A woman who helped establish a self-proclaimed independent state on a former military platform off the Suffolk and Essex coast has died aged 86. Joan Bates and her late husband Major Roy Bates moved to an anti-aircraft fortress just outside British territorial waters almost 50 years ago.
They declared it an independent state and gave themselves the titles "Prince" Roy and "Princess" Joan of Sealand.
She is survived by their son, Michael.
The flags of Sealand fly at half mast today.
More @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35803407
