CYNINGNEY ISLAND GOES "OFF GRID" Cyningney Island is one of several administrative centres within the Kingdom of Hozland. It sits on the lake on the boarder between Hozland and the Charterlands and is home traditionally to the Royal families personal holdings. The island is home to around 200 people and can be visited by tourists with the exception of the area to the North of the railway lines which is still reserved for the royals private holding. The southern parts of the island feature 17th Century homes and a marina that houses a Naval unit responsible for helping patrol the Lake and provide security for the royals. Today it was announced that the island had gone seven days without drawing any power from the national grid. In a statement from the office of King John V it was confirmed that, "Over the past five years we've sought to use a combination of solar on the island, off shore wind and hyrdoelectric from the feeder river for the lake. In addition we have also attempted to install throughout the island measures to cut electricity usage. We have now managed to go a whole week without drawing a single watt from the main grid. This is a great step forward both in terms of setting an example of what can be achieved but also in terms of security. Regardless of what happens elsewhere within the Kingdom we now have an area that without any logistical changes needing to take place the government can operate."
The island will also soon host talks between the CharterLord of Reenberg and King John as the Palace confirmed "The Charterlands are interesting neighbours and Lady Charlotte and King John have yet to formally meet face to face. There are many matters that would benefit us from talking about and the King has issued a formal invitation to Lady Charlotte to visit Cyningney Island to discuss them." No date has been announced for the talks however but the closeness of the two nations geographically means such a meeting can take place quickly.
PRINCE COULD GET NEW TITLE Two months ago Duke Lucas of Kirkby died at the age of 41 with no obvious heir. As his Dukedom had to be inherited by direct family the title will be returned to the crown. While the Dukedom is centred on the market town of Kirkby it contains around 10km to the East of the town the village of Kirkby Hazelwood, famed for being the location of a decisive battle in the 2018 Civil War. During this battle Prince Rupert was on several occasions nominated for bravery awards and honours. With the Dukedom now coming unclaimed many locals have called for the Prince to be given the title. Among those calling for him to take the title is Mayor Elise Rennley who explained why there is support for this. "The Prince helped ensure that the area was safe during the war and built up a strong relationship with the residents of Kirkby Hazelwood, especially those who his unit evacuated during the fierce fighting. Out of all the people who could get the title the Prince would be an excellent choice."
There are however unwritten rules that no-one should hold more than one Dukedom and with the Prince holding the title of Duke of Beaucastle it is thought unlikely he would be granted this title as well.