: 51°53′24″ n. w. 1°27′20″ E. d. / 51.89° N. w. 1.455556° E. d.(G) (O) 51.89 , 1.455556
Total
% water surface
0.00055 km²
100%
Grade ()
Census()
Density
32 people
5 people
9090 (according to the census) people/km²
Roy did not build an amusement park, but chose the platform to base his pirate radio station, Britain's Better Music Station, but this radio station never broadcast from the platform. On September 2, 1967, he announced the creation of a sovereign state and proclaimed himself Prince Roy I. This day is celebrated as the main public holiday.
Conflict with Great Britain
Expansion of territorial waters
Territorial waters claimed by Sealand
Fire on Sealand
Sealand after the fire
On June 23, 2006, the state of Sealand suffered its largest disaster throughout its history. A fire broke out on the platform, the cause of which was said to be a short circuit. The fire destroyed almost all buildings. As a result of the fire, one victim was taken by a British BBC rescue helicopter to a UK hospital. The state was restored quite quickly: by November of the same year.
Selling Sealand
Tourism in Sealand
The government of Sealand on its official website announced the start of tourist trips from the summer of 2012. As of July 19, a government spokesman reports in private correspondence that “the tourism program is in the final stages of preparation.”
Michael (Michael) I Bates
Since 1999, Michael I Bates (son of Paddy Roy Bates; born 1952) has become Prince Regent of Sealand. political figure, living in the UK. Since 2012 he inherited the title: “Admiral General of Sealenda” Prince Michael I Bates»
Legal status
Sealand's position compares favorably with that of other virtual states. The Principality has physical territory and has some legal grounds for international recognition. The requirement for independence is based on three arguments. The most fundamental of these is the fact that Sealand was founded in international waters before the entry into force of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, prohibiting the construction of man-made structures on the high seas, and before the extension of the UK's sovereign maritime zone from 3 to 12 nautical miles in 1987 year. Due to the fact that the Rafs Tower platform on which Sealand is located was abandoned and struck off the British Admiralty lists, its occupation is considered to be colonization. The settlers who settled there believe that they had every right to establish a state and establish a form of government as they saw fit. According to international standards, the size of a state cannot be an obstacle to recognition. For example, the recognized British possession of Pitcairn Island has only about 60 people.
The second important argument is the 1968 British court decision that the UK had no jurisdiction over Sealand. No other country has claimed rights to Sealand either.
Thirdly, there are several facts of de facto recognition of Sealand. The Montevideo Convention states that states have the right to existence and self-defense regardless of official recognition. In modern international practice, tacit (non-diplomatic) recognition is a fairly common phenomenon. It arises when a regime does not have sufficient legitimacy, but exercises actual power on its territory. For example, many states do not recognize the Republic of China diplomatically, but de facto view it as a sovereign country. There are four similar pieces of evidence regarding Sealand:
- Great Britain does not pay Prince Roy a pension for the period when he was in Sealand.
- UK courts refused to hear the 1968 and 1990 claims against Sealand.
- The Foreign Ministries of the Netherlands and Germany entered into negotiations with the Sealand government.
- The Belgian Post accepted Sealand stamps for some time.
Theoretically, Sealand's position is very convincing. If recognized, the principality would become the smallest country in the world and the 51st state in Europe. However, according to the constituent theory, more common in modern international law, a state can exist only insofar as it is recognized by other states. Therefore, Sealand cannot be accepted into any international organization, cannot create his own email address or domain name. None of the countries established diplomatic relations with him.
Sealand is trying to achieve recognition of independence somehow large state, but did not try to achieve independence through the UN.
Coins
Sealand coins, from left to right: ½ dollar, silver dollar and ¼ dollar
| Dignity | Material | Year of issue |
|---|---|---|
| ¼ dollar | bronze | |
| ¼ dollar | silver | |
| ½ dollar | copper-nickel alloy | |
| ½ dollar | silver | |
| 1 dollar | bronze | |
| 1 dollar | silver | |
| 2½ dollars | bronze | |
| 10 $ | silver | |
| 10 $ | silver | |
| 30 dollars | silver | |
| 100 dollars | gold |
Coins from the 1970s have a portrait of one of the monarchs on the obverse, and the coat of arms of Sealand on the reverse. (On the coins of 1972 there is no coat of arms yet; a sailboat on the waves is depicted). The obverse of coins from the 1990s features an image of a dolphin.
Also known are 20 dollars with the image of Princess Joanna (silver, 1975, number of copies unknown). 10 dollars 1977 were issued in two types: 2000 copies with the image of Prince Roy and 2000 copies with the image of Princess Joanna.
The Government in Exile issued silver one hundred dollars in 1991 with a portrait of Prime Minister Johannes Seiger.
There are many interesting things and phenomena in the vastness of our planet. One of these is the so-called virtual state, an entity that claims to be a state, but is not one. Most often, such territories are not taken seriously by countries and world states. Among them you can find the most diverse and interesting: The Kingdom of Northern Sudan - a land on the border of Egypt and Sudan, which both abandoned, but the resident American city Abingdon claimed its rights to it, Christiania - located in the Copenhagen area, where its residents can freely use “substances”, or the most famous principality Sealand, which will be discussed further.
So, the Principality of Sealand is a state formed in 1967 by retired British Major Paddy Roy Bates. Today, some view the principality as unrecognized state, and some as virtual, but it claims sovereignty over maritime territory. Sealand is an offshore platform in the North Sea off the coast of Great Britain. After settling on the platform, Major Bates proclaimed himself a prince, and his family ruling dynasty. A few years later, the first constitution, flag and coat of arms appeared here.
Sealand as a platform arose during the Second World War, when the British Navy built a series of offshore platforms off the coast, and was called Rafs Tower. Anti-aircraft guns and a garrison were located here. After the end of the war, most of the forts were destroyed, but the Rafs Tower remained intact. So the platform remained abandoned until 1966, when retired Major Paddy Roy Bates and his friend Ronan O'Reilly chose the platform to build an amusement park. After a quarrel with a friend, Bates reclaimed the platform to make it a pirate radio station. But on September 2, 1967, he proclaimed himself Prince Roy I and announced the creation of the Principality of Sealand.
A year later, the British authorities tried to occupy Sealand, but it did not come to hostilities and they started against Bates. trial. The court later recognized that the case was outside British jurisdiction and the case was closed. Despite the tiny size of the Principality of Sealand, an attempt was even made here coup d'etat. In 1978, during the prince's absence, the prime minister kidnapped and took the prince to the Netherlands. With the support of the people, the prince returned the prince and brought the prime minister and the count to trial.
Until recently, Sealand had his own passports, but soon, due to an international incident, he decided to give them up. In the late 1990s, Interpol came to the attention of a syndicate selling counterfeit passports, including Sealand passports. Then there were about 150 thousand fake passports, driver's license and university diplomas were sold to citizens of China, Spain, Great Britain, France, Slovenia, Romania and Russia. After this, Sealand was forced to give up his passports.
If recognized, the Principality of Sealand will become the smallest country in Europe and the world, especially since there is a basis for this. For example, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands entered into negotiations with the principality, and the Belgian post office recognized Sealand stamps for some time. In addition, Sealand has its own stamps and currency, the Sealand dollar, mints its own coins, and also provides space for servers. Surprisingly, it has its own Sealand Anglican Church, mini-golf is developed and there is its own football team, which is registered with the NF-Board federation, which accepts those who are not included in FIFA.
Which country is the smallest? Many will answer: the Vatican. However, ten kilometers from the coast of Great Britain there is a tiny independent state - Sealand. The Principality is located on an abandoned sea platform.
Background
The Rafs Tower platform (“Tower of Hooligans” in English) was built during the Second World War. To protect against Nazi bombers, several such platforms were installed off the coast of Great Britain. An anti-aircraft gun complex was located on them, which was guarded and serviced by 200 soldiers.
The Roughs Tower platform, which later became the physical territory occupied by the virtual state, was located six miles from the Thames Estuary. And Britain's territorial waters ended three miles from the coast. Thus, the platform ended up in neutral waters. After the end of the war, weapons from all forts were dismantled, the platforms located close to the shore were destroyed. And Rafs Tower remained abandoned.
In the 60s of the last century, radio pirates began to actively explore the coastal waters of England. Roy Bates, retired major british army, was one of them. He launched his first radio station, Radio Essex, on a different platform, displacing his colleagues. However, in 1965 he was fined for violating the Wireless Telegraph Act and had to find a new location for the radio station.
Together with his friend Ronan O'Rahilly, the major decided to occupy Rafs Tower and create an amusement park on the platform. However, the friends soon quarreled, and Roy Bates began to master the platform on his own. He even had to defend the right to her with arms in hand.
History of creation
The amusement park idea failed. But Bates could no longer recreate the radio station, despite the fact that he had everything necessary equipment. The fact is that in 1967 a law came into force that made broadcasting, including from international waters, a crime. Now even the location of the platform could not save Bates from persecution by the state.
But what if the waters are no longer neutral? The retired major had a crazy, at first glance, idea - to proclaim the platform as a separate state. On September 2, 1967, the former military man proclaimed the platform independent state and named him Sealand, and declared himself ruler new country, Prince Roy I Bates. Accordingly, his wife became Princess Joanna I.
Of course, Roy initially studied international law and talked to lawyers. It turned out that the major’s actions would indeed be difficult to challenge in court. The newly created state of Sealand had a physical territory, albeit small - only 0.004 square kilometers.
At the same time, the construction of the platform was completely legal. A document prohibiting such buildings appeared only in the 80s. And at the same time, the platform was outside the jurisdiction of Britain, and the authorities could not legally dismantle it.
Relations with Great Britain
Three more similar platforms remained in English territorial waters. Just in case, the government decided to get rid of them. The platforms were blown up. One of the Navy vessels carrying out this mission sailed to Sealand. The ship's crew stated that this platform would soon be destroyed. To which the residents of the principality responded by firing warning shots into the air.
Roy Bates was a British citizen. Therefore, as soon as the major stepped ashore, he was arrested on charges of illegal possession of weapons. A trial began against Prince Bates. On September 2, 1968, an Essex judge made a historic decision: he ruled that the case was outside British jurisdiction. This fact became official evidence that the UK had renounced its rights to the platform.
Coup attempt
In August 1978, a coup nearly occurred in the country. A conflict arose between the ruler of the state, Roy Bates, and his closest assistant, Count Alexander Gottfried Achenbach, over the policy of attracting foreign investment to the country. The men accused each other of unconstitutional intentions.
When the prince went to Austria to negotiate with potential investors, the count decided to seize the platform by force. At that moment, only Michael (Michael) I Bates, son of Roy and heir to the throne, was on the territory of Sealand. Achenbach, along with several mercenaries, captured the platform, and the young prince was locked in a windowless cabin for several days. After this, Michael was taken to the Netherlands, from where he was able to escape.
Soon, Roy and Michael were reunited and were able to regain power on the platform. The mercenaries and Achenbach were captured. What to do with people who betrayed Sealand? The Principality fully complied with international law. on the rights of prisoners of war states that after the cessation of hostilities, all prisoners must be released.
The mercenaries were immediately released. But Achenbach was accused of attempting a coup d'etat according to the laws of the principality. He was convicted and removed from all government positions. Since the traitor was a citizen of Germany, the German authorities became interested in his fate. Britain refused to intervene in this conflict.
A German official arrived on Sealand to speak with Prince Roy. As a result of the intervention of a German diplomat, Achenbach was released.
Illegal government
What did Achenbach do next after failed attempt take over Sealand? The Principality was now inaccessible to him. But former count continued to insist on his rights and even organized a government of Sealand in exile. He also claimed that he was the chairman of a certain secret council.
Germany had Achenbach's diplomatic status, and in 1989 he was arrested. The post of head of the illegal government of Sealand was taken by Johannes Seiger, the former Minister of Economic Cooperation.
Expansion of territory
In 1987, Sealand (principality) expanded its territorial waters. He announced this desire on September 30, and the next day the UK made the same statement. In accordance with international law, the disputed maritime territory is equally divided between the two states.
Since there are no agreements between the countries in this regard, and Great Britain did not make any statements, the Sealand government considered the disputed territory to be divided according to international norms.
This led to an unpleasant incident. In 1990, a British ship unauthorized approached the shores of the principality. Residents of Sealand fired several warning shots into the air.
Passports
In 1975, the virtual state began issuing its own passports, including diplomatic ones. But Sealand's good name was tarnished when the illegal government in exile participated in big scam on a global scale. In 1997, Interpol began searching for the source of a huge number of false documents allegedly issued in Sealand.
Passports, driver's licenses, diplomas higher education and other documents were sold to Russia, the USA and European countries. Using these documents, people tried to cross the border, open a bank account, and buy weapons. The Sealand government assisted the investigation. After this incident, absolutely all passports, including those issued absolutely legally, were revoked and abolished.
Constitution, state symbols, form of government
After Great Britain recognized that Sealand was outside its jurisdiction in 1968, the inhabitants decided that this was a de facto recognition of the country's independence. 7 years later, in 1975, they developed State symbols- anthem, flag and coat of arms. At the same time, the Constitution was issued, including a preamble and 7 articles. New government decisions are formalized in the form of decrees.
The flag of Sealand is a combination of three colors - red, black and white. In the upper left corner there is a red triangle, in the lower right corner there is a black triangle. Between them there is a white stripe.
The flag and coat of arms are official symbols Sealenda. The coat of arms of Sealand depicts two lions with fish tails, holding a shield in the colors of the flag in their paws. Below the coat of arms is a motto that reads: “Freedom from the sea.” The national anthem, written by composer Vasily Simonenko, is also called.
By state structure Sealand is a monarchy. The governing structure has three ministries - foreign affairs, internal affairs and telecommunications and technology.
Coins and stamps
Sealand coins have been issued since 1972. The first silver coin with the image of Princess Joan was released in 1972. From 1972 to 1994, several types of coins were issued, mainly in silver, gold and bronze, with portraits of Joanna and Roy or a dolphin on the obverse, and a sailboat or coat of arms on the reverse. Currency unit Principalities - the Sealand dollar, which is pegged to the US dollar.
Between 1969 and 1977 the state issued stamps. For some time they were accepted by the Belgian Post.
Population
The first ruler of Sealand was Prince Roy Bates. In 1990, he transferred all rights to his son and went to live in Spain with the princess. Roy died in 2012, his wife Joanna in 2016. IN this moment The ruler is Prince Michael I Bates. He has an heir, James Bates, who is the Prince of Sealand. In 2014, James had a son, Freddie, who is the great-grandson of the first ruler of the principality.
Who lives in Sealand today? The population of the principality in different time ranged from 3 to 27 people. Currently, there are about ten people on the platform every day.
Religion and sports
It operates on the territory of the principality. There is also a small chapel named after St. Brendan the Navigator on the platform. Sealand does not remain aloof from sporting achievements. Despite the fact that the population of the principality is not enough to form sports teams, some athletes represent the unrecognized state. There is even a football team.
Sealand and the Internet
Regarding the Internet on the territory of the state, a simple law applies - everything is permitted except spam, hacker attacks and child pornography. Therefore, Sealand, which began as a pirate radio station, is still an attractive territory for modern pirates. For 8 years, HavenCo servers were located on the territory of the principality. After the closure of the company, the principality continues to provide services for hosting servers for various organizations.
Legal status
Unlike other self-proclaimed states, Sealand has little chance of gaining recognition. The principality has a physical territory, it was founded before the expansion of the water borders of Britain. The platform was abandoned, which means its settlement can be considered as colonization. Thus, Roy Bates could actually establish a state in free territory. However, for Sealand to receive full rights, it must be recognized by other states.
Selling Sealand
In 2006, there was a fire on the platform. Restoration required significant funds. In 2007, the principality was put up for sale at a price of 750 million euros. The Pirate Bay intended to acquire the platform, but the parties could not reach an agreement.
Sealand today
You can not only find out which country is the smallest, but also support the rebel platform government in its quest for independence. Anyone can donate money to the treasury of the principality. In addition, on the official website you can purchase various souvenirs, coins, and stamps.
For just 6 euros you can create a personal Sealand address Email. For 25 euros order an official ID card. For those who have dreamed of a title all their lives, Sealand gives such an opportunity. Quite officially, according to the laws of the principality, anyone who pays 30 euros can become a baron, for 100 euros - a knight of the Sovereign Military Order, and for 200 - a real count or countess.
Today, the Principality of Sealand is ruled by Michael I Bates. Like his father, he is an advocate for freedom of information, and Hooligan Tower remains a stronghold of modern information pirates.
Total
% water surface
0.00055 km²
0
Total ()
Density
5 people
9100 people/km²
Total()
Per capita
600000
Sealand, Principality of Sealand (Principality of Sealand) is a self-proclaimed microstate in the North Sea 10 kilometers off the coast of Great Britain. Located on an offshore platform. Coordinates: Coordinates: / (G)51.894444 , 1.4825 51°53′40″ n. w. 1°28′57″ E. d. / 51.894444° s. w. 1.4825° E. d.(G)
Political system
Roy did not build an amusement park, but chose the platform to base his pirate radio station, Britain's Better Music Station. On September 2, 1967, he announced the creation of a sovereign state and proclaimed himself Prince Roy I. This day is celebrated as the main public holiday.
Conflict with Great Britain
Coup attempt
Expansion of territorial waters
Territory of Sealand with territorial waters
Selling Sealand
Legal status
Sealand's position compares favorably with that of other virtual states. The Principality has a physical territory and has some legal grounds for international recognition. The requirement for independence is based on three arguments. The most fundamental of these is the fact that Sealand was founded in international waters before the entry into force of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, prohibiting the construction of man-made structures on the high seas, and before the extension of the UK's sovereign maritime zone from 3 to 12 nautical miles in 1987 year. Due to the fact that the Rafs Tower platform on which Sealand is located was abandoned and struck off the British Admiralty lists, its occupation is considered to be colonization. The settlers who settled there believe that they had every right to establish a state and establish a form of government as they saw fit. Sealand meets all the criteria for statehood specified in the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States. According to international standards, the size of a state cannot be an obstacle to recognition. For example, the recognized British possession of Pitcairn Island has only about 60 people.
The second important argument is the 1968 British court decision that the UK had no jurisdiction over Sealand. No other country has claimed rights to Sealand either.
Thirdly, there are several facts of de facto recognition of Sealand. The Montevideo Convention states that states have the right to existence and self-defense regardless of official recognition. In modern international practice, tacit (non-diplomatic) recognition is a fairly common phenomenon. It arises when a regime does not have sufficient legitimacy, but exercises actual power on its territory. For example, many states do not recognize Taiwan diplomatically, but de facto view it as a sovereign country. There are four similar pieces of evidence regarding Sealand:
- Great Britain does not pay Prince Roy a pension for the period when he was in Sealand.
- UK courts refused to hear the 1968 and 1990 claims against Sealand.
- The Foreign Ministries of the Netherlands and Germany entered into negotiations with the Sealand government.
- The Belgian Post accepted Sealand stamps for some time.
Theoretically, Sealand's position is very convincing. If recognized, the principality would become the smallest country in the world and the 49th state in Europe. However, according to the constituent theory, more common in modern international law, a state can only exist insofar as it is recognized by other states. Therefore, Sealand cannot be accepted into any international organization and cannot have its own postal address or domain name. None of the countries established diplomatic relations with him.
Sealand is trying to get independence recognized by some major state, but has not tried to achieve independence through the UN.
Coins
Sealand coins, from left to right: ½ dollar, silver dollar and ¼ dollar
For numismatic purposes, the following coins were minted in the principality:
| Dignity | Material | Year of issue |
|---|---|---|
| ¼ dollar | bronze | |
| ¼ dollar | silver | |
| ½ dollar | copper-nickel alloy | |
| ½ dollar | silver | |
| 1 dollar | bronze | |
| 1 dollar | silver | |
| 2½ dollars | bronze | |
| 10 $ | silver | |
| 10 $ | silver | |
| 30 dollars | silver | |
| 100 dollars |
The self-proclaimed state of Sealand is located in the North Sea and is a platform from the Second World War, each support of which has 8 rooms.
Sealand can only be reached by helicopter or boat.
The platform was built for air defense and remained abandoned after World War 2. Since the platform was located outside the three-mile coastal zone and was deserted, it could well be considered a disputed territory, and Roy Bates hastened to officially occupy it. Having taken ownership of a rectangle 30 meters long and less than 10 meters wide, Roy Bates declared it a monarchy, himself a prince and, accordingly, his wife a princess. The Royal Family and all loyal subjects of the newly formed principality declared absolute sovereignty. The new state was named the Principality of Sealand.
In 1975, His Majesty Prince Roy declared the constitution. Later, the flag, anthem, postage stamps, silver and gold coins - Sealand dollars - were legalized. And finally, Sealand’s state and international passports were accepted.
The physical territory of Sealand arose during the Second World War. In 1942, the British Navy built a series of platforms on the approaches to the coast. One of them was the Roughs Tower (literally “hooligan tower”). During the war, anti-aircraft guns were stationed there and there was a garrison of 200 people. After the end of hostilities, most of the towers were destroyed, but the Rafs Tower, being outside British territorial waters, remained untouched. In 1966, retired British Army Major Paddy Roy Bates chose this location to base his pirate radio station, Britain's Better Music Station. prosecution on the part of the English authorities, Bates declared the platform a sovereign state and proclaimed himself Prince Roy I. The proclamation of Sealand took place on September 2, 1967. This day is celebrated as the main public holiday.
In August 1978, a putsch occurred in the country. It was preceded by tension between the prince and his closest ally, the country's prime minister, Count Alexander Gottfried Achenbach. The parties differed in their views on attracting foreign investment to the country and accused each other of unconstitutional intentions. Taking advantage of the absence of the prince, who was negotiating with investors in Austria, Achenbach and a group of Dutch citizens landed on the island. The invaders locked young Prince Michael in a basement and then took him to the Netherlands. But Michael escaped from captivity and met his father. With the support of the country's loyal citizens, the overthrown monarchs managed to defeat the usurpers' troops and return to power.
Sealand territory with territorial waters The losers continued to insist on their rights. They formed the illegal government of Sealand in exile (FRG). Achenbach claimed to be the chairman Privy Council. In January 1989, he was arrested by the German authorities (who, of course, did not recognize his diplomatic status) and handed over his post to Minister for Economic Cooperation Johannes W. F. Seiger, who soon became prime minister. Re-elected in 1994 and 1999
September 2, 1967, one Paddy Roy Bates is a retired British Army colonel who chose Fort Rough Sands (or HM Fort Roughs, literally “hooligan tower”) in 1966 to base his pirate radio station “Britain's Better Music Station” ", announced the creation of a sea fortress on the territory sovereign principality Sealand (Principality of Sealand) and proclaimed himself Prince Roy I.
In 1968, the British authorities tried to occupy the young state. Patrol boats approached the platform of the sea fortress, and the princely family responded by firing warning shots into the air. The matter did not come to bloodshed, but a trial was launched against Prince Roy as a British citizen. September 2, 1968 Judge English county Essex made a historic ruling: he recognized that the matter was outside British jurisdiction - that is, he de facto recognized the sovereignty of the Principality of Sealand.
Sealand was established in international waters before the entry into force of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which prohibits the construction of artificial structures on the high seas, and before the extension of the UK's sovereign maritime zone from 3 to 12 miles in 1987. Based on the fact that the Rafs Tower platform , on which Sealand is located, was abandoned and deleted from the lists of the British Admiralty, its occupation is considered as colonization. The settlers who settled there believe that they had every right to establish a state and establish a form of government as they saw fit.
The Principality of Sealand has only five people, but it meets all the criteria for statehood specified in the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States. Sealand – a constitutional monarchy, the head of which is Prince Roy I Bates and Princess Joanna I Bates, although since 1999, direct power in the principality has been exercised by Crown Prince Michael I. The principality has its own constitution, flag and coat of arms; Sealand mints its own coin - the Sealand dollar and issues stamps. At the very small state the world even has its own football team.
The Principality of Sealand went down in history as the first state in the world to burn to the ground - on June 23, 2006, due to a short circuit in a generator, a serious fire started, which was extinguished thanks to the help provided by Great Britain. Restoration of the artificial island requires big money and the Silendian monarch, who had been connected with the island for 40 years of his life, decided that the time had come to part with it. The state is up for sale - starting price is £65 million.
In an attempt to circumvent international copyright laws, the world's largest BitTorrent tracker, The Pirate Bay, which has more than three million registered users downloading pirated torrents for free software, music, films and other copyrighted materials, recently launched a campaign to raise funds to purchase the state of Sealand. “Help us and you will become a citizen of Sealand!” - say the pirates.
The “royal family” is already too old - Roy and Joanna Bates are already over eighty (and he died), their heir is over fifty. A couple of years ago they moved to Spain - it’s not so easy for older people to live on the open sea, on a windswept couple of hundred meters of concrete and iron.
Sealand has long been a legend, and legends never die.