Imperial Family awaited the body at the entrance of the park. There, the coffin was placed back on the gun carriage, and once again followed on foot by the Imperial Court, it traveled the final kilometer and a half to the Mausoleum escorted by the inseparable imperial guards and a final military honor guard.

A farewell secular and state ceremony was held in front of the entrance to the Imperial Mausoleum. This time, it was led by the Archchancellor, who, in his closing commemorative speech, remembered Tommaso V as:

A sovereign who lived the majesty of the Crown as a service and the glory of the Empire as a daily sacrifice.

Finally, only the Imperial Family and the High Dignitaries of the Crown followed the coffin into the Mausoleum, witnessing the descent of the coffin into the imperial crypts where Tommaso V will rest alongside the august remains of his predecessors. After the ceremony, Empress Eleonora and the Court returned to Quattroregni Palace, where a standing reception was offered to guests in the gardens.

National mourning will continue for another six days: flags will remain at half-mast, civic and religious events will be suspended or reduced and public broadcasting service presenters will continue to wear black attire.
All state officials, from ministers to magistrates, from military to civil servants, will wear black armbands, visible sign of their collective participation in the nation's grief.

With the burial of Tommaso V's remains in the Imperial Mausoleum, a significant chapter in Istalian history definitively closes. The Emperor, who with authority and sensitivity brought the Crown to the center of the country's civil and moral life, left a strong, respected and beloved throne to his daughter, Eleonora I. And while the lights of Romula's monuments, historic buildings, bridges and skyscrapers were turned off for a night of remembrance, a tearful Nation bid its beloved Emperor farewell for the last time.