James I

James I (James Richard; born February 6, 1981) is the King of the Pitcairn Islands. He ascended to the throne upon his father Richard XIX's abdication in 1981.

He was born at Adamstown Royal Hospital in Adamstown, Pitcairn Islands as the first child of Richard XIX and Stephanie, Grand Duchess of the Pitcairns. He became King after his fathers abdication in 1981 but began to undertake royal duties in 1995. In standard Pitcairn tradition James I practised polygamy marrying Queen Charlotte of the Pitcairns in 1999, Bianca, Grand Duchess of the Pitcairns later in 1999. He also married Holly, Grand Duchess of the Pitcairns and Cheryl, Grand Duchess of the Pitcairns in 2000, Gabriella, Grand Duchess of the Pitcairns in 2001, Georgie, Grand Duchess of the Pitcairns and Chantelle, Grand Duchess of the Pitcairns in 2002 and Brianna, Grand Duchess of the Pitcairns in 2005. With his eight wives he has 21 children, his first wife Charlotte acts as the primary Consort and is most often seen with James whilst he undertakes his royal duties.

Due to his age he did not have his coronation until 1999, he celebrated his silver jubilee in 2016, thus becoming the thirteenth consecutive Pitcairn monarch to reach this milestone.

He is known to opening his country up to the world, with the Pitcairn Islands being secretive and closed to the outside world for centuries prior. This led to international criticism as he allowed his wives to hold major government positions, though this has been a custom in the nation for years.