I thought it deserved its own title but only a quick story. We did meet a prince and leave and enter Australia on the same day - even got our passports stamped. This was all done in the PHR, Principality of Hutt River. You can check out more info on Wikipedia or the PHR website.
Prince Leonard created his principality in 1970 when he was tired of the Australian Government telling him how much wheat he could or could not grow on his own land. The short story is he created his own empire and therefore does not have to pay taxes to Oz.
He's 88 now and full of smarts so he seems to be able to talk his way into anything. He has a museum of artifacts and honours countries have bestowed on him, including a sword from King Carlos of Spain. There's also a post office with his own stamps and currency, a chapel, and a stone bust of Prince Leonard. He has 7 kids and 22 grandchildren so a well established lineage in place (unfortunately I couldn't talk my way into the inheritance).
Other stories we've heard on the road included a war with Australia that now has him receiving war funds but I don't know the truth in that one. He was a lovely old man and we enjoyed our time in his country but had to get back on the road and reality.
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