Prince Leonard of Hutt River

Today I learned of the death of Prince Leonard of the Principality of Hutt River Province in Western Australia.  I visited on my trip around Australia, in 2013.

The story is quite remarkable, of how he created the principality, after getting into an “argument” over a tax issue back in 1970.  You can read the story on Wikipedia here.

I met him, and he, in fact, stamped my passport and showed me around.  Where he created the principality is some nearly 600 kms north of Perth in Western Australia, in really quite a desolate area.

There were photos, but I can’t find them, though there is a great image of him here. 

I’d like to see a feature movie made of the story!!!

In the meantime, the video below, courtesy of Vimeo will have to do.

Principality of Hutt River from Chris Lewis | ABC Midwest on Vimeo.

It is a wonderful Australian story.  I am so pleased that I was able to visit the Principality!

Despite his death, I recommend that everyone who has the chance visits the Principality and learns the amazing story.