Ars Veruna

Veruna (? - 32 BBY), formally styled as His Royal Highness, King Veruna of Naboo was the predecessor of Queen Amidala.

His reign ended in 32 BBY when King Veruna abdicated his throne and went into hiding after a thirteen year reign surrounded by scandal. He was found dead six months prior to the Battle of Naboo, and though his death was ruled accidental, many suspected foul play, possibly related to business ventures that he and then-Senator Palpatine had been involved in.

Captain Magneta, who had been the head of Veruna's security force stepped down following Veruna's death and was replaced by Panaka. It was partly because of the mystery surrounding Veruna's death that lead Panaka to create the idea of a decoy for Queen Amidala, a measure of protection that she would continue to use well into her stint as Senator.

Veruna's reign, although coinciding with the opening up of Naboo to the outside galaxy, was not fondly remembered by the people of Naboo, and as a result, legislation limiting monarchs to two four-year terms was passed. Ironically, Veruna was succeeded by the popular Queen Amidala, who had popular support to serve past these two terms, though she ultimately refused.