Legal Opinion

By Briger & Associates Attorneys at Law

805 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10022

Dear Mr. Addy,

Re: Principality of Sealand

You have requested our opinion concerning the legal status of the Principality of Sealand, a steel and concrete construction situated some three miles outside the United Kingdom territorial waters, and between 60 and 100 miles from Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Sealand is built on the sea-bed approximately 30 feet below it, and the sea-bed adjacent to Sealand is accordingly particularly suitable for land reclamation. We understand that you are seeking to raise funds, inter alia, to finance this reclamation. Originally under the control of Great Britain and used as an anti-aircraft emplacement, Sealand was abandoned by the United Kingdom after the Second World War. In 1967 Mr. Roy Bates, Prince Roy of Sealand, and his family, took possession of Sealand and have controlled it since then, maintaining its independence and sovereignty, and establishing a constitution, legal system and institutional infrastructure.

You have advised that the independence and sovereignty of the Principality of Sealand have been accepted in different ways by several Governments, for example, by court and administrative decisions, correspondence, and negotiating positions. No attempt has been made to obtain diplomatic recognition or sovereign state rights, e.g., membership of the United Nations, and other similar bodies. However, you have advised that the United Kingdom has acknowledged and accepted Prince Roy's possession and control of Sealand, including making special customs arrangements for anyone traveling to or from Sealand.

The independence of the Principality of Sealand has been recognized by several Governments which negotiated with Prince Roy the resolution of certain difficulties arising from the imprisonment of their nationals on Sealand. Moreover, it is clear from the facts which you have presented to us, that the authorities of several counties recognize the Principality of Sealand as an independent entity, separate from and not part of the United Kingdom or any other country. This is further supported by the fact, as you have advised, Prince Roy and the members of his family have traveled into many countries on their Sealand Passports.\par In the light of the above facts, and having considered and relied upon the legal opinions which you have given us, including in particular the opinions of Professor Walter Leisner and Professor Belo Vitanyi which confirm the independence and sovereignty of the Principality of Sealand, it is our opinion that Sealand should be considered, de facto, a sui iuris and independent legal entity governed by its own constitution and laws, and is subject only to international law.