History: 2008-Today

Paulovia celebrated its 10th anniversary on 31 July, 2008 (since re-establishment of the princedom in July 1998). The Royal Family attended a formal banquet and entertainment within the Embassy and Diplomatic Mission, including a walkabout outside the embassy to meet with exiled and UK resident Paulovian citizens.

The Paulovia Servizio Postale issued a commemorative stamp and official first day covers on 31 July, 2008. Paulovia philatelic issues are available from the official Paulovia Philatelic Bureau Online Stamp Store

  Royal Family Mourns

On November 6, 2008, the Grand Duke Constantine, father to HSH Princess Georgia-Andriana, died after prolonged illness. HSH Princess Georgia-Andriana and Grand Duchess Andriana were in attendance on his passing. The Grand Duke's state funeral took place on 18 November and flags were flown at half-mast. The Embassy was closed for the day.  In Memoriam: The Grand Duke Constantine (1918-2008)

 HRH Prince Paul 50th Birthday

HRH Prince Paul celebrated his 50th birthday in January 2009. An official holiday was declared throughout the Paulovia Islands and HRH Prince Paul and HSH Princess Andriana-Georgia visited several of the islands and met with the crowds celebrating this joyous event. In the evening an official banquet at Flag House Palace saw the great and the good join HRH in great feast featuring the best produce and wines of the islands.

    The Paulovia Philatelic Bureau issued an official postage stamp and First Day Cover to commemorate HRH Prince Paul's Birthday.

 Economic Crises 2009-10

As a result of the world economic crises during the second half of 2009 the Paulovian government suspended its 'open door' policy for Honorary Citizenship and residency on the islands in February 2010. This was in part a response to Internal opposition within the islands against the influx of 'newcomers' and the strain placed upon local and national resources. Protests against the 'open door' policy reached its height in January 2010 and became a threat to the stability of the government and the popularity of the monarchy.

The Ministry of Culture and Citizenship acknowledged that the suspension of its Honorary Citizenship scheme was 'disappointing' but unavoidable given the level of political and resident opposition to the continuation of the scheme in its present form. Additionally, the significant rise in Honorary Citizenships granted in 2009 had not seen a corresponding rise in income to the treasury or donations to the charities and campaigns supported by the Paulovian Crown. Reluctantly, HRH Prince Paul agreed with the recommendation of the Great Panjandrum Council to suspend the Honorary Citizenship scheme from 3rd February 2010.

Policy Changes & Benefits

From 17 February 2010 a new scheme of Honorary Citizenship was introduced by the Ministry of Culture and Citizenship. This scheme included the requirement for all applicants to pay a small adminstration fee and donation to charity with their citizenship application. By August 2010 this had proved a success as immigration and Honorary Citizen applications decreased, but with a corresponding increase in revenue for the Treasury generated from committed applicants for citizenship, enabling the State to make further donations to charity. By the end of August 2010, Paulovia had donated over GBP 300 to charity, including Medicins Sans Frontiers and PLAN International. 

Some criticism of Paulovia was generated on the web for its policy of charging for citizenship and other revenue schemes. Some minor websites even classed the principality as a 'scam' state, totally ignoring the evidence of constructive use of the funds raised for charity. However, the clear benefits accrued by Paulovian economic policy can be clearly assessed from the success of its Charity Campaigns and Loan-Aid programme, supported by Paulovia's worldwide citizenship and work of its Diplomatic Service and Consulates.

  Transfer of Power to the National Assembly

With a deepening world economic crises and growing political pressure within the Islands, HRH Prince Paul promulgated an amended Constitution on 15 October 2010,  and formally accepted the role as a constitutional monarch. Although full parliamentary democracy has yet to established in the Paulovia Islands, the day to day running of the principality was transferred to the Cabinet of the National Government comprised of National Assembly members from the Council of Ministers, and elected representatives from all of the Paulovia Islands.

During 2011 political pressure grew within the Principality and from the EU whcih challenged the future role of the monarchy. Despite significant compromise by HRH Prince Paul and the transfer of considerable executive power to the National Assembly, lobbying groups have grown and doubts have begun to be voiced within the Islands as to the continued legitamacy and future of the monarchy.