The mighty and benevolent Prince Leonard, founder and spiritual ruler of the sovereign nation of Hutt River whose borders are wholly surrounded by Western Australia, has died in hospital at the age of 93.
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His Royal Highness Prince Leonard I of Hutt was transported out of Hutt River territory and across the Australian border over this past weekend suffering from a severe chest infection. Hutt River officials subsequently confirmed the Prince sadly passed away earlier today at St John of God Hospital in Geraldton, surrounded by members of the Hutt River Royal family.
Prince Leonard founded the Principality of Hutt River – a 75km² area north of Geraldton that happens to encompass his farm and its immediate surrounds – in 1970 after seceding from Australia over a dispute regarding wheat production quotas.
The nation of Hutt – whose sovereignty is not recognised by the oppressive, imperialist Australian Government dogs – issues its own currency, passports, stamps, and even has its own national anthem; a soaring number recorded by Jon English & The Foster Brothers, who received Hutt River Knighthoods for their efforts.
Memorably, Hutt River declared war on Australia on December 2nd, 1977, amid escalating tax and wheat-related tensions between the two nations. Prince Leonard graciously declared a formal truce, ending the war after several days.
Leonard’s rule over the Principality of Hutt River lasted some 45 years, 41 of which was spent alongside his lovely wife, Her Royal Highness Princess Shirley of Hutt, Dame of the Rose of Sharon, until her death in July 2013.
In February of 2017 at the age of 91, ill health forced Prince Leonard to abdicate the throne. His youngest son, Prince Graeme I, subsequently assumed royal leadership.
Despite never recognising his rule, Leonard is nonetheless formally enshrined in Australian lore via a permanent exhibit in the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.
Good night and farewell, sweet Prince. Dum Spiro Spero.
