THE HOLONET NEWS REPORT
DECEMBER YEAR 1052
Good evening, this is Tyria Pak with HNN, bringing you the latest news from all corners of the galaxy. Tonight's big story is one of both love and politics. An engagement between the Queen Mother of the Hapan Consortium and the Royal Prince of Alderaan was recently announced, word being officially released by both royal press teams a few hours ago.
This news comes just weeks after the sudden death of former Queen Mother, and days after the coronation of her granddaughter and heiress, Tenel Ka Chume Ta' Djo. The former Queen Mother was allegedly planning a state visit to the Empire to discuss a formal alliance between the two great powers earlier this year, but that never materialized. This engagement between the royal houses of Hapes and Alderaan would seem to signify that such an agreement will now no longer come to pass.
It appears that instead, Alderaan has gained a powerful supporter as they continue to resist the Empire with impunity. Many were surprised when Alderaan suddenly seceded from the Empire late last year. There have been alleged reports that it was somehow tied to the death of the youngest Alderaan royal- Prince Anakin Solo, however, these reports have not been verified by HNN. The young prince died in battle against the Yuuzhan Vong on Dantooine shortly before the planet fell and Alderaan's official notice of secession. The Royal Princess, Jaina Solo, also disappeared at this time, and her whereabouts remain unknown.
Thus far, the Empire has chosen to ignore Alderaan's defection. They did, however, release a statement last month, explaining that all their military efforts were being focused on protecting the galaxy from the Yuuzhan Vong attack. They went on to condemn the Alderaanian royal family, claiming their actions weakened the overall defense efforts against the foreign invaders and put multiple planets and millions of lives at risk. More than one member of the Moff Council has gone as far as to accuse the Solo monarchs of conspiring with the Yuuzhan Vong. Alderaan has since denied all such allegations and stood by their choice to leave the Empire.
It is rumored that Emperor Jovan plans retribution against the rebel planet once the Yuuzhan Vong have been defeated, but that may no longer be possible. The new alliance will certainly make Alderaan an even more formidable player on the Galactic stage in the days to come.
HNN has not yet been able to reach the Imperial Press Secretary for comment on the new engagement.
The two young royals are wasting no time in tying the knot and will be married in the next few months at an undisclosed location, though we have confirmed it will take place in the Hapes Consortium. The ceremony will be a small private affair with family and friends, to be followed by an official Gala later in the year.
We will continue to update you as more news comes in, and we learn how one marriage will affect the political landscape of the entire galaxy.