King of Haiti
The King of Haiti is the sovereign of the Kingdom of Haiti and, after 1898, the unofficial Caribbean Empire.
Appointment
The appointment of Jean I as king in 1819 was reluctant at first. His predecessor, Alexander Petion, had declined taking the throne on multiple occasions as he was partially afraid of angering Gran Colombia and Simon Bolivar. However, as Jean was effectively President for life, the government of Haiti offered him the crown in the style of America and Britain, the two largest supporters of Haitian independence. Their support came largely from the desire to diminish French and Napoleon influence in the Americas.
Upon the failing health of Jean, the Congress of Haiti did not support the crowning of one of his daughters. As there remained a significant opposition to his reign, he invited the son of his rival, Henri Christophe, into negotiations. Jean offered Henri the throne if he agreed to marry Jean's daughter, and agreed to take limitations as described by the constitution. Henri agreed, and was accepted by the Congress as Henri I of House Christophe.
Type
Royalty, Hereditary
Creation
1820
Form of Address
His Majesty
Alternative Naming
Emperor of the Caribbean
Source of Authority
Constitution of Haiti
Length of Term
Life
First Holder
Current Holders
Related Organizations
Comments