Have You Ever Felt Like An Exiled King?

I recently had a friend say to me, "I feel like an exiled king." 

The notion intrigued me on a couple of levels. First, I wondered what exiled kings actually feel like. After his 1815 defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to an island in the South Atlantic till he died in 1821. What did he think about and feel those last six years of his life? King Charles II fled England after his father King Charles I was executed during the English Civil War. He found refuge in several European countries till he was restored to the throne in 1660. Events during WWII resulted in a number of monarchs seeking refuge elsewhere for a period of time including Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, both of whom found refuge in England. When the Shah of Iran was deposed by Ayatollah Khomeini, he found asylum in Mexico. 

(EdNote: While living in Mexico in 1981 we briefly stayed with friends at an orphanage in Cuernavaca. While walking one day, the gated home of the exiled Shah was pointed out to me. The Shah's residence was next door to a gated home owned by former president Nixon.)

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I asked Google Bard, "What are some reasons why a person might feel like an exiled King?"

Google Bard: There are many reasons why a person might feel like an exiled king. Here are a few examples:

• They may have been forced to leave their home country due to political or religious persecution. This can be a very traumatic experience, and it can leave people feeling lost and alone.
• They may have been stripped of their power or authority. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a coup d'état, a revolution, or a bankruptcy. When someone loses their power, they can also lose their sense of identity and purpose.
• They may feel like they are no longer in control of their own life. This can happen when someone is in a difficult or abusive relationship, or when they are struggling with addiction or mental illness. When someone feels like they are not in control, they can feel like they are living in exile from their own life.
• They may feel like they are not accepted or valued by others. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. When someone feels like they are not accepted, they can feel like they are an outsider, or even an exile.

If you are feeling like an exiled king, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many people who have experienced similar feelings, and there are resources available to help you cope. You can talk to a therapist, join a support group, or read books or articles about exile and loss. It is also important to find ways to connect with others who share your experiences. This can help you feel less alone and more supported.

When I asked ChatGPT "What is it like to be an exiled king?" this is the reply I received.

ChatGPT: Being an exiled king is a complex and challenging experience, filled with a mix of emotions, uncertainties, and unique circumstances. While the specific details can vary depending on the individual and the context of their exile, here are some common aspects that exiled kings may encounter:

1. Loss of Power and Status: Exiled kings are stripped of their ruling authority and the privileges that come with their position. They lose the ability to govern their kingdom and make decisions that directly impact their subjects. This loss of power can be deeply disorienting and emotionally challenging.
2. Separation from Homeland and Loved Ones: Exiled kings are forced to leave their homeland, often leaving behind their families, friends, and familiar surroundings. They experience a profound sense of displacement and may feel isolated and detached from their roots. Being physically separated from loved ones can create a deep longing and a sense of loss.
3. Political and Personal Perils: Depending on the circumstances of their exile, exiled kings may face political and personal dangers. They may be at odds with rival factions or governments, making them vulnerable to threats, conspiracies, and assassination attempts. Their safety and security become constant concerns, often requiring them to rely on the protection of foreign hosts or allies.
4. Quest for Restoration: Exiled kings often harbor a burning desire to regain their throne and restore their kingdom. Their exile becomes a period of strategizing, networking, and seeking support to mount a successful return. This pursuit can consume their thoughts and actions as they navigate diplomatic channels, form alliances, and mobilize resources to achieve their goal.
5. Emotional Turmoil: Exiled kings experience a wide range of emotions, including frustration, anger, grief, and a sense of injustice. They may feel betrayed by those who were once loyal, resentful towards those responsible for their exile, or overwhelmed by the weight of their responsibilities and uncertain future. It can be a lonely and emotionally draining journey.
6. Adaptation and Reinvention: Exiled kings often find themselves in foreign lands, adapting to different cultures, customs, and languages. They may need to reinvent themselves, seeking new roles or identities within their host countries. This process of adjustment can be challenging, requiring flexibility, resilience, and the ability to navigate unfamiliar territories.
7. Legacy and Historical Perception: The actions and behavior of exiled kings can shape their legacy and historical perception. Some exiled monarchs are remembered as martyrs, heroes, or symbols of resilience and resistance. Others may be seen as failures or ineffectual rulers. The way their exile is perceived by future generations contributes to the overall narrative of their reign.

In conclusion, being an exiled king is a complex and multifaceted experience, marked by the loss of power and status, separation from homeland and loved ones, political and personal dangers, emotional turmoil, the quest for restoration, adaptation, and the shaping of their historical legacy. It is a life that demands resilience, resourcefulness, and a relentless pursuit of regaining lost power and position.

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Have you ever felt like an exiled king?