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Institutions
The Principality is a hereditary monarchy. The Prince is head of state; he exercises executive power assisted by a first counsellor and a council of ministers.
The Crown
Succession is hereditary within the House of Jansen. Should the sovereign be a minor, a council of regency — instituted by princely will — ensures the continuity of the state. The people may be consulted by referendum, as they were for the emancipation of Eric V.
The official residence stands in the capital. The citadel of Halsenoey remains the military bolt of the roadstead. Saint Olaf’s Cathedral receives the ceremonies of the Crown and the memory of the princes.
Government
The first counsellor directs the ministry in the Prince’s name. A council of ministers handles current affairs: ports, fisheries, finance, worship and foreign relations. Administration remains deliberately light, scaled to a state whose strength lies in cohesion rather than numbers.
Law, honours and languages
Norwegian and French are official languages. Acts of the Crown are drawn up in both. The Badge of the Golden Eagle is the Principality’s highest distinction.
Swedenborg is a Catholic state, a singularity in Scandinavia. Saint Olaf is its patron. Freedom of conscience is guaranteed to the inhabitants — the Swedenborgians — in keeping with this national tradition.