The Royal Family of Zongongia has fled to the Kingdom of Serriel following a 62-38 vote in favour of the abolition of the monarchy on Thursday. Shortly after the announcement of the result in the early hours of Friday morning, helicopters were spotted above the royal residence, leading to speculation about the potential response of the royals. It is now confirmed that these helicopters made their way to a private airfield, where members of the royal family boarded a private jet and headed to Serriel. No attempt was made to prevent the departure.
“It is likely they saw this coming,” says Zongongian political scientist Dr Amalie Horn. “This was not a panicked flight, it was a prepared, orchestrated plan – likely with the tacit support of the elected government, given how quickly a flight plan was filed and accepted.” Dr Horn believes that the coalition government likely allowed the royals to flee on their own terms to avoid the fallout of any more contentious methods of removal. The loss of any financial resources associated with the flight may be deemed a fair cost for the avoidance of any violent conflict.
Serriel is seen as the go-to destination for deposed monarchs and their relatives, having hosted a number in recent years, including the family of deposed Xiomeran Emperor Xochiuhue. Unfortunately for his wife Capantzina, she also met her death under suspicious circumstances despite the exile – demonstrating that it is not always a perfectly safe destination. While it is unlikely that the Zongongian government would seek vengeance – especially given they likely allowed the flight – the royals have managed to make an enemy of Kerlile in recent years, which is now de facto allied with Xiomera.
Legally speaking, King Osvald would need to grant Royal Assent to any legislation seeking to abolish the monarchy in Zongongia. The coalition agreement does allow for a year to implement any successful referendum votes, which means there is time for negotiation. The decision of the royals to flee instead of remain and contest the decision, however, leads many to speculate that Osvald may have already conceded. It is known that he was embarrassed by his son’s actions in the debacle with Natasha Robinson of Kerlile – so perhaps he admits that their time is over.
Whether his son, Crown Prince Kristofer, who is suspected of sending agents to Eiria to kidnap Natasha Robinson and her baby in violation of international norms, agrees is another matter.
