Σάββατο 27 Απριλίου 2019

Valéry Giscard d'Estaing Or Elizabeth II? WORLD's New OLDEST LIVING MONARCH

Following the death (last Tuesday) of Luxembourg's former Grand Duke Jean (born in 1921), the two oldest surviving state leaders who bear (or once bore) a Sovereign monarch's title were born in 1926.

Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, former (President of France &) Co-Prince of Andorra and Elizabeth II, Queen of The United Kingdom & other Commonwealth Realms, Head of the Commonwealth; are those individuals.
Elizabeth II (centre in bright-yellow) chatting with Giscard d'Estaing
(next to her from left) during a meeting between Global Leaders

President Giscard d'Estaing (b. 2/02/1926) is two months & 19 days older than Queen Elizabeth II (b. 21/04/1926). But, who should be recognised as the world's oldest living monarch?


At first, somebody would argue: of course Elizabeth II! Why? First, because she is Queen; second because she is the most popular Queen; and (even) third, because she is the sovereign of a very prestigeous monarchy, current monarch of 16 states across the world (the only monarch, head of more than one sovereign states in the world). Additionally, Elizabeth head of a unique structure, called The Commonwealth of nations, consisting of 53 independent countries (former British collonies), living in prosperous diversity.

Some would even say: what has to do a President, among monarchs? And their curiosity would be very normal, such as currently, Presidential titles in democracies are (de jure) separated from the monarchical. However, there are some exceptions!

France is such one! Inspite the fact it's monarchy was abolished almost 150 years ago, its heads of state have retained their monarchical title of Co-Princes of Andorra, borne by French Kings from 1589.

Andorra is a tiny country in the Pyrenees, (currently) sandwitched by Spain & France. In 1278 it adopted a diarchical system of leadership, following a 'billateral agreement' between the Catholic Bishop of Urgell (in today's Spain) & Count of Foix (in today's France), so they could share their property without hostilities.
Principality of Andorra in the European map

Ever since then, based on this agreement, Andorra remained a united territory, (almost always independent &) ruled by two Co-Princes. And though the Bishop of Urgell remains today the figurehead of a Spanish diocese; the Counts of Floix hereditary became kings of Navarre; and 
later turned into Kings of France(; and later on this title passed to each French Head of State).

Andorra's current Co-Princes: Archbishop Joan Enric Vives
Sicilia
 & President Emmanuel Macron

In 1993, its Constitution was signed by then Co-Princes, Bishop Joan Martí Alanis & President François Mitterand, clarifying the continuance of the only dual monarchy in the world.

Both Co-Princes of Andorra are represented & have no other role in the Principality, but of a figurehead. French Presidents usually visit Andorra once in their reign, or meet their counterpart somewhere else. They are never referred co-Princes & just are titled as such during their tenure.
'Coat of Arms of the high authorities of Andorra'

However, as monarchs customarily retain their titles per-live (even if they are not anymore recognised in their country), all of the former French Presidents could be safely listed among living former monarchs, such as they had once been (de facto) Sovereigns.
Jean, Grand Duke of Luxembourg (5/01/1921 - 23/04/2019)

In this capacity, former President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing (currently the longest-living French President), at the age of 93 years, 2 months & 25 days (as of Saturday, 27 April 2019) IS Grand Duke Jean's Successor as the world's oldest monarch alive.
Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II (the oldest-reigning monarch since 2015 & longest-serving current Head of State since 2016), who turned 93 on April 21, can be now accorded as the 'Oldest Living Sovereign with a Current (formally recognised) Monarchical title'.
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This is an ocassional post, without any references & official news, discussing it, except some facts. You can find more relative information in the Wikipedia links, included bellow:

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