Kalistan

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Dolgavan Queen visits Kalistan
Empress Consort and Northern Monarch bond over Surfing
Luxon, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 1, 5623


Her Majesty, Queen Jaanika with Her Highness, Empress Consort Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis in Luxon

Her Majesty, Queen Jaanika of Dolgava visited Kalistan last week to further strengthen ties between Kalistan and Dolgava.  The visit is in response to a previous visit by the Anantonese Monarchs to Dolgava where His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor and Her Highness, the Empress Consort were introduced to the then Crown Princess.  The visit was partially for business, but the Queen's itinerary left plenty of time for recreation and sight seeing in Ananto, mostly with the Empress Consort.

Upon her arrival in Kaliburg, Her Majesty the Queen was given a formal audience with His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick III Ananto and Chancellor of the Empire Sir David Levine.  His Imperial Majesty's sign language interpreter and spokeswoman, who spoke for the Emperor in the Audience, Allison Stuart was also in attendance.  Chancellor Levine later reported that during the formal audience, formalities were exchanged, and the Queen emphasized her nation's vision for Anantonese cooperation and security.  "His Imperial Majesty was very receptive to the proposals of Her Majesty the Queen, and there are several excellent opportunities for cooperation and comity between our two Nations," said Chancellor Levine.

Several of the topics discussed included joint patrols in the Karzon Strait with Lodamun, Kalistan and Dolgava; Kalistan helping Dolgava restore its passive sonar net in the Strait for the purpose of tracking surface and subsurface naval traffic in and through the region; initiatives to work to restore marine habitats for wildlife, which is a pet issue of Her Highness, Princess Michelle Ananto, as well as restoring and potentially building new reefs in and around Kalistan and Dolgava, sustainable energy production using tidal and deepsea geothermal energy; seismic monitoring in both nations which have a history of devastating seismic and volcanic events, and increasing trade flows over the Northern Anantonese Ocean.  

"His Imperial Majesty also welcomed Her Majesty into the Ancient Order of the Gray Smoke, as a Stranger Lady Companion," said Chancellor Levine.  "She will be added to the roster, and will be able to utilize the special privileges afforded to members hence forth as she desires.  This is a lifetime role, but the induction ceremony was quick and was accepted."  Knights and Ladies Companion may always speak directly with the Emperor in everything but formal audiences, and  are considered to be close and trusted advisors and confidantes of His Imperial Majesty.  The "Stranger Knight/Lady Companion" ranks are reserved specifically for Foreign Royalty, spouses of Anantonese Royalty and current and former Imperial Viceroys and act as supernumeraries who do not count toward the 20 Companions limit.  "The Queen's induction into the Ancient Order is a very significant honor, and represents a bond and commitment between Kalistan and Dolgava that goes beyond simple diplomacy."

Following the business meetings, His Imperial Majesty invited Her Majesty to tea, where they were joined by Her Highness, the Empress Consort and several members of the Kalistani Foreign Service and Business community, who all wished to greet and welcome the Queen to Kalistan.  "All made it known to Her Majesty that she is always welcomed in Kalistan and they look forward to long and friendly association between our two nations," said the Chancellor.  "Teas, which are informal audiences, also gives the Emperor the opportunity to speak with his guests in a less formal setting, which is governed by few rules of the House Protocol," said the Chancellor.  "I was not required there, but Ms. Stuart was in attendance with the Royal Party and spoke on behalf of the Emperor."

Reportedly the Queen and the Empress Consort renewed their friendship which began nine years ago in Aikums, and has continued since then through informal visits and correspondence. After the Tea, Her Majesty the Queen was invited, along with her retinue to stay at Cliff House with the Royal Family. There she was greeted by the Minor Princesses Mary Natalia Ananto-DeLaurentis and Margaret Nicolette Ananto-DeLaurentis. Over the next few days, the Queen toured Ananto, taking in fine dining in Dulnerstaad, music concerts in Downtown Kaliburg, history and culture in Eveari, where she also met Her Highness, Princess of the Empire Carolina Ananto and Prince William Ananto-Sandoval, both well into retirement and played a round of golf, and then travelling to the Summer retreat in Luxon, where the Queen got the opportunity to go surfing with the Empress Consort on the beautiful Southwest Coast.

"Overall, it is reported that the Queen is an excellent surfer and even gave the Empress Consort some tips," said Chancellor of the Empire Levine. "The Empress Consort is in her mid-30s now, but picked up surfing while she and the Emperor, then Crown Prince, lived in Luxon. She was grateful for the pointers, and was reportedly thrilled to have someone to surf with."

After seven days in Ananto, the Royal Family saw the Queen off from Kaliburg International. Surely there will be many more such visits between the two monarchs in the near future.

@TheRepublic