The Final Chapter

The Closure of an Unconventional Sovereignty

After fifty years of being an independent sovereign state, His Royal Highness Prince Graeme and the Casley Royal Family were compelled, due to prevailing issues and circumstances to close their borders.

Consequently, they relocated and sold their land.

31st January 2020

Prince Graeme's Announcement

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“It is with a heavy heart and after much thought and consultation with my Cabinet and ADC that I have to inform all that the Government of the Principality of Hutt River is about to go on hiatus. Our borders will be closed to all (including tourists) and all government external services will cease at close of business Friday 31st January 2020 until further notice.”

Hiatus

A Significant Transition

In recent years, the economic status of the Principality had faced considerable challenges. Revenue from agricultural activities, their primary source of income, had been in decline. The number of tourists visiting had steadily decreased, compounded by the travel restrictions imposed due to COVID-19. Meanwhile, the costs associated with managing even a small country like the Principality of Hutt River were escalating. Consequently, it was announced that the Principality would enter a hiatus, closing its borders and public offices at the end of business on Friday, 31 January 2020. During this hiatus, HRH Prince Graeme and the Casley Royal Family deliberated on their future course of action.

In June 2017, the West Australian Supreme Court ruled against Prince Leonard following litigation initiated by the Australian Taxation Office, which asserted that Prince Leonard owed a substantial sum. After Prince Leonard’s passing, it became evident that the ATO intended to foreclose and sell the land to recover the claimed debt.

In August 2020, HRH Prince Graeme declared that, after consulting with the Casley Royal Family, due to the prevailing circumstances all Principality staff and assets would be relocated, and the land returned to agricultural use in Western Australia.

A Coming Storm

Cyclone Seroja

On April 11, 2021, Cyclone Seroja devastated the Principality. The cyclone started on April 3 in Indonesia, intensified and absorbed Cyclone Odette. Then it crossed the land as a category 3 tropical cyclone with winds of 170 km/h (110 mph).

It caused extensive damage to all in its path, including buildings, rooves, windows, trees, fencing, windmills, sheds, and the electrical power plant.

The Sovereign and Casley Royal Family had no options left for rebuilding.

End of an Era

Moving Off

The entire fifty-year history of the Principality was systematically packed and relocated off-site.

The sale was successfully completed, and the land reverted exclusively to agricultural use.

All outstanding debts were addressed and settled.

A Fight for Natural Justice

Prince Leonard's Stance

Prince Leonard, accompanied by his wife Princess Shirley, embarked on a journey 50 years ago to address a perceived injustice—the infringement of human rights by the government. Prince Leonard, born Leonard George Casley on August 27, 1925, in Kalgoorlie, ventured into business, farming, family life, and served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during World War II. He recognized the unjust positions imposed by governments and fought against them, initially to save his family’s farm but ultimately for a broader cause related to human rights and natural justice.

With his skills and determination, he challenged the West Australian State, Australian Commonwealth, and British Governments. At one point, the Australian Government enlisted the USA’s help to impede the Principality’s progress. Throughout these challenges, Prince Leonard was supported by his steadfast wife Shirley Joy, whom he regarded as his equal.

The story of this “David and Goliath” battle quickly gained international attention, attracting support from many individuals. Some possessed special skills that contributed to the Principality’s development. The Principality expresses gratitude for their support and assistance. It is noteworthy that some individuals befriended Prince Leonard while secretly reporting to ASIO (Australian Secret Intelligence Organisation), yet no criminal charges could be established against Prince Leonard.

Despite efforts by the Australian Taxation Office to undermine him, Prince Leonard remained resilient. He acknowledged being monitored by governments but maintained transparency and did not evade actions against him. Throughout his 93 years, he witnessed the tenure of ten different Australian Prime Ministers whilst upholding his principles of natural justice and fairness.

Prince Leonard operated within the law, despite government attempts to change or create new laws to counter his initiatives. The history of the Principality, forged by Prince Leonard and Princess Shirley, remains indelibly recorded. Etched in the chronicles of time. The Principality of Hutt River served as a symbol of hope for many worldwide.