IT was the end of a colourful era when Australia’s own bush prince officially abdicated as reigning monarch of the Principality of Hutt River in February, stepping aside for his youngest son, Prince Graeme.
The micronation, 500 kilometres north of Perth, was ruled by Prince Leonard for almost 47 years.
Now 91 and in declining health, the prince decided he should hand over sovereignty of the 75 sq km state while still able to offer help and support to his successor.
His path to royalty started back in 1970 when he was plain old Leonard Casley.
A battle with the state government over wheat quotas and moves giving the government power to resume any rural lands under compulsory acquisition led the Kalgoorlie-born wheat farmer to take a bold step.
He seceded from Australia as a way of protecting his livelihood and became His Royal Highness Prince Leonard.
Over the years the self-taught mathematician and physicist used British common law, Geneva conventions and his knowledge of the Australian constitution to stave off legal challenges from various government departments.
Not bad for someone who, like many of his generation, had to leave school at 14 to go out to work.
“I never intended to be a prince or expected to be one so long,” he said.
“But circumstances warranted it and there were benefits obtained under the Treason Act of 1495 that gave protections to all those in the principality who assisted me.
“It has been very challenging but I thrive on challenges in mathematics, physics and politics.
“However, politics is my least favourite, as it is very dirty.”
Under Prince Leonard’s reign Hutt River grew into a tourist drawcard.
An average of 25 people a day make their way to the remote regal outpost to view the royal art collection, have their passports stamped, buy Hutt River stamps and currency, take in the large stone bust of Prince Leonard and pose for a picture on the royal thrones.
The late Jon English recorded Hutt River’s national anthem, Norman Gunston begged for a knighthood and there are 13,000 citizens around the globe.
“I am very proud of the principality and its development under lots of pressure and adverse times,” Prince Leonard said.
He is confident Prince Graeme, a school teacher by profession, is ready to take the reins.
“I don’t think he needs much advice, just be his normal self and follow the constitution.”
The 60-year-old prince, who took the throne with the blessing of his six older siblings – there are a total of 57 grand and great grandchildren – acknowledged he has big shoes to fill.
But he believes his parents – his mother Princess Shirley died in 2013 – have created a solid foundation.
Improving relations with Australia will be a national priority. The Australian Taxation Office recently served
a writ to the royal family, claiming they owe $2.65 million in unpaid tax.
“We hope this current issue will be the last of the big ones and we can get on with more harmonious relations with our closest neighbour,” Prince Graeme said.
“We feel we can have a mutually beneficial relationship. We have a very strong relationship with our local shire and we support each other, but once you step further away it’s a different story.
“It is like having a feud with a neighbour for 47 years.
“That slight pressure is always there and Dad has borne the brunt of it.
“Ninety-nine per cent of people we meet these days are supportive and that encouragement has kept him going.
“He believes it is a basic human right to earn your income and keep your property.
“It’s a universal story and one people respond to. They realise he speaks from the heart and are inspired by what he has done.”