Principality of Sealand: Difference between revisions
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The '''Principality of Sealand''' is a micronation located on HM Fort Roughs, a former World War II Maunsell Sea Fort in the North Sea, approximately 12 km off the coast of Suffolk, England. Proclaimed independent on 2 September 1967 by Paddy Roy Bates, it is the oldest and most famous micronation still in existence. | The '''Principality of Sealand''' is a micronation located on HM Fort Roughs, a former World War II Maunsell Sea Fort in the North Sea, approximately 12 km off the coast of Suffolk, England. Proclaimed independent on 2 September 1967 by Paddy Roy Bates, it is the oldest and most famous micronation still in existence. | ||
Revision as of 15:29, 19 November 2025
The Principality of Sealand is a micronation located on HM Fort Roughs, a former World War II Maunsell Sea Fort in the North Sea, approximately 12 km off the coast of Suffolk, England. Proclaimed independent on 2 September 1967 by Paddy Roy Bates, it is the oldest and most famous micronation still in existence.
Sealand claims sovereignty but is not recognised by any United Nations member state.
History
In 1966, Paddy Roy Bates occupied the abandoned platform to broadcast pirate radio. After British courts attempted prosecution, he declared independence on 2 September 1967, proclaiming himself Prince Roy I and his wife Joan as Princess Joan.
In 1968, British authorities tried to seize the platform. Michael Bates fired warning shots, leading to a court case in which a British judge ruled the fort was outside UK territorial waters — Sealand’s primary legal claim ever since.
In 1978, while the Bates family were ashore, a German-Dutch group staged a coup and took Prince Michael hostage. Roy and Michael retook the platform by helicopter in a dramatic counter-attack — the only armed conflict in Sealand’s history.
Prince Roy died in 2012; his son Michael continues to rule as Prince Michael.
Government and citizenship
Sealand operates as a constitutional monarchy. It has issued passports (mostly honorary), coins, stamps, and noble titles. From 2000–2010 it briefly hosted HavenCo, an offshore data centre.
Geography
Sealand consists of a single platform (Roughs Tower) with a usable area of about 4,000 m² on two concrete legs rising from the sea.
Economy
Revenue comes from:
- Sale of titles of nobility
- Coins and merchandise
- Media licensing
Recognition
Sealand has diplomatic relations with several other micronations but none with UN member states.