John II (Jon Alba; born 4 May 2962) is king of the Balancín Kingdoms since 6 September 3025.
Natively Lancastrian, John Alba was the second son of Hesletine Alba, a minor baron in the court of the Lancastrian King William II. The House of Alba was an historically powerful one, with roots dating back to the holdings in North America. Following his father's death, and the restoration of the Balancín monarchy in 3021, John split his house in half, breaking with his older brother to relocate to the Balancín Kingdoms. His cadet branch settled in Southern Bonitana, where its wealth brought favour with the Prince Regent, who elevated them to the rank of Duke.
During the reign of Maximilian II, Alba became a significant player in the governance of the Balancín Witan, eventually leading the Rook political party to government and becoming Lord Keeper of the King's Seal. Alba's position in the government made him a significant voice in the conquest of Wiltshire, the formation and later reorganisation of the Holy Roman Empire, and the eventual disinheritance of Maximilian's son and heir, Prince Louis. When Maximilian II announced his abdication in the significant 3025 reorganisation, he confirmed that an accession council would determine the succession of the Iberian Throne, breaking with centuries of precedence and ending the presumption of male-preference primogeniture. With his commanding position in both Parliament and the Witan, Alba quickly became the favourite and, after a compromise with Paul Correia, was elected king by the Witan on 19 August 3025.
Upon his accession, John became John II, and took the following style, in line with previous Balancín monarchs:
By the Grace of God, John the second of the Balancín Kingdoms, King of the Rock and the Newton, Lord of the Iberian Palace, and Defender of the Faith
The title Duke of Alba merged with the crown upon his accession, though he shortly thereafter granted the title to his eldest son, Mark.