Kalistani Major History

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Prince Bjorn has Died at 78
Former Kazulian Royal turned ardent Kalistani Nationalist joins Empress
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 29, 5551


Prince of the Empire Bjorn, seen here last summer playing Golf

His Highness Prince of the Empire Bjorn Ananto-Nordholm has died of complications due to pancreatic cancer, spokesmen for House Ananto has confirmed. The Prince has been suffering from the disease for the last three years, and while his condition has been carefully watched, he made the decision last August to stop receiving treatment when it was determined that the cancer had spread to his lymph system. Earlier this week, the former Regent and father of His Imperial Majesty Fredrick II Ananto formally requested doctor assisted euthanasia because the disease had destroyed the Prince's appetite and was preventing him from sleeping. The procedure was administered last evening, and the Prince passed peacefully away as he slept.

"My life has been long," said Prince Bjorn. "Who would have thought I would have come so far from home and served this wonderful nation for so many years? Do not get me wrong: I loved my homeland. But I also loved my adopted home, and I love my wife and my son very much. And let's be totally honest... There's just better music here." The normally taciturn Prince Regent was known as a caring person, a philanthropist and a conservationist. He supported the arts and together with his wife, the Empress, worked to elevate people throughout the Empire

"I think his large size sort of intimidated those who didn't know him," said crown watcher Calvin Grady, of the former Prince Consort. "But those who knew him saw a kind gentle giant of a man who never spoke loudly, who always walked softly, and who always helped those around him shine." Prince Bjorn was not happy being in the spotlight, and when he was forced to the center of Kalistani Politics following the untimely death of Empress Nicolette II Ananto, he guided the ship of state with an even keel, to ensure that his son's inheritance was passed along in tact.

In his later years, following the coronation of His Imperial Majesty, the Prince, now Prince of the Empire due to his service as Regent, was content to live in retirement and serve as a personal advisor to his son, brother in law and Nephew as they each assumed their respective roles in society. The Prince spent his free time sailing and deep sea fishing, playing golf and skiing in Neveras. He also became an active member of the Eveari Brethrenist Meeting following Nicolette's death and continued to attend with his son weekly. He even served as Clerk of the Meeting for three years earlier in the decade.

The Prince will lay in State in Kaliburg for three days and then will be taken back to Eveari, where he will be interned on the Ananto Estate. His mortal remains will be placed next to his wife's and the two will remain together forever. His Imperial Majesty' the Emperor has ordered a ten day national period of Mourning, and all government offices will be closed for the duration. "The Emperor is grateful that his father had the opportunity to meet his future fiancé before passing away," said Grady. "The Prince said that he thought The Emperor made a good choice and complemented the Princess Consort to Be on her intelligence and grace."

May His Highness Prince of the Empire Bjorn Ananto-Nordholm rest in peace.