King Oleg I

**King Oleg I** (Lashardian: *Żklackam Olegönilasda*; full name: Oleg Piet; 20 August 1910 – 19 November 1987) was the King of Lashardia from 1940 until his death in 1987. Oleg was the eldest child of the first king of independent Lashardia, King Piet, and his wife Queen Maria. When his father died on 1 June 1940, Oleg I succeeded him as King.

In 1930, Oleg I married Leila Priesto, a Rentuscan woman, with whom he had four children: Prince Piet, Princess Maria, and Prince Rok.

Oleg I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 1986. He began chemotherapy treatment shortly thereafter, but it was later discovered that the cancer had spread to other parts of the body. By January 1987, he became noticeably ill and his diagnosis was made public. He had plans to abdicate the throne to his son before the end of the year, but died on 19 November 1987 before he could.

## Early life

Oleg I was born on 20 August 1910 in the King's Royal Hospital in the Hoffmann district of Ubenmoor, Lashardia as the first child of King Piet and Queen Maria. His father was the first king of independent Lashardia, and considered one of the nation's founding fathers.

Three years later, his younger brother, Prince Karl, was born. Karl went on to marry Duchess Ursula, and they had two children together.

## Education

Oleg I along with his brother were educated by private tutors in their residence throughout their youth. As a child, Oleg I was said to have enjoyed foreign language, international relations, business, and law. He was awarded his high school diploma in 1928. Oleg I later began attending Queen's University with a major in international relations, graduating in 1932.

Oleg I could speak fluent Lashardian, Rentuscan, Pesan, English, and Adoriamian.

## Marriage

In 1928, Oleg I attended the wedding of Prince Diego and Princess Martina, in Rentusca. While at the wedding, he was introduced to Leila Preisto, the younger sister of Princess Martina. The two of them became smitten with each other, and instantly hit it off, soon entering a romantic relationship.

In 1930, they became engaged, and were married later in the year. The wedding consisted of two parts; a private ceremony in Cavarda for Leila's friends and family, and an extravagant royal wedding in Ubenmoor. Leila and Oleg I had four children together; Oleg II, in 1931, Prince Piet, in 1935, Princess Maria, in 1939, and Prince Rok, in 1942.

## Reign

### Succession

King Piet fell ill in May 1940, and was soon admitted to a hospital. Soon after his admittance, he contracted pneumonia and died of the illness on 1 June 1940, aged 77. On the date of his death, Oleg I succeeded to the throne.

### Constitutional role

The King's main tasks were to represent the Kingdom abroad and to be a unifying figurehead at home. He received foreign ambassadors and awards honors and medals. The King performed the latter task by accepting invitations to open exhibitions, attending anniversaries, inaugurating bridges, etc.

As an unelected public official, the King took no part in party politics and did not express any political opinions. Although he had the right to vote, he opted not to do so to avoid even the appearance of partisanship.

Once the government had been formed, it was formally appointed by the King. Officially, it is the King who is the head of government, and he therefore presides over the Council of State (privy council), where the acts of legislation which have been passed by the parliament are signed into law. In practice, however, nearly all of the King's formal powers are exercised by the Cabinet of Lashardia.

## Death

Oleg I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 1986. He began chemotherapy treatment shortly thereafter, but it was later discovered that the cancer had spread to other parts of the body. By January 1987, he became noticeably ill and his diagnosis was made public. He had plans to abdicate the throne to his son before the end of the year, but died on 19 November 1987 before he could.

Oleg I's funeral service was held on 4 June in Saint Rikard's Lashardian Orthodox Church located inside of the Royal Palace. It was attended by the royal family and friends of the royal family. The public and media formed massive crowds outside of the palace where a memorial was created in Oleg I's honor.

## Personal life

The official residence of the King and the Queen Consort was Efterslot Palace located in Hoffmann, while their summer residence was Morningburg Palace in Vershando.

### Family

The King and Queen Consort had three sons and one daughter.

* *His Royal Highness* King **Oleg II** Karl Piet Pal (born 17 April 1931).
* *His Royal Highness* Prince **Piet** Aleksander Denis Kraag (born 17 June 1935).
* *Her Royal Highness* Princess **Maria** Catalina Leonora Anastasia (born 1 March 1939).
* *His Royal Highness* Prince **Rok** Jak Zakarias Oskar (born 27 December 1942).