June 14th, 2025

Update to the ongoing coup attempt in Austenasia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Good Afternoon -

The internal politics of a micronation can be complex and deeply personal. These internal politics can cause even the largest, most stable micronations to occasionally falter. 

That is what happened in Austenasia. 

On June 14th, the former Prime Minister of The Empire of Austenasia, Andrew Musgrave, released a statement. 
The statement effectively said that the coup was a ruse, planned by himself, the former emperor Jonathan I, and the current Prime Minister, John Gordon. 
This ruse was designed to breathe new life in to the micronation, as well as potentially pressure HIM Aggelos in to abdicating his position as emperor. [1]

The potential of such a ruse, and the return of Mr.Musgrave to the Empire, was addressed in the Austenasia recognition act, with this exemption in Article 3 Section 3:

"...except as a leader or representative of the Empire of Austenasia, if legally and dutifully selected via the laws and customs of The Empire of Austenasia."

This ruse, however, did not go as planned. It appears that Mr.Musgrave himself was the source of this ruse, and the others involved were roped in or coerced in to joining. 
The scope of the ruse quickly grew, and it appears to have gotten wildly out of hand. 

At the end of his statement, Mr.Musgrave announces that his coup is no longer a ruse, and that he is now serious about the Commonwealth of Austenasia. 
The coup attempt is now officially real.

Severe consequences have already been rendered thanks to this ruse. New South Scotland, outraged at this series of events, declared independence from Austenasia. [2] 
Prahova has declared its allegiance to the Commonwealth. [3] Additional intermicronational consequences are likely in the pipeline as this attempted coup progresses
and additional micronations take sides. A dangerous situation is beginning to unfold, with much potential to cause great harm. 

And so, regardless of any ruse, our initial position still stands - we condemn, in the strongest terms, Mr.Musgrave for his attempted coup. 
The City State of Corte Astera stands with The Empire of Austenasia, and we sincerely hope that those involved with this ruse have learned a valuable lesson in artificially 
inserting drama in to what was otherwise a relatively stable project. Drama is never necessary - there are better ways to accomplish revitalization.

Mr.Musgraves extreme impulsivity is antithetical to the stability and prosperity Austenasia is known for. 
We call upon The Empire of Austenasia to uphold the law to the fullest extent in order to ensure justice is served.

- Executive Director Alexander Grady

[1] https://austenasia.news/2025/06/the-truth-behind-the-commonwealth-a-timeline-of-twists-and-turns/
[2] https://newsouthscotland.weebly.com/quadrangle-gazette/republic-of-new-south-scotland-proclaimed
[3] https://austenasia.news/2025/06/baron-of-prahova-affirms-allegiance-to-the-commonwealth-of-austenasia/