Random Information Regarding The Pricipality Of Sealand
A Brief History
During World War II, the United Kingdom built a series of "sea forts" to defend against the Germans. After WWII ended, the forts were abandoned and most were demolished. One, however, called Roughs Tower, was left standing and on Spetember 2nd, 1967, former English major, Paddy Roy Bates, "formally occupied" the island and settled there with his family. He claimed that because the fort had been deserted and abandoned, he had the right to claim ownership of the island and make it an independent state. He bestowed upon himself the title of Prince, making his wife, Joan, Princess.
(Sealand, formerly known as Roughs Tower, lies off the Eastern coast of England.
Note the Sealand flag waving proudly in the upper left corner.)
In 1968, England finally became aware that the Bates were occupying the fort. Because the desertion of Roughs Tower was a mistake on the part of the military, the British government wanted to handle the affair as quietly as possible. They sent naval units to Sealand with the purpose of terminating Prince Roy's reign, but shots were fired from Sealand and the British Navy retreated. This caused quite a stir with British authorities and Prince Roy, who was still and English citizen, was summoned to court for crimes against his country. During the lawsuit in Essex, the English court claimed that thier jurisdiction did not cover Sealand, and hence, they could not settle the case. This was seen as a major success for the Bates family. Since England did not claim ownership of the fort, and neither did any other country, then Sealand was one step closer to being recognized as its own independent state. Seven years later, Prince Roy proclaimed the Constitution of the Principality of Sealand.
(Today, many advancements have been made regarding Sealand. On numerous occasions, various nations have recognized Sealand as an independent principality.)
The Royal Family
Sealand is ruled by Prince Paddy Roy Bates and his wife, Princess Joan. Prince Roy's heir apparent is Michael of Sealand. In 1978, Dutch businessmen came to Sealand while Prince Roy was away. They kidnapped Michael and took Sealand by force. Prince Roy and some of his men fought off the invaders and regained the island. They held the attackers as prisoners of war, but eventually released them as in accordance with the Geneva Convention. Today, Michael takes great pride in the effort that his family has put into the island, reflecting on the "32 years of pioneering work, and the blood sweat and tears that have been part of the rich adventure in the formation and establishment of the Principality of Sealand."
 (Prince Roy and Princess Joan in the early days of Sealand.) |
 (The royal couple of Sealand in a 1980s publicity shot.) |
Sealand Today
Today, Sealand has been recognized as a principality in a variety of ways. Most noteably, the United Kingdom recognizes work or residency in Sealand as overseas activity. In 1999, Prince Michael made a deal with a company called HavenCo Limited, which leases its offices exclusively in Sealand. Also, because Sealand has no copyright laws, many internet companies have set up centers in the forts two "legs." Although Sealand hosts a regular ferry service, the operations of HavenCo require high security and no public visits to the island are allowed.
Sealand's Official Website
A Huge Picture Of Sealand From "Back In The Day"
 (A Sealand license plate, just in case someone ever wanted to drive across the island.) |
 (A more current picture of Princess Joan and Prince Roy.) |
 (Sealand postal stamps.) |
 (Sealand coinage. 1 Sealand dollar = 1 American dollar.) |
(More Sealand postal stamps.)
THE END