LiveWire

A post by Maynard

The only way you’re ever going to get good government is if you seize control and establish a benevolent dictatorship. Don’t tell me the thought hasn’t crossed your mind.

So there’s a certain romantic appeal to the kooks who laid claim to a tiny abandoned WWII British fort in the international waters of the North Sea. Prince Roy and Princess Joan declared their royal credentials and took possession of the hulk in the 1960’s. Since then, they’ve held and defended the realm against all pretenders and usurpers. Thus came into being the Principality of Sealand.

There have been some very strange adventures and intrigues along the way, including kidnappings and invasions. But Roy and Joan always emerge triumphant. Their sovereignty was grudgingly tolerated by the established nation-states, and thus Sealand became a mini-nation, sort of. It is home (at least in theory) to some small businesses, and there are Sealand stamps and other official documents. They even have an official website; look here or here. (If you peruse the sites, you’ll learn how you can become a become a Lord, Lady, Baron or Baroness of Sealand for the pittance of £19.99.)

Here’s an interesting video, a short, entertaining British news report from the early days of Sealand.

With the monarch growing older, and in the aftermath of a fire that damaged its infrastructure last year, control of Sealand may soon go to the highest bidder.

Are there any billionaires out there? This could be your big opportunity.