The KAP endeavored to interview each of the candidates for the English Monarch elections, each of the candidates has replied so far, and their answers will be published in separate articles.

The same questions were asked to all candidates who we had access to. All candidates were approached at the same time. They chose which questions to answer. Interviews will be published in order of when the candidates responded. Answers will be published as written by the candidates provided they do not violate the guidelines of the KAP Charter.

I now bring you an interview with Candidate for the throne, Lady Vivienne Phoenix de Grey.



Q: Tell us about your family history?
A: I am descended from two old families of England.. de Phoenix and de Grey. I believe I am the last de Phoenix as the rest, to my knowledge, have gone to Jah.
My mother and father spent some years in Italy, Naples to be precise, where I was born. I was raised in Venice under the care of the Doge and was a courtesan in my younger years. I came to England, and since made a home here... slowly getting to know my fellow de Grey relatives.

Q: Do you have a specific claim to the throne?
A: Does anyone? *laughs* No, I do not hold some claim to the throne by right or destiny.

Q: Is there a previous monarch that you identify with in particular?
A: Monarch? No... However, there are two regencies from which I draw many lessons.. One being the Regency of Prince Lorudce Lancaster and the other, my kinswoman, Saint Gabrielle. Both had different styles of leadership, which both had strengths and weaknesses.. but the one thing in common, the ability to exercise empathy.

Q: Do you intend to tour everywhere? Or how else will you decide how to split your time in England?
A: It is intended to visit each county, most assuredly. It is also important for the monarch to be accessible and visible to the public. Should I win, I will hide away. I will strive to be as accessible as I am now. Though I am sure the Royal Guard will not be thrilled.

Q: What is your approach to conflict and can you give an example of conflict resolution?
A: Head on! Meet it, understand it, use reason and offer compromise. Never talk or punch down.. equity is attained between those who take an equal footing first.
As per conflict... Parly is known for it. *smiles* Sometimes good natured jabs to make a point and sometimes more vicious defamations of character. I worked to get a set of rules in Parly for visiting speakers and members to adhere to. It has helped some.. and I am proud of that small step made to alleviate conflict.

Q: What kind of leadership experience do you have?
A: Besides being a leading voice in Parly and active in my county council, none.

Q: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment in life?
A: I don't think I have had a greatest accomplishment... I have accomplished things, of course.. but none of them I consider greater than the other. Each accomplishment has been a piece of a greater whole. The whole being the entirety of my life.. and that greatest accomplishment I would like to be is ensuring equity for all citizens and creating an atmosphere of empathy.

Q: What specific virtues do you hope people know you for and why?
A: Here we say the word empathy again.. I bet you are tired of that word. *laughs* Seriously though, the ability to listen and understand another, even if an oppositional point of view and be willing to work with it, coming to a solution that is fair for all concerned.

Q: Tell us what type of person do you see supporting you?
A: One would hope all types, of course that is fantasy. I do hope to gain support from those who appreciate honesty, are logically minded and able to make their own parade rather than hopping on bandwagons.

Q: Tell us what type of person you are looking for in your privy and royal administration in general?
A: Easy, people who are able to communicate directly and honestly on issues without denigrating another to make a point. I will seek people willing to speak their mind publicly and respectfully...

Q: Who is someone important to you who is alive today and what kind of role do you A: expect them to take if you were to become monarch?
The people who are important to me are people who I am not necessarily friends with but who make me think, reconsider, re-evaluate.. There is a list of people who do this.. One is His Grace Count Eddward of Mercia, another is Chief Justice Jesijajo and the last I shall mention of a greater list... the Viscountess of Sturminster Newton, Lady Hulda.
Should they wish to be part of my Privy or Household... I would expect them to do the same thing.. challenge my beliefs, my stances and make me reconsider my views.

Q: Tell us something you do to make yourself feel better when stressed, sad or otherwise upset?
A: I am a sculptor.. Retreating to my workshop to create... working on the improvement of bone china and glazing pigments, clears my mind and relaxes me.

Q: Comment on international politics?
A: A very complex subject that I leave to the capable hands of the Royal Embassy to advise the Crown and other national institutions on.

Q: How do you feel about mushrooms?
A: Love them!! Whether it is in stews or roasts.. lightly battered and fried... delicious. Marinated in burgundy then sautéed with shallots, a little tamarind and served with a juicy steak, the best!

Q: What is one specific project that you as monarch intend to personally focus on?
A: A simple answer.... Getting the counties to see commonalities than differences and furthering a level of trust between them.

Q: What is your least favorite thing in the world? What is your most favorite thing?
A: My least favourite thing? Duplicity, two-facedness. My favourite thing? Seeing people happy.

Q: Where can people find your platform?
A: Of course in the Commons of London.. and in Mercia. Sadly due to otherworldly constraints opening auxiliary platforms in Sussex, Devon or Westmorland will not be possible. A matter I wish would be reviewed but it is what is and once the cow has been milked there is no squirting the cream back up the udders.. So here we are to see it through as best we can.

Q: What is the best way for the general public to get answers if they have more questions?
A: Write me... approach me in the street... come by my home in Lichfield or to Compton Wynyates. If you come with good intention for sensible conversation, I am more than willing to entertain or answer letters.
Thank you again for this opportunity to speak to the people. The role the KAP plays in England is a vital service and often under appreciated... So Thank You..

Written and Published by Mortyn Editor in Chief for the English KAP.
Resources such as the right to respond and rules of the KAP cane be found
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