AUSTRALIA: The Prince of Hutt River

When the wheat quota for his Western Australia farm was cut in 1969, Leonard Casley protested that the government was trying to make him a pauper. Rather than let that happen, Casley decided to make himself a prince.

On April 21, 1970, he served notice of secession and declared his 18,500-acre farm a sovereign state, which he called the Province of Hutt River (pop. 20). Clad in white tie and tails and sporting an old British naval sword, he dubbed himself Prince Leonard and elevated his family and friends to the peerage. Deeming...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!