Chapter 1363: Extra: Arthur’s Abdication Controversy Chapter 1363: Extra: Arthur’s Abdication Controversy World War II ended in ways Arthur had never imagined, but this did not influence Australasia’s strategic layout before and after the war nor Arthur’s vision for the future.

After the end of World War II, Australasia indisputably became the world’s strongest country, especially following the grand parade of the tri-service military on the day of the United Nations assembly.

Representatives of various countries witnessed the potent forces of Australasia’s army, navy, and air force, and they naturally understood who the most powerful nation in the world was and whose rule they should rely upon.

As for the former hegemon, the British Empire, Arthur did not eradicate them completely. If the British desired, they could still play the so-called European hegemon or even become the most powerful nation outside of Australasia.

Of course, as part of Arthur’s plan, following the end of this World War, it was naturally also time for Arthur to bid farewell to the throne.

A good succession of monarchism should consider the next generation Monarch, allowing William enough time to wield authority rather than continuing to cling to power himself.

As the first Monarch and the founder of the Empire in Australasia’s history, Arthur naturally had no lingering attachment to the throne.

He had done everything that needed doing, and Australasia had successfully grown into the world’s strongest country; Now was the time to pass the reins of power and this tremendous responsibility to William and, while Arthur was still in good health, to cultivate an excellent third-generation Monarch in William’s eldest son, Alexander.

On December 31, 1939, Arthur announced his abdication via wireless broadcast on this last day of the year and indicated that he would hold a coronation ceremony for William on the first day of 1940.

The people were instantly in an uproar, and the news became the biggest headline around the world in an instant.

In the broadcast, Arthur continued his usual style of speech yet hardly mentioned his own contributions to the country.

Arthur expressed his sentiment: “The 39 years since I became the Monarch of Australasia have been the most unforgettable period of my life.

I am honored to have worked alongside all Australasians, to make a promise to God that Australasia would rise, and to fulfill it in the presence of God and all the people of Australasia.

Thank God, and even more so, every Australasian who has struggled for the country. The Empire will never forget your contributions to the nation, and I will certainly not forget the great people of Australasia.

Please allow me, for one last time as the Emperor of Australasia, to extend my heartfelt wishes to all Australasians; may you enjoy the last day of 1939, and look forward to the beautiful first day of 1940.

Whenever, I will take pride in being a member of Australasia, and always, I will pride myself on our great achievements over these more than thirty years.

Now, it is time to pass this duty to my carefully nurtured successor, the next Monarch, William. I believe he can be a competent Monarch and lead the people of Australasia to even greater strength.

May God bless William and all Australasians, the Empire is with us.”

Although this speech was not the most stirring, the sincere emotions within moved all of Australasia, especially those who experienced the period of the Australian Principality; they harbored the purest and most fervent affection for Arthur.

And these people became the elders of the new generation of Australasians, their deep fervor and adoration for Arthur influencing the next generation of Australasians.

Of course, there was not much opposition from the people regarding Arthur’s cession of the throne to William. After all, Arthur had said that William was the competently chosen Monarch he had carefully selected, and the succession of the throne was a necessity in the progression of time.

But this did not prevent the people from feeling reluctant to let Arthur go, especially with the suddenness of the news, which made it all the more difficult for the populace to part with Arthur.

What Arthur had not expected was that just half an hour after the broadcast was relayed throughout the country, crowds of people had already gathered around the Royal Palace.

Holding banners wishing for Arthur to remain Emperor for a few more years, they congregated at the palace gates and its vicinity, chanting, “We need Your Majesty!”

Such commotion was a rare, if not nonexistent, occurrence in the West, and the vast uproar soon caught the attention of the royal guards. The news was quickly conveyed to Arthur.

Arthur had anticipated the reactions his abdication might provoke. Such a situation could only be resolved by Arthur himself addressing the people’s reluctance to let go.

Arthur instructed the guards to invite the crowd to the square in front of the palace, where he then arranged for a simple sound amplification and transmission system.

Looking at the people gathered together in the night, the emotion in Arthur’s eyes needed no explanation.

“Citizens, I understand your feelings, and I am equally reluctant to part with the Empire I built from the ground up.

But age no longer allows me to remain on the throne, and it is time for a younger and stronger man to take on the heavy responsibilities of the nation.

Everyone, the rise of the Empire could not have been achieved without the support of all citizens. I hope you will support William as you have supported me, and every future Emperor of Australasia.”

Of course, the Emperors of Australasia are not absolute rulers, they are more like representatives and protectors of the people’s interests.

If any future Emperor of Australasia ignores the interests of the people or even endangers the entire country, I hope all Australasians will unite to remove him from the throne.

The existence of the Empire is the result of the united efforts of all Australasians. And for me, it is also time to enjoy a new phase of life.

Now, I hope you will join me in shouting, ‘Long live the Empire, long live Australasia!’ Let us look forward to the beautiful stories the Empire will write under William’s rule.

May God be with you and me.”

This impromptu speech was brief, lasting only over ten minutes.

Fortunately, the people were very compliant with Arthur’s words. After chanting “Long live the Empire and Australasia!” several times in the square, the crowd mostly dispersed.

The news of Arthur’s abdication and his brief speech in the square were soon published in the domestic and foreign press, and the people reluctantly accepted the news.

The public then turned their attention to William’s upcoming coronation, after all, he was the qualified heir to the throne Arthur had mentioned himself.

Moreover, William had been involved in government affairs for several years.

During this time, William’s performance had also made a positive impression in the hearts of the citizens.

Whether it was representing the royal family in international diplomacy or handling domestic affairs, William indeed proved, as Arthur said, to be a qualified Monarch.