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Zacarias, Duke of Mountbatten (Zacarias Felipe Maekar; 6 July 2946 - 17 April 3024), commonly referred to as The Lord Maekar, was a senior Balancín nobleman and political figure who served as Lord Keeper of the King's Seal in 3024. He was the head of the House of Maekar and Duke of Mountbatten, having serving in both capacities since the death of his father in 2969 until his death. Maekar was the paternal grandfather of Queen Mary and was one of the loudest proponents of her rule. During the War of the Balancín Succession, Maekar financed the initial military support for the Queen's claim, before being propped up by the Lancastrian Royal Army. Maekar was initially touted as a potential regent for his granddaughter. However, Maekar himself opted for Prince Antony to serve in the official capacity as Prince Regent, given his royal credentials.
Maekar was widely considered to be the most powerful nobleman in the Kingdom, with the Duchy of Mountbatten having control around 40% of Balancía's land area and 80% of its agricultural farmland prior to the establishment of the Balancín Kingdoms. The Dreadford, which is the seat of the Duchy, was a major military installation during the War of the Balancín Succession.
Becoming Lord Keeper of the King's Seal in early 3024, Maekar prompted the creation of the Rook political party. He resigned his position shortly after in order to take over command of Balancín forces during the invasion of Wiltshire. He was killed during an attack on his convoy by Erimo republicans, being succeeded as Duke of Mountbatten by his eldest granddaughter, Princess Elisa Correia (who became Duchess). He was buried at the Dreadfort, being applauded as one of the longest serving Balancín nobleman in history.
Duke of Mountbatten (2969-present)
Zacarias was born as the second son of Tristan, Duke of Mountbatten. During his father's reign over the Duchy (2931-2969), the Duchy became so influential as to rival the Royal House itself. Tristan, however, felt steadfast in his duty to the crown. In this capacity, he served as Lord Privy Seal to Queen Isabel and later as Lord President of the Council to King Philip III. When his elder brother, George, died in 2960, Zacarias was elevated to the heir to the Duchy and, upon his father's death in 2969, became Duke himself. Zacarias did not automatically inherit his father's title of Lord President of the King's Council, with that position becoming taken by Prince Charles (later King Charles VI). However, his station was immense among the Balancin nobility and he often held audiences with the King and Duke of Talaga himself.
His early rule of the Duchy was clouded by his marriage. Upon his ascension as Duke, Zacarias was still unmarried and his ascension made his eventual marriage even more important. A number of noble houses contended for Zacarias's hand, with even the King attempting to fix a match between Alfonso and his newborn granddaughter, Matilda. However, opposition in Court, especially from the Duke of Talaga (Matilda's father), made the match unlikely.
Zacarias had ruled over the Duchy continuously for 54 years, making him one of the longest serving Duchy-head in Balancin history. While his position was significantly diminished during the republican years, the restoration saw his status grow higher than ever before.