Duke Merlin von Windenburg turns 80

(Year 232, Spring) The Duke von Windenburg celebrated his 80th birthday last weekend! A grand banquet was hosted at Estate von Windenburg and topping the guest list were HRM King Tarriot and HRH Queen Venezia!

Left to right: HRH Queen Venezia, HRM King Tarriot, His Grace Duke Merlin von Windenburg, and Duchess Mandy. 

After the serving, which included local seafood and more, there was plenty of dancing and fun. The reports say nothing about what parts of the celebration the royals took part in.

Duke Merlin von Windenburg is surely among the more remarkable lords of the kingdom. Besides holding the northern dukedom, he has been married three times, had seven children, survived a murder attempt and he spent several decades of his life in the Selvadoradian jungle totally unaware of his highly noble heritage.

He is a knight of the Highest Royal Order, which comes with a seat at the Royal Chamber, and of course of the High Order of Baltazar, too. He is also a knight of numerous district orders.

There were plenty of critical voices when he chose to marry a woman outside of nobility, Mandy Rosewood (46), but Duchess Mandy has later proven to fill her position in a satisfying way and is still building popularity with the locals. The couple met in Selvadorada, Sea kingdom.

There is a major catch to this House, and that is the duke's high age. His first two marriages only left him with one grown up daughter, Duchess Luna de Cavalier. The only sons (twins) were born only four yeas ago. Getting an heir this late in life is not a good way to secure the future of the House. The oldest son will not be allowed to lead the dukedom until he reaches age 20. The question is whether Duke Merlin will be around for 16 more years? Arrangements might be made for Duchess Mandy to control the dukedom in her son's name, meaning she - a woman from nowhere - might actually be on top of everything!

Well, for now, the duke is with good health. The party lasted into the late hours, and he was observed dancing several times.

Later this year his twin daughters Lady Brinilda and Lady Onette will start school. Let's hope for a fresh family photo including the children by then!