“We have zero Covid cases in Sealand,” says Liam Bates proudly. “I think we are one of the few countries in the world that can currently claim that.”
The one spared from the pandemic State is an old military platform in the North Sea that a British family declared an independent principality 54 years ago. Since then, she has defied the London authorities – and recently also Corona.
THE CRAZY STORY OF SEALAND!
The way to Sealand is arduous. Eleven kilometers by boat from the southeast coast of England, then visitors – with a negative Corona test in their pockets – are pulled up on a kind of swing. Two huge hollow concrete towers support the platform that the British military built for anti-aircraft defense during World War II.
Photo: BEN STANSALL / AFP
“data-zoom-src =” https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/der-selbsternnte-prinz-liam-bates-erreich-die-plattform-e8476af6e55d4c84982fd8fbd3427172-78490134/Bild/6.bild.jpg “/> The self-proclaimed Prince Liam Bates reaches the platformPhoto: BEN STANSALL / AFP
It was supposed to be demolished after the end of the war because it was outside British territorial waters. But when that did not happen, Bates’ grandfather Roy, businessman and operator of a pirate station, occupied the platform.
In 1967 he proclaimed the Principality of Sealand – with its own constitution, flag and anthem. The first thing visitors get is a stamp in their passport.
Photo: BEN STANSALL / AFP
“data-zoom-src =” https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/besucher-bekommen-einen-stempel-in-ihren-pass-1ce498f1082e421ab30961edf70c5b82-78490138/Bild/6.bild.jpg “/> Visitors get a stamp in their passportPhoto: BEN STANSALL / AFP
“Freedom from Everything”
Once at the top, the windswept platform looks like a ship with a new deck and a neat warehouse with tools, paints and hot dog cans. In the kitchen there are potted plants and china plates, the rooms are furnished with wallpaper, carpets and books.
Liam Bates is 33 years old and one of the Princes of Sealand. He runs the day-to-day business while his older brother James runs the family’s fishing and canning business.
Sealand keeps afloat selling nobility titles. Trading takes place online through the website. A “Lord of Sealand” is available for 29.99 pounds (35 euros), the duke title is significantly more expensive at 499.99 pounds (583 euros). Business is going well, says Liam. “Good enough to keep Sealand running, and that’s really expensive.”
Sealand does not pay any taxes to the UK state. It’s about “freedom from everything,” says Liam. “About religion, opinions, all kinds of guidelines.” Still, the Bates’ only visit their principality once in a while.
Photo: BEN STANSALL / AFP
“data-zoom-src =” https://bilder.bild.de/fotos/in-der-kueche-d9842be39c5146e780e151ba4750b03c-78490146/Bild/6.bild.jpg “/> In Sealand’s kitchenPhoto: BEN STANSALL / AFP
Photo: BEN STANSALL / AFP
Photo: BEN STANSALL / AFP
Photo: BEN STANSALL / AFP
Photo: BEN STANSALL / AFP