Page 30 of Modern Romance September 2025 5-8

EPILOGUE

The sun shone down on this morning’s coronation, fifty years to the day since the last. But what a difference five decades make.

Then, only King Ivo and the dowager Queen Elenor appeared on the palace balcony.

This afternoon, he and Queen Sofia were joined by their five children, four sons- and daughters-in-law and twelve grandchildren to celebrate the accession to the throne of the former Crown Princess, Marina.

The King’s decision to abdicate was one we feel it’s safe to say that no Montemaran truly wanted.

His has been a reign of unrivalled peace, prosperity and longevity.

It’s seen the smooth transition from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy and tirelessly supported thirty years of flourishing democracy. Its success will be hard to beat.

But the new Queen Marina has learned from the best. The crown is in very capable hands. And how can anyone begrudge our beloved octogenarians the desire to enjoy their twilight years together at Rafifi Castle? They’ve devoted their lives to the country. Now they have time to devote to themselves.

Apparently, the King is most looking forward to a daily swim.

When the Queen Mother revealed she’d join him if the river wasn’t so cold he said he knew exactly how to warm her up and mentioned a certain weeping willow beneath which to do it—a rare insight into their private lives that raised more than one blush in these offices!

It’s clear that they’re as mad about each other today as they were on their first Royal Tour all those years ago.

They might be older but they still make a beautiful couple.

They still look at each other as though there’s no one else in the world and melt our hearts with every single smile.

All of us here at Ciao! wish them well and a long and happy retirement.