Kalistani Major History

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Empress is Engaged to Prince Bjorn Nordholm
Bjorn Nordholm is First Cousin to Queen Helga Nordholm
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 18, 5508


Nordholm, who has just recently been created Titular Prince in Kalistan, and Her Imperial Majesty in Eveari

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette II is engaged to be married to Kazulian noble and titular Kalistani Prince Bjorn Nordholm. Nordholm is the first cousin of Kazulian Queen Helga. The Kazulian businessman, 35, was introduced to the Empress by Lady Kelly Newburg, former Chancellor of the Empire, last year, and the courtship has finally resulted in an engagement. "I'm sure that Lady Newburg is pleased as punch that the Empress selected her candidate," said Ms. Marcia van Wallen, Kaliburg reporter and gossip columnist. "The courtship was quiet for a whole year, but it seems that the two are very happy together and finally decided to announce their engagement."

Since the engagement has been made public, the Empress and soon-to be Consort have been seen out in both Eveari and Kaliburg attending the Theater, giving interviews to tabloids and posing for photographs. Nordholm is well educated, having received an PhD in quantum mechanics in the Kingdom of Bae, and has travelled extensively in Keris, Macon and Artania. He is reportedly fun-loving and enjoys practical jokes and puns. He also enjoys competitive shooting, hiking, and music. Nordholm, who speaks several languages fluently including Egelian, Canrillais and Vrassan said earlier this week, "I do look forward to hiking and climbing in the Nevaran Mountains. Obviously we [Nordholm and Empress Nicolette] have had to keep things quiet, but the Empress and I have already conquered Mt. Su together, and now I would greatly relish an excursion to the highest peaks along the border with Lodamun and Baltusia. So much is possible here in Kalistan."

Nordholm is also highly opinionated, and when pressed, will certainly offer his considered opinion on the state of the World. He recently caused a bit of a stir in an interview immediately following the announcement of his engagement to the Empress when discussing Dovani Affairs. Kazulia has made headlines recently for celebrating the return to constitutionality in the Dovani State of Hanzen. Nordholm commented on the press from Eveari, "My cousin [The Queen of Kazulia] is correct I think to both condemn the assassination of the Hanzen Monarch and to welcome the return of stability in Hanzen. I understand also that Her Imperial Majesty has not issued a statement on Hanzen, so I put this down to my own opinion and wouldn't dream of speaking for the Empress here. But, I think also, that in regards to republicanism in general, I have grown to really appreciate the Kalistani model, and think if my own home country were to study this and perhaps strengthen the Queens' hand in matters of state, we certainly would have less to be concerned about when looking nearer to home at communists, for example, who act like children on the Queen's Border. I believe that sometimes democracy can have its limits, especially when it permits extremists to run amok and cause trouble for their neighbors, and as our Empress here demonstrates very effectively, permitting a legislature to have its own will could possibly undermine the Queen's response."

The comments, which were printed internationally caused the National Assembly and the acting Chancellor Bruce Morrison to quickly issue a retraction that said simply, "The Comments of the future Consort Prince Bjorn Nordholm are those of an independent observer who is not yet a Kalistani National, and I wish to make it clear that Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette has, to date, not issued any statements on the situations in Dovani, nor has she ever offered advice to other sitting monarchs with regard to the power relationships within their own government. While the Prince Nordholm's statements are his own, the Empress reiterates Kalistan's Neutrality in all foreign affairs." While there was an official retraction from Her Imperial Majesty's Government, the Empress herself made no official comment, suggesting that she may agree in part.

Whatever the Empress' opinions on foreign affairs, the two seem very happy together in Ananto. Crown watchers said that Nordholm makes the Empress laugh. "He seems to have a very dry wit about him that she really enjoys," said van Wallen. "Since they have gone public with their engagement, every time we see one of them, the other is there. He doesn't laugh in a big way, but his smile tends to light her up, and it is very sweet to see the two together. Clearly this match is a love match, and Lady Newburg, if she is behind this pairing, knew what she was doing." The wedding date is set for April of next year, which should give the Empress time to name a permanent successor to Lady Newburg, and then allow the Government to form a committee for the royal wedding. "My guess," said van Wallen, "Is that she will hold it at the Brethrenist Meetinghouse in Eveari where she was crowned. It is the centerpiece of the Empress' personal life, and the meeting takes special care to protect her and her privacy. They have her trust. But I wouldn't put it past her to do something unexpected: after all, this match between her and Nordholm was foreseen by nobody except I think Lady Newburg, who didn't say anything to anyone. My money was on the Hutorian Prince."