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- "Hands up. Identity yourselves."
"I am Princess Leia of the royal House of Organa, future queen of Alderaan, and I demand to speak to your leader, now." - ―An early rebel soldier and Leia Organa
The Alderaanian monarchy was the hereditary monarchy of the planet Alderaan. The last monarch was Queen Breha Organa, who perished along with her homeworld when the Galactic Empire destroyed Alderaan with the Death Star in 0 BBY. Although the Alderaanian diaspora regrouped, they had yet to reform their monarchy by 5 ABY.
History[]
- "We're lucky on Alderaan. We are loved by our people. We have their loyalty. That's because we love them and are loyal to them in turn. If we ever cease to appreciate those around us—from the highest lord to the humblest laborer—we'll lose that loyalty. We'll deserve to lose it."
- ―Bail Organa, to his daughter Leia
The monarchy on Alderaan already existed a millennium before the rule of the Galactic Empire. When the monarchy was established, its traditions involving the succession were also established, such as the heir's Day of Demand and their three challenges.[1] In the distant past, belligerence did exist on Alderaan,[4] and princes and princesses who made their claim to the crown sometimes had to fight their way to the throne room on their Day of Demand.[1] Over time, however, a pacifist culture focused on creativity, love, and life developed on the planet, and the monarch was made the guarantor of that philosophy.[4] Because the monarchs of Alderaan proved loyal and compassionate to their people, regardless of their social background, they, in turn, enjoyed the loyalty and love of the Alderaanians.[1]
When Breha Organa was sixteen, she fell from Appenza Peak during her Challenge of the Body. Her injuries almost killed her; she was only saved by the quick action of the guards watching from a distance. As a result, Breha's lungs and heart had to be replaced with pulmonodes, though she chose not to go through the bacta sessions necessary to grow new flesh and skin around them later, telling her daughter that it reminded her that she lived and that she cannot be stopped so easily. The accident, however, did lead to her and her husband's decision to adopt rather than further strain Breha's body by having biological children.[1]
Breha Organa, the last Queen of Alderaan
At some point before the end of the Clone Wars, Breha took up the mantle of queen[5] succeeding her mother.[1] During Breha's reign and through her husband and consort Bail Organa's efforts in the Senate, Alderaan advocated ending the Clone Wars between the Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems, due to the planet's pacifist beliefs,[6] and hosted a conference to assist refugees displaced by the galactic conflict.[7] Many refugees from across the Republic came to Alderaan to find their way again or to stay on Alderaan. During the Clone Wars, Breha and her husband sent aid to planets which had been ravaged by the Separatists in the form of credits, supplies, doctors, teachers, architects, builders, medics, and droids. Breha also sent her people to dangerous places where they were needed, and though some of them never came back to their families, they didn't blame her as they knew she had sacrificed and would again if she had to.[8]
Breha also witnessed the fall of the democratic Galactic Republic and its replacement by the dictatorial Galactic Empire, and, along with her consort and viceroy Bail Prestor Organa, played a major part in the rise of the Alliance to Restore the Republic.[1] She remained on the throne until her death[9] in 0 BBY,[3] which occurred during the destruction of Alderaan by the Death Star,[9] a mobile, spherical battle station the size of a Class IV moon.[10] However, Crown Princess Leia Organa, who was on a secret mission to Tatooine, survived the destruction of her homeworld.[11] Viscount Rabael Dir Glorio, 26th in line to the throne and last scion of House Glorio, also survived the cataclysm.[12]
Although Alderaan no longer existed, some surviving Alderaanians like Evaan Verlaine, a former pupil of Breha Organa, considered Princess Leia Organa to be their new queen.[13]
After the Battle of Endor, the surviving Alderaanians lived together aboard a seven-starship flotilla and planned to build themselves a new home from the remains of the second Death Star. However, they still had not chosen a monarch, and were ruled by Regent Administrator Eglyn Valmor.[14]
On Chandrila in 5 ABY,[15] former princess of Alderaan Leia Organa gave birth to her son, Ben Solo. As Leia's son, Ben would have been given the title of prince of Alderaan if the planet and the House of Organa had still existed when he was born.[16] However, upon his birth he was considered a member of the Elder Houses.[17]
By the time of the conflict between the First Order and the Resistance, Leia Organa was still considered the last princess of Alderaan. However, that status commanded little authority,[18] since almost nobody took the concept of hereditary nobility seriously any longer,[17] and Organa never wore any symbol of royalty unless tradition demanded it.[18]
Role[]
- "Our ruler—one day, you—must struggle to keep the culture focused on creativity, love and life. Whatever happens, Leia… you must keep Alderaan alive."
- ―Bail Organa, to his daughter Leia
The monarch of Alderaan (otherwise referred to as "the King" if male, and "the Queen" if female) both ruled and governed the planet,[1] with the help of ministers and advisors. In addition, he or she had charge of the royal books, balancing the many accounts and personally overseeing funding of all public works on Alderaan.[1] In some cases, the monarch even assumed a ministerial portfolio.[19] While the monarch worked for harmony on Alderaan,[4] the planet's dealings with the galaxy at large were entrusted to his or her consort (referred to as viceroy if male).[1]
Succession[]
- "The crown of Alderaan is not merely inherited. It must be earned. The heir must prove herself worthy in body, heart, and mind. Are you prepared to do so?"
- ―Queen Breha, asking her daughter a ritual question
The Rhindon Sword which was used as part of the Day of Demand ceremony
A monarch of Alderaan was meant to be succeeded by his or her eldest child.[1] Like all the other Elder Houses,[17] the Alderaanian monarchy did not adjudicate succession through strict bloodline inheritance, meaning that adopted children, such as Leia Organa, could ascend to the throne.[1]
A new member of the royal family would make their first public appearance on his or hers Name Day where the child's birth or adoption was officially announced in the palace throne room. The Name Day ceremony usually took place of the day of the child's birth but in the case of adoption it usually took place a few days after at which point they would officially be considered a prince or princess and member of the royal family.[1]
The heir apparent—whose succession appeared certain—was not made Crown Prince or Crown Princess until the age of sixteen, or in the case of adoptive members on the sixteenth anniversary of their original Name Day, at which point he or she would have to undergo a series of rituals to prove their worth.[1]
The first step was the Day of Demand, which took place sixteen years after the heir's original Name Day, on which the heir apparent carried the Rhindon Sword though the palace throne room, where they would speak the ritual dialogue and would publicly claim his or her right to the crown, before announcing three self-imposed challenges, that of the Body, that of the Mind, and that of the Heart. When the heir apparent was adopted "it is known" was added to the ritual dialogue. The Challenge of the Body traditionally was the heir climbing the famous Alderaanian mountain Appenza Peak, though they could bring along a companion if they wished. Upon fulfilling those challenges, he or she was invested with the Heir's Crown during a coronation ceremony. Many heirs gave up their keepsake chests at the point of investiture, but the ritual didn't demand it.[1]
Residences[]
- "I've studied the palace—even wrote a paper on it once. It's the whole history of Alderaanian architecture in one massive building."
- ―Kier Domadi
The Royal Palace of Alderaan
The monarch's official residence was the Royal Palace of Alderaan, also known as the Mountain Palace,[20] in the planetary capital of Aldera[1] and near a large wood.[21] It was the site of many official ceremonies, festivities, and banquets and was the work of more than a millennium[1] by 3 BBY.[22] The palace embodied the whole history and evolution of Alderaanian architecture,[1] as well as the opulence of royalty,[23] with ancient rooms made of stone in a large labyrinth alongside more modern rooms such as data centers and holochambers. The palace also housed the Rhindon Sword[1] and a landscape painting of Appenza Peak.[24]
At the time of Queen Breha and Viceroy Bail Organa, the royal family also possessed a ranch where they grew emerald grapes used to make high-quality emerald wine, which was greatly liked by Hiram Zataire,[25] and a penthouse suite on Coruscant called Cantham House that was considered relatively modest by either royal or senatorial standards,[1] though the former handmaiden Sabé noted that the Alderaanian plants and pieces of art that incorporated wind or water that were on the roof of Cantham House must have cost a fortune.[8]
Style[]
- "Yes, Your Highnessness?"
- ―Han Solo, mocking Leia Organa's royal title
Despite being a hereditary monarchy, the Alderaanian monarchy was less formal than the elective Naboo monarchy, something that greatly shocked Padmé Amidala when she first visited Alderaan.[24]
As egalitarian as the Alderaanian monarchy was, people were normally expected to follow certain rules when conversing with royals. During her reign, Queen Breha was properly heralded and referred to as "Her Majesty Breha Organa" or "Her Majesty Queen Breha," and addressed as "Your Majesty." Her viceroy and consort Bail Organa was addressed simply as "Viceroy." Their heiress Princess Leia was variously addressed as "Your Highness," "Princess Leia (Organa) of Alderaan," "Princess Leia," or just "Princess." She would introduce herself as "Leia Organa, princess of Alderaan," "Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan," "Leia Organa, princess of the ruling house of Alderaan, heir to the crown," or "Princess Leia of the royal House of Organa, future queen of Alderaan."[1]
Princess Leia's eventual husband, Corellian Han Solo, often mocked Leia's royal title, referring to her as "Your Worship," "Your Highnessness"[26] and "Her Royal Annoyance."[27]
Regalia and emblems[]
- "Ow. That pulls."
"And it's going to keep pulling. Today of all days, you must look your best."
"You say that every day."
"It's true every day. Standards are even higher for special occasions!" - ―Princess Leia Organa and WA-2V, preparing for her Day of Demand
The Crest of Alderaan
An emblem used by the royals was the Crest of Alderaan, an upside-down triangle made of interlacing curves. It was notably featured on one of Viceroy Bail Organa's belts,[5] and Princess Leia had a hair clasp shaped like it.[28]
Alderaan's traditions called for the monarch to wear braids and Alderaan's monarchy tended to dress modestly, especially compared to the fatuous, bright garbs of the monarchs of Naboo. In fact, they favored relatively simple designs with muted colors with a viceroy's apparel of office included a long coat. Queen Breha notably owned a blue-and-bronze slash-sleeved dress that mirrored her planet's oceans and valleys. Her state wardrobe also included a dress of bronze silk, which she wore with her hair piled high atop her head in braids woven through with strings of beads, a green dress with wide skirts, and a deep red silk robe. In informal contexts, she wore simple velvet robes and let her hair down.[1]
Simple white outfits also played a significant role in the monarchy. For example, both the monarch and his or her consort wore them during the investment ceremony of their heir. Also, Princess Leia was fond of simple white gowns that suited most occasions.[1] The princess' simplistic style often caused her to clash with her attendant droid WA-2V who was programmed to ensure that the princess was always presented in grand style for every occasion.[1] During the Royal Award Ceremony, she wore one with long draping sleeves and a low scoop neckline.[11] created by fashion designer Delva Racine.[29]
Leia Organa once noted that had her wedding been on Alderaan, in the cathedral located in Aldera, she would have worn a customary lace dress. There also would have been an hour dedicated to the bell service, three different traditional meals with guests of rank and more. Breha Organa also would have attached the Rhindon Sword to Leia's waist before going to meet her husband (or wife).[30]
The Crown of Alderaan
While there was a Crown of Alderaan it was usually kept in a museum, only taken out on special occasions such as the heir's Day of Demand. The Heir's Crown was decorated with jewels.[1] There were also crown jewels, which Brea and Senni Tonnika once broke into the Royal Palace to steal; their attempt failed, forcing them to hide in a dumpster for two nights.[31]
The thrones of the Alderaanian monarch and their consort were golden and were kept in the throne room of the Royal Palace of Alderaan on a dais.[1]
Appearances[]
Sources[]
- Star Wars Propaganda: A History of Persuasive Art in the Galaxy
- Princess Leia: Royal Rebel
Star Wars Helmet Collection 42 (Databank A-Z: OOM-9–Viceroy Bail Organa)- Forces of Destiny: Tales of Hope & Courage
- Star Wars 100 Objects
- Alderaan in the Databank (backup link)
- Princess Leia Organa in the Databank (backup link) (First identified as Alderaanian monarchy)
