By Alexei Summers (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: February 29, 2012
Hello, Prince Michael. Thank you for allowing us to conduct this interview. You are the de-facto leader of the Principality of Sealand. Is this correct?
That is correct. I am the Prince of Sealand.
Where were you born?
Westcliff-on-Sea in Essex, England, United Kingdom.
What role does your father, Prince Roy, play in the Principality of Sealand today?
He only advises these days.
Also on the subject of your father, we hear very little about him today. What has become of him? Where is he now?
He is 90 now, and spends most of his time in the UK.
Tell me more about him.
He was born in 1921, and went off to the Spanish civil war for “a bit of adventure” as a very young lad. He joined the army at the start of the Second World War and fought for the King and country all over the world. Syria, Lebanon, Italy, and Africa. He was at the battle of Monte Cristo.
Being the ruler of a sovereign country outside of the United Kingdom, but also being British subjects by birth, what are your thoughts on the British monarchy? Are you and your family still loyal to Britain and to her Queen?
Yes, we are great patriots.
How much of your time do you spend in England?
Four months a year.
What was it was like growing up in Sealand as a young man?
It was a great adventure. We were under threat of attack all the time by government and other interests and kept 24-hour watch.
When exactly was the fortress declared to be The Principality of Sealand?
On September 2nd, 1967, my mother’s birthday. The title of Princess was her present.
Who was the composer of the Sealand National Anthem?
Basil Simenko.
Sealand has been under siege many times. I heard of one incidence in particular where you were even taken hostage by Dutch and German mercenaries.
They took me to Holland and released me at Scheviningen where I made my way back to the United Kingdom. A friend took us back a few days later in his helicopter and we slid down ropes to the top [of Sealand].
My own family, on the English side, comes from very maritime stock. Is the fishing very good around the Principality?
The fishing was wonderful years ago, but it is rubbish now. We also own commercial fishing boats in the United Kingdom.
How many people purchase aristocratic Sealandic titles in a year?
I cannot give the figures but the income from our supporters is greatly appreciated.
What does the future of Sealand look like? Word online is that there have been offers for it, and that it might change hands.
It’s not going to change hands. It will never end.
Am I then correct in assuming that your son, Prince James, will inherit the throne and the Principality?
Indeed.
How do you think England today as a society views Sealand?
We have learned to live together over the last 45 years. You have to remember – many states have come and gone in that time, and Sealand is still here.
