Ear: Title

There’s always that one person who is impossible to buy gifts for, but here’s something interesting: Buy a royal title from a micronation in international waters in the North Sea.

Patrick Roy Bates took over an abandoned World War II fortress 7 miles off the coast of Great Britain in 1967. After consulting lawyers, all he did was put up his flag, declare himself Prince Roy and the fortress became the Principality of Sealand.

After several territorial kerfuffles, England has no authority over the principality and has left the Bates family to their own devices. Which includes creating a motto and national anthem, “E mare libertas! (From the sea, freedom!), and selling the aforementioned titles, which you can browse at the sealandgov.org store.

For example, become a lord or lady of Sealand with a starter “environmentally responsible” (i.e. no packaging or shipping) Digital Noble Title Pack for a mere $29.99. It includes a digital, printable Deed of Title and Sealand information pack. And, one pound of trash is removed from the ocean with every order. There are other titles, and enhancements to the titles, as well.

Who would think it could be so easy to become royalty? (Documents: Principality of Sealand)