Death and state funeral of Rurūshu

On 13 February 1995, Rurūshu, Emperor of Afrelon, died at the age of 48 at Barumoraru Palace in Wachite. The National Council was informed of the Emperor's death at 14:30 EAT and the official public announcement was made at 16:30 EAT.

His death set in motion Operation Fort Isukoresu, a collection of plans including arrangements for his funeral, and Operation Rhinoceros, which set protocols for the Emperor's death in Wachite. Afrelon is observing a national mourning period of 10 days. The state funeral service for Rurūshu is due to be held at Nishidaijin Cathedral on 24 February 1995, at 09:00.

Rurūshu's death was met by reactions from leaders and organisations around the world. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Chado.

## Reactions

### Imperial family

Emperor Chado paid tribute to his father in a speech the following morning:

> To my darling Papa, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Mama, I want simply to say this: thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of Afrelon you have served so diligently all these years. May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.
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The new Emperor, along with Princess Sāsha and Princess Hisutoria, paid tribute to their father in the ABS-1 special programme *A Tribute to His Excellency The Emperor*. On 15 February, Prince Niko issued a statement, paying tribute to his grandfather whom he described as an "extraordinary sovereign". On 17 February, Prince Maruko issued a statement, describing his grandfather as a "guiding compass" in duty and service.

### Other responses

Various political leaders and heads of state and government, as well as members of royalty, sent messages of condolence. Hundreds of people had gathered outside the gates of Imperial Palace in Isukoresu at the time of the announcement. Many others used social media to post condolences and tributes both to the Emperor and to the Imperial family. Floral tributes were later left outside Imperial Palace, Vuiburitia Palace, Sandoringamu Homestead, Barumoraru Palace, the Palace of Seizaie, Okajichiku Palace, and Takaikodachi Homestead. Numerous books of condolences were set up at libraries and council offices across Afrelon. In addition to flowers, mourners left memorabilia, balloons and reokame sandwiches at various sites.

The Zoren Orb dimmed its lights on the evening of his death. Flags at Palais-Bourbon in Paris and the Palace of Westminster and Buckingham Palace in London were flown at half-mast in his honour. The Elizabeth Tower illuminated in purple and gold, the Eiffel Tower in Paris went dark at midnight, and the Statue of Liberty had an image of the Emperor projected onto it. Billboards at Times Square, the Seattle Tower and Shibuya showed tributes to the Emperor, as well as advertising screens on the side of bus stops across Afrelon. Many other landmarks across the world paid tributes to the death of Rurūshu.

Churches across Afrelon held memorial services. A Requiem Mass was held at St Michael's Cathedral on 10 September. Nekkyō Cathedral extended its opening times so the public could pay their tributes. Members of the Islamic community also held prayers.

Numerous sporting events were postponed or suspended from 13 February until at least 16 February, including all football fixtures, and the second day of Afrelon's third baseball match against Japan. Some events have continued, but with a moment of silence observed before play, and all players wearing black armbands. Several rugby fixtures were postponed, with the exception of mini, junior and under-18 rugby matches, which were preceded by a period of two minutes' silence.