Padmé Naberrie
the ruler of the small planet of Naboo. Naboo's
monarchy is not hereditary: the monarchs are elected
by their people.
Amidala was raised by humble parents in a mountain
village. Early in her life, her exceptional abilities
were recognized, and she was send to Theed, the
capital city of Naboo, to receive a special training
under the best teachers of Naboo. At age 12, she
became Princess of Theed. Two years later, when King
Veruna abdicated his throne after a reign of 13 years,
she was elected Queen.
Although she was only 14 years old when she became the
ruler of Naboo, she is not the youngest monarch to
ever reign on that planet. And, just like the previous
sovereign, Veruna, Amidala can step down from the
throne whenever she wishes.
When her security is threatened, Queen Amidala
switches places with her handmaiden Sabé. While Sabé
impersonates the Queen by dressing like her and hiding
her facial features with white makeup, Amidala acts as
a simple handmaiden and calls herself Padmé Naberrie.
She wears a hooded dress similar to those worn by her
handmaidens.
By pretending to be a handmaiden, Amidala can observe
things that might not have been revealed to the Queen,
and it also gives her more freedom.
Sabé and the Queen practice indirect communication,
speaking in cryptic ways. By doing so, Amidala can
direct Sabé's actions as the Queen without revealing
her true identity.
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