Crown Prince/Princess of Aurianus

The title of Crown Prince/Princess of Aurianus was first created in 1489 as part of the constitutional reforms initiated in Aurianus that year. Prior to 1489 the micro-nation had employed a feudal system of government with the ruler taking the official title of Count or Countess. Although the position of Crown Prince/Princess has somewhat altered in light of the 1919 and 1939 constitutional amendments which introduced the Senate of Advisors and the democratic process of electing the Crown Prince/Princess from a longlist of nominees (although only Aurianan royals may stand for election), the ruler is still known by this ceremonial name.

In reality the role is now nearer that of a President or Prime Minister than that of King or overlord as it had been until 1919, with the Crown Prince/Princess heading up the executive arm, however the leader retains the trappings of monarchy including optional use of the 'Royal Prerogative' which allows the ruler to dismiss the Senate and call new elections at his or her whim. The Crown Prince/Princess also has the power to declare an 'Official State of Emergency' allowing him or her to permanently dismiss the Senate and rule single-handedly for up to twelve months, after which a public consultation must be sought in order to ascertain the approval of the populace with which to continue, or else new elections must be called to re-elect the Senate. The only ruler to have invoked these powers was Crown Prince Florian during the Nazi occupation of Aurianus during World War II.