It’s not many days that you can meet a Head of State but today, 26 September 2010, I managed just that – King Leonard of the Independent Province of Hutt River. Seceded on 21 April 1970.
It’s likely you’ve never heard of it but I can assure you that this is 100% official. The tale of how Leonard Casley became King is a long and difficult one filled with legal loopholes, battles with the Australian Tax Office, the Western Australian State Government and the representatives of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
It’s an incredible story based around the implementation of wheat quotas to farmers on freehold land back in the 1960s. Leonard believed and proved this was an illegal move and didn’t recognise these quotas that would ultimately affect his livelihood. This moral fibre lead to the steps to create the independent state although it still isn’t formally recognised by the Australia Government even though officially a state of war existed between the two nations for 3 days. Although declared, it was then cessed to adhere to the Geneva Convention under which states that “Sovereignty goes immediately to a Government undefeated in State of War”.
A unique national anthem,
flag,
set of stamps, currency, heraldic shields and parliament are all in place as well as an Air Force, Army and Navy should the need ever arise. Ceremonial gowns and vellums record the Hutt River special events and its possible to renounce your own nationality to become a bona fide citizen and passport holder.
The original farm boundaries now exist as country borders and although no special permission is required to enter, government and post office buildings and a multi-denominational church welcome 35,000 visitors a year.
It was a fascinating place, one that I’ll never forget and would definitely recommend anyone to visit.
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