I Became The Crown Prince Of The Mexican Empire - Chapter 161
Only Noblemtl
Saturday, January 1, 1848, 7:30 a.m.
The Metropolitan Cathedral, located in Mexico City’s Zocalo Square, shone with unprecedented splendor to mark the coronation of the new emperor of the Mexican Empire.
The morning sunlight illuminated this historic moment, and the cathedral was draped in deep green and red drapes reminiscent of the Mexican Empire’s flag, while colorful flowers and symbols of the Mexican Empire adorned the entrance.
The event started rather early in the morning at 8 am.
Although it was a midwinter date, it wasn’t that cold in Mexico City, where the average temperature is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius all year round.
“I heard that citizens gathered from dawn to take their seats?”
“Yes, I have heard that, Your Majesty. ··· Today will be the last day that I will serve you under this title.”
“Please take care of me in the future as well.”
I nodded and patted Diego on the shoulder.
Mexico City residents and those who came from far and wide for the coronation gathered at the Zocalo square from dawn to take up positions around the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Zocalo Square was filled with people of all races and ages.
“His Highness the Crown Prince becomes His Majesty the Emperor today!?”
“That’s right.”
The children held their parents’ hands and bombarded them with questions, their eyes sparkling.
“I can’t believe I get to witness this moment before I die.”
“It’s a blessing.”
I could also faintly hear the voices of some old people.
Many people were showing their joy and pride by holding Mexican flags and wearing traditional costumes.
Foreign dignitaries also flocked to Mexico City to attend this important event.
The sight of dignitaries from Spain, which once owned Mexico; France and the United States, with whom we were at war; and the British Empire, with which we had recently had a falling out, sitting quietly in the Metropolitan Cathedral waiting for the ceremony seemed to symbolize the international status of the Mexican Empire.
I waited for the ceremony to begin in imperial regalia and toured the ornate interior of the Metropolitan Cathedral.
The interior of the cathedral was splendid with dazzling lights, candles, and flowers decorated with gold and silver, while the marble columns and floors gave an air of piety.
On the central altar was the emperor’s throne, adorned with gold, and upon it sat the father. The surroundings were decorated with golden carpets and golden candles.
Finally, 8 o’clock in the morning arrived, with my father, the royal family, the guards, foreign dignitaries, government officials and members of parliament, high priests and choir members waiting.
The Prime Minister of the Mexican Empire, Sergio Martinez, slowly walked into the center of the cathedral. He broke the silence that filled the cathedral and opened his mouth with a solemn expression.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have graced this occasion, and now I would like to begin the abdication ceremony of His Majesty Emperor Agustin I.”
As the Prime Minister declared the meeting open, the first notes of the military band began to resonate. The first notes of the Mexican national anthem filled the cathedral.
“Everyone, please stand up.”
The Prime Minister said.
Following his words, all the attendees stood up simultaneously and showed their respect for the country.
The military band’s performance grew louder and louder. The sounds from each instrument blended together to create a heroic and hopeful melody.
Sunlight streaming through the cathedral’s windows made the performers’ uniforms sparkle, bathing their silhouettes in golden light.
A little later, after the military band’s opening performance had ended, my father climbed up onto the podium in the cathedral.
“Citizens and distinguished guests who have come to this venue,
Today, on the first day of 1848, I undertake my last duty as Emperor of the Mexican Empire. It is with great honor and a heavy heart that I stand here to share this historic moment with you.
For 26 years since independence, we have built the Mexican Empire together. My decision to abdicate is to create a new opportunity for this country to move towards greater prosperity and stability.
Under my rule, we have faced many challenges and trials, but we have overcome them all together. I believe in the infinite capacity and passion of the Mexican people. You have never betrayed my trust.
I am truly grateful for the accomplishments we have made together. Our time together has brought me great joy and pride. Everything I have achieved is because of your support and love. Your courage, dedication, and unwavering spirit have brought this country to where it is today.
What I would like to ask of you is that, even in these times of change and challenge, you continue to maintain the spirit of unity and mutual support. Our strength comes from our solidarity. When we support each other and move forward together, Mexico can overcome any obstacle.
Today, all the duties and rights of the Emperor pass to the Crown Prince, the heir, but this does not mean the end of my love and devotion to Mexico. Rather, it means a new beginning. I will always remain a son of the Mexican Empire, and I hope that this country will continue to grow and develop.
My trust and expectations for the Crown Prince are very high. He is a wise, just, and capable leader. The best thing I can do as the Emperor is to now open the way for him. I am confident that he will lead this country to a greater future.
I express my deepest gratitude for your affection and support. With all my love and respect, I wish you and our beloved Mexico eternal prosperity.
Now, I bow my head and say my final greetings to you. As the Emperor of the Mexican Empire and as your companion, I thank you all with all my heart.
thank you.”
The father calmly declared his abdication and gave his thanks. It was a speech that resonated deeply with many people.
After my father’s last words, there was a moment of silence, and I was the first to clap my hands.
Clap clap clap clap clap-
Soon, thunderous applause poured down. Some people were moved to tears and clapped their hands enthusiastically.
The applause continued for quite some time.
When his father raised his hand slightly, the applause died down. He looked at the document on the podium.
It was a document formalizing his abdication and transfer. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who had been preparing it in advance, announced the contents of the document.
“According to this document, Agustín Cosme Damian de Iturbide y Aramburu, Emperor of the Mexican Empire, voluntarily abdicates and transfers his throne to the Crown Prince. . . . (omitted). This document will take effect immediately upon its signature and will be preserved in perpetuity in the Imperial Archives.”
As the Chief Justice placed the document back on the podium, my father slowly picked up his pen and signed the document.
Agustín Cosme Damián de Iturbide y Arámburu.
After finishing signing, my father came down from the stage with a confident gait and sat down in the prepared seat.
The Prime Minister said.
“Dear citizens, distinguished guests who have graced this occasion, we have just witnessed the historic abdication of His Majesty Emperor Agustin I.
Now, to mark this momentous occasion, Bishop Garza Ballesteros, as Archbishop Prototypical of Mexico, will offer the prayer of blessing for the abdication of His Majesty Agustin I. In this prayer, we seek to invoke heaven’s blessings on His Majesty’s rule, his sacrifices, and his boundless devotion to the Mexican Empire.”
The vacant seat of the Mexican archbishop was being filled by the Bishop of Sonora, Garza Ballesteros. He went up to the stage and opened his mouth with a reverent expression.
“Almighty God, we stand here today at a historic moment for the Mexican Empire. We are joining you in the decision of our leader, Emperor Agustin I, to abdicate. We respect your noble decision and ask for heaven’s blessings on your future journey.
Lord, it was thanks to your wise leadership and indomitable spirit that the Mexican Empire under your Majesty was able to grow and develop continuously through all the challenges and adversities it had experienced. Now, as you embark on a new path, please guide your Majesty with infinite wisdom and strong protection.
God has always been with you, and has shown you a shining path in all your decisions and actions. May your abdication be the beginning of a new era of prosperity for the Mexican Empire. May your successors and all Mexicans walk the path of peace and prosperity, so that our country may become a stronger and more united nation.
Now, we accept the heavy decision of His Majesty Augustin I in the love of God, and we pray for His Majesty’s health and happiness. We also hope that all of our people will follow His Majesty’s will and create a future filled with love, justice, and peace.
Almighty God, hear our prayer. Amen.”
“amen.”
After his devout prayer, the Metropolitan Cathedral’s proud choir began to sing.
The choir members stood up in unison and began a harmonious and reverent chorus. Their voices echoed along the marble walls, filling the quiet cathedral with sacred music.
The chorus is a song that prays for the future and peace of Mexico, and the touching melody and lyrics combine to create a deep resonance.
And finally, it was my turn.
As a successor and a citizen, it was my turn to express my gratitude to my father. I walked up to the stage, looked at my father, and opened my mouth.
“To His Majesty Agustin I, my beloved father and great Emperor of Mexico, I express my deepest respect and gratitude.
My father has made countless sacrifices and commitments for this country. His efforts to secure the freedom and prosperity of the people will be remembered forever in our hearts.
Today, my father has taken another courageous decision for the future of Mexico. I take this enormous responsibility very seriously and promise to continue my father’s will and do my best for the Mexican Empire.
Under my father’s rule, Mexico has made great progress. He gave us independence and freedom, and I, inspired by his wisdom and courage, will strive to create a Mexico where all the people can live happily and peacefully.
“I would like to thank you again for your efforts, Father.”
My father nodded with a pleased expression at my tribute, and I returned to my seat.
This marked the end of all the morning’s events. I looked at my watch and saw that it was exactly 11:50.
The Prime Minister said.
“This concludes the abdication ceremony. Before the coronation, we will have a short lunch break.”