Leila, The Queen Mother

**Leila, The Queen Mother** (born **Leila Alvara Preisto**, 13 April 1912 – 4 December 2003) was the wife of King Oleg I and the queen consort of Lashardia until his death in 1987.

Born in Rentusca to an upper-middle class family, she began dating the Crown Prince after her elder sister, Martina, married Prince Diego, the youngest son of King Çiko and Queen Samantina of Rentuscan royalty.

They were married in 1930, and had four children together; Oleg II, Piet, Maria, and Rok. She ascended to the throne as queen consort in 1940, and was admired by the people of Lashardia for her poise, grace, and selflessness. Around the time of Oleg I's death in 1987, her approval ratings were around 93%, making her one of the most beloved Lashardian monarchs of all-time.

On 4 December 2003, it was announced that Leila had passed away in her sleep of natural causes at 91 years old. Her funeral, on 7 December, was attended by hundreds of thousands of mourners in Ubenmoor.

## Life and career

Leila was born on 13 April 1912 in Cavarda, Rentusca as **Leila Alvara Preisto**. Her father, Alvaro Preisto, worked in business, while her mother Catalina (née dan Jasta), was a housewife. The family was upper-middle class. She had one elder sister, Martina, by six years.

Leila attended private schooling in Cavarda, where she excelled academically, with a strong interest in the sciences and women's studies. In school, she was a member of the youth wing of the Rentuscan feminist organization, *FEMINA!*. She graduated from high school in 1928, after skipping two grade levels due to her high intelligence level.

Following her graduation, she began attending Rentuscan International University with a major in women's studies. She transferred to Lashardian International University in 1930, after her marriage, where she graduated with a B.A. in 1932. In 1942, she opened Queen Leila's Sacred Heart Hospital.

## Marriage

In 1925, Leila's elder sister Martina entered a romantic relationship with Prince Diego, the youngest son of King Çiko and Queen Samantina, after meeting in university. Leila was then introduced to and befriended the Rentuscan royal family. Martina and Diego were married in 1928, and at the wedding Leila was introduced to the dapper Prince Oleg I of Lashardia who was a guest. Soon after meeting, they began 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, Piet, in 1935, Maria, in 1939, and Rok, in 1942.

## Royal duties

Since becoming a member of the royal family, Queen Leila had performed royal duties and attended official events. She held no political influence, and her duties largely consisted of accompanying her husband and in-laws at events.

## Death

On 4 December 2003, it was announced that Leila had passed away in her sleep of natural causes at 91 years old. Her funeral, on 7 December, was attended by hundreds of thousands of mourners in Ubenmoor.

## Personal life

Leila, the King, and their children resided in Efterslot Palace located in Hoffmann until her husband's death in 1987. Afterwards, she moved to Kalinder Palace, located in Vitcherch. Leila was raised a Rentuscan Catholic, but converted to Lashardian Orthodox Christianity after her marriage to Oleg I in order to receive her royal titles. She was also awarded Lashardian citizenship following the marriage.

### 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).