Is Island Prince Michael Eccentric, or Onto Something?

What could be more bad*** than forming your own country in the middle of the North Sea with a founding myth of pirate radio rock 'n' roll? Prince Michael (Bates), son of the late Prince Roy and Princess Joan, was born a Brit. His father, a former military officer during World War II, a dashing James Bond-type, was married to an equally glamorous woman who herself could have starred in a 007 film. 

Prince Roy was with the British Army, serving in Italy, Africa, and the Middle East. Still, he always held a healthy skepticism of government. In the 1960s, Prince Roy decided to get into the "pirate radio" business by taking over an abandoned sea fort in international waters and broadcasting rock music that the BBC forbade. Later, he took yearslong steps to make this set of concrete towers in the North Sea his own private country, Sealand. Its motto is "E Mare Libertas: From the sea, freedom." There has been a constant security struggle, because lots of people would love a stateless territory from which to do nefarious business unchecked. 

Prince Michael went from boarding school to becoming a teenage ship's mate, with his own modern form of derring-do. His autobiography, "Holding the Fort," reads like a thriller: abductions, weapons, supreme athleticism and survival skills, making do with vintage equipment, all add to the excitement.

After struggling to getting a working phone connection out there, we conducted the interview by email. I wondered what the legal status of Sealand is today. "While the UK might have extended its territorial waters 'UNCLOS 82' we do not recognize that they encompass our historical rights, much like Spain and Gibraltar."

Thinking of the rafts and rowboats of migrants descending on Europe, I wanted to know if that affected Sealand's operations and alert levels. "Not many of them cross near us unless they are lost. We always keep alert for ships and sailors in distress."

Prince Michael is a fantastic writer; his memory for details going back decades is incredible. I asked about that. "I guess when you were there and the times were exciting, it's hard to forget. Not that I want to forget those adventures."

I noted the contradictions with his dad, wondering about his heroic war service, yet  he was adamant about carving out his identity away from the U.K. After all, he came to see Sealand as "his life's work." "My father was offended by the way the British government dealt with 'Pirate Radio' (it was the government who foolishly branded them pirates trying to be detrimental but of course, the press loved it.) When they closed the stations down, they issued licenses to local businesses and not the radio pioneers like my dad. Having said that, my father and I would have still stepped forward to defend the UK if they needed our help. Then and now."

I was shocked to learn that the neighboring North Sea countries seemed to resent his having freedom, doing his own thing on a tower — they all wanted to control him. "France was supportive; President [Georges] Pompidou wrote to us. It was mainly the UK that wanted us stopped. They feared a 'Cuba' off the east coast (words they used)."

I noted that I had not realized the sheer physicality of going to and living on Sealand. "Anything to do with island life is challenging and expensive."

I wondered with modern electronics and developments in nonperishable food, what was Sealand like today. "We have everything you have at home. Even 5G internet from the UK and Elon Musks' Starlink' satellite service."

I read that initially, fishing didn't go well for them but eventually improved. I wondered how their most likely source of food was going: How is the fishing there today? "Nothing like as good as years ago."

I asked if he ever dreamed about bringing back a pirate radio station. "No, we have moved on from that era."

Prince Michael's lifestyle has changed since he was a teen. I wondered how often he got back to the U.K. "Quite a lot. I'm nearly 72 and have 8 grandchildren."

Back on Sealand, he and his wife are not lonely, either. "We have constant stream of press and friends."

I recalled that his folks had a dramatic change in fortune, going from having to use World War II rusty tools and then traveling first class around the world to meet with leaders and big investors. "Times have changed. We are still humble, but able to enjoy life more now."

Looking toward the future, Prince Michael said that, hopefully, it will include "an island raised from the sea."

Tamar Alexia Fleishman was the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's youngest female solo violinist. A world-traveler, Fleishman provides readers with international flavor and culture. She's debated Bill Maher, Greta Van Susteren and Dr. Phil. Fleishman practices law in Maryland with a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and a B.A. in Political Science from Goucher College. Read Tamar Alexia Fleishman's Reports — More Here.