The Constitution and its Additional Law of 2016, which defines the order of succession of the Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia, constitute the legal and institutional foundations of a historic and symbolic project initiated on November 17, 1860, by Orélie-Antoine de Tounens, founder of a constitutional monarchy in South America. This constitution of the Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia aimed to protect dignity, justice, and fundamental rights, particularly those of the indigenous communities of Araucanía and Patagonia. It establishes essential principles such as the separation of powers, respect for individual freedoms, and the construction of a just and sovereign nation, values that continue to guide the Kingdom to this day.
This page explains how this historic constitutional framework is interpreted today and defines, in particular, the legitimate order of succession to the throne of the Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia, in accordance with the Additional Law to the Constitution of 2016, including the procedures provided for in the event of abdication or a vacancy of the Crown. These provisions recall the fundamental rules of the elective monarchy of the Kingdom and clarify the nullity of any claim lacking a legal basis, thereby ensuring legitimacy, institutional stability, and respect for the historical principles of the Kingdom.

The Constitution of the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia, drafted on 17 November 1860 by Orélie-Antoine de Tounens, marks the birth of a bold political project in South America. Created as a constitutional monarchy, it lays the foundations for an independent state that respects fundamental rights and the Mapuche people.

This text embodies a progressive vision for its time: separation of powers, recognition of individual freedoms, and a desire to build a nation based on justice and dignity. More than a legal document, it is a reflection of an ideal carried by a man convinced that utopia could become a reality

Establishment of the order of succession and reminder of constitutional rules

The Council of the Kingdom, the constitutional body responsible for guarding the fundamental pact, interpreting royal norms and protecting public liberties, publishes these legal clarifications, which have the value of authentic interpretation, in order to establish the order of succession and to clarify any claim without a legal basis.

I. The constitutional framework of the monarchy

The Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia, founded on 17 November 1860, was a constitutional monarchy.

Although the original text provided for a hereditary order, Founder Orélie-Antoine I established the tradition of designation in 1876, in accordance with his final testament (Preamble to the Additional Act of 18 August 2016).

The 2016 Additional Act institutionalized this development by officially defining the Kingdom as an elective monarchy (Article 1).

The Head of the Royal Household is elected by the members of the Council of the Kingdom and the Council of State meeting in parliament (Article 1 (2)).

II. The Sovereign Abdication of 16 February 2025

The current legitimacy is based on a major legal event: the free and voluntary abdication of Prince Frédéric Ier on 16 February 2025.

In accordance with Article 5 of the Additional Act:

This abdication led to an immediate vacancy of the throne.

opening a period of Regency by right,

- exercised by the Regency Council (Articles 5, 6 and 7).

The Regency Council is responsible for ensuring the continuity of the State, preserving the rights of the Crown and electing the successor (Article 7).

III. The election and inauguration of the ninth Sovereign

Prince Antoine V was elected Head of the Royal House in strict accordance with the First Article of the 2016 Additional Act, which provides:

an elective monarchy (Article 1),

- a choice based on the qualities and abilities of the successor (Article 3),

- a designation by the assembled Councils (Article 1).

The legitimacy of Prince Antoine V was completed by the performance of his solemn oath, which took place on 12 May 2025, before the Regency Council, in accordance with Article 4.

Under this oath:

He immediately became the holder of all the rights inherent in the Sovereign of Araucania-Patagonia (Article 4 (5)),

He is the only one empowered to sanction and promulgate norms, to appoint to posts, to exercise royal authority and to direct orders of chivalry.

IV. Official notification of nullity of third-party claims

Under Article 9 of the 2016 Additional Act, the Council of the Kingdom is responsible for ensuring the implementation of this text and is responsible for its guarantor.

He recalled that:

No one can claim royal succession unless he has been elected by the Councils (Article 1) and has taken the required oath (Article 4).

Any claim based on a designation prior to 16 February 2025 is automatically void, as abdication has created a vacancy (Article 5) and required a new election (Article 7).

Acts performed by unrecognised third parties constitute a usurpation of functions and titles, as no authority can be exercised without election or oath (Article 4 (6).

V. Authority of this text

These clarifications constitute an official interpretation of the Additional Act of 18 August 2016 and are binding on any person or entity invoking an inheritance or institutional right within the Kingdom.

Legitimate Succession and Constitutional Legitimacy of Prince Antoine V of Araucanía and Patagonia 

Prince Antoine V of Araucanía and Patagonia is the legitimate sovereign of the Kingdom, in accordance with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia and the Additional Law of 2016. The constitutional order of succession led to his regular and fully legitimate election, respecting the principles of the constitutional elective monarchy. His accession to the throne, confirmed by the constitutional oath, is strictly within the legal and institutional framework of the Kingdom, ensuring the constitutional legitimacy of the sovereign, institutional stability, and the continuity of the State.
This legitimate succession guarantees the continuity of the historic project founded in 1860 by Orélie-Antoine de Tounens and reaffirms the commitment of the Kingdom of Araucanía and Patagonia to fundamental rights, justice, and dignity, particularly for the indigenous peoples of Araucanía and Patagonia, in accordance with the Kingdom’s constitutional principles. The succession of Prince Antoine V thus demonstrates the endurance of the constitutional elective monarchy and the stability of the Kingdom against any claims lacking legal basis.