Chapter 225
Chapter 225: Kingdom of East Africa
On May 13, 1870, at Witt Palace, King Constantine of the Kingdom of East Africa performed a simple coronation ceremony. The event was attended by Ferdinand and the navy's commander-in-chief, with only two nobles, East African military and navy officers, and central government officials as witnesses. This marked the official establishment of the Kingdom of East Africa.
The coronation ceremony in East Africa was stripped of the religious and cultural influences found in European monarchies. East Africa, as an African nation, did not follow the European tradition and was declared a secular country from its inception. The absence of clergy at the ceremony emphasized this.
The church's influence was diminishing, particularly in East Africa, where various belief systems coexisted, and atheism was on the rise. The church was losing its appeal as people observed that adherents, non-believers, and atheists were all living well.
The ceremony involved minimal props, including the crown, scepter, and royal robe from the original Hechingen Kingdom. King Constantine crowned himself, and German traditional folk music played in the background. The crown and scepter were adorned with East African jewelry, including sapphires, diamonds, and other distinctive gems.
The flag of the Kingdom of East Africa, designed for the occasion, incorporated elements from the family coat of arms. It featured black, white, and red stripes, and the deer from the family coat of arms was omitted to create a simpler, more imposing design.
Despite the simplicity of the coronation ceremony, East Africa's limited resources prevented a grand celebration. People across the nation were given days off, and local activities were organized spontaneously to celebrate the occasion.
On May 20, the diplomatic mission of the Kingdom of East Africa, now separate from the Hexingen Consortium, embarked on its mission to various countries.
On May 25, the news of the Kingdom of East Africa's establishment began to spread in Europe. The Austro-Hungarian government was the first to recognize the new kingdom's legitimacy, followed by Prussia, Sweden, Romania, and Tsarist Russia. Bavaria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, and other European countries also issued statements recognizing the Kingdom of East Africa.
Alfonso XII, representing Spain, announced Spain's recognition of the Kingdom of East Africa, causing some embarrassment for the current Spanish government.
In France, the news reached Napoleon III, who was initially unaware of these developments. The French diplomatic department provided him with credentials from the Kingdom of East Africa, leading to intrigue and curiosity about this new African nation.
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone felt deceived when he learned of the Kingdom of East Africa. He was initially concerned about developments in Egypt but realized that East Africa had its own agenda. The British Foreign Secretary explained that East Africa's establishment had been long in the making, involving the Hexingen royal family, and that it was not just a colony established by Prussia. It had connections to various European countries and had married into the Habsburg family. The Prime Minister learned that King Constantine had planned this move to escape Prussia's annexation, avenge Prussia, and establish his own dominion.
Despite initial frustration, the news of riots in Ireland diverted the British government's attention. The Prime Minister decided to deal with the Irish Autonomy Movement, leaving the response to the Kingdom of East Africa for later.
On May 25, 1870, European powers successively recognized the Kingdom of East Africa's legitimacy, sparking widespread awareness of this new nation. However, the Vatican remained unhappy with King Constantine's actions and expressed its dissatisfaction, as envoys from the Kingdom of East Africa had not visited Rome.