by Max Barry

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Region: The Universal Order of Nations

West suburbia

Christian David-George, Duke of Marcuda and Former King, Passes Away at Age 103

It is with great sorrow that the Office of the Queen announces the death of Christian David-George, Duke of Marcuda and the former King Marcuda X, at Hundred House earlier this afternoon. According to a statement released by the Office, the ailing duke died peacefully surrounded by his grandchildren, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was 103.

His life spanned a tumultuous century of modern Suburban history, encompassing the Barrian War of 2550 – 2558, the 10 June Revolution of 2599, the East Suburbia uprising of 2601 – 2610, first contact with alien states, and the Manchu Wars. Particularly after 2599, Christian was the first to preside over a deeply uncertain time where the monarchy had to reinvent itself for the 27th century as a constitutionally restricted entity and retreat from previous centuries of absolutist rule. Although his semi-reactionary attempts to consolidate whatever power the monarch still had left has imparted some political controversy, Christian also was known for visiting the troops overseas fighting against Mexican communists frequently and some 6,000 royal domestic engagements throughout his short reign. He headed hundreds of charities during and after his reign, particularly focused on helping disadvantaged schoolchildren and providing the utmost support and advice for his succeeding son and granddaughter, King Quinton IV and Queen Terra II respectively.

The duke, having suffered multiple aliments in the past years, was just released from the hospital following an extended stay in November. In 2637, it was announced that the duke was stepping back from many of his duties, although he still continued to head many of the charities and make occasional public appearances that all but disappeared by 2641.

Speaking from his office, PM Devereaux offered his dearest condolences to the Queen and the Royal Family, saying that Christian “shaped the constitutional monarchy as we know it today as an instrument for the good and happiness of all Suburbans. His vigor and devotion to the Crown, the country and especially the little immigrant and homeborn children of Suburbia were steadfast to the end of his days. All Kiwis today have truly lost a magnificent and caring figure in Duke Christian.”

The Queen has also posted to her social media sites, describing her grandfather as “a man who saw all Suburbans as part of his family. Whether rain or shine, joyful moments or tough times Granddad shouldered it all, knowing he had a cause far, far beyond himself and his family that gave him his strength and vitality.”

MPs and other political figures have also offered their condolences, effectively grinding all government business to a halt. With flags having been at half-staff for the Suburban soldiers killed in the Mogadishu terrorist attacks, the government has ordered flags to remain at half-staff. Plans for a funeral has already commenced, according to the Queen’s Office.

Christian is survived by his son Prince Royal Salazar, as well as his granddaughter the Queen with 3 other grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

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