Leonard Casley
Leonard George Casley (28 August 1925 – 13 February 2019), better known as Prince Leonard, was the founder of the self-proclaimed micronation, the Principality of Hutt River.[1] Despite creating stamps, micronation currency (Hutt River Dollar), visas and passports for his sovereign state, the federal Government of Australia never officially recognised Hutt River an official and independent nation, and later, it became a tourist attraction in Australia. In 2017 during a coronation ceremony organised by Leonard, he placed his son "Prince Graeme" on the throne of Hutt River. He governed Hutt River from 1970 to 2017.[2][3][4]
Life
Prince Leonard was born in Western Australia. Originally working as a farmer, before declaring his own 18,500-acre land as a self-acknowledged sovereign, he served in Borneo campaign (1945) during World War II. Leonard was a high school dropout who left his education during his childhood when he was studying in 6th standard.[5][2][6][7]
Leonard was not happy with the taxation system of Australia, and he created its own flag and tax system governed by laws which were enacted by his self-declared government consisting five ministers.[8]
References
- "Micronation Master: Prince Leonard of Hutt River — Bloomberg".
- Pearlman, Jonathan (2019-02-13). "Prince Leonard, founder of Australian micronation, dies at 93". The Telegraph.
- "Hutt River micro-nation founder Prince Leonard dead aged 93".
- Dunlop, Greg (2017-02-20). "Hutt River: The Australian farm with a 'royal' family". BBC News.
- "Hutt River 'micronation' leaders lose Australian tax battle". BBC News. 2017-06-16.
- "This 46-year-old Australian micronation has finally been recognised by Buckingham Palace". 2016-04-21.
- "Leonard Casley Obituary".
- "Prince Leonard, who seceded from Australia to form micro-nation Hutt River, dies aged 93".