Redonda also is, or appears to be, a micronation which may, arguably and briefly, actually have existed as an independent kingdom during the 19th century. The title to this supposed kingdom is still contested to this day in a half-serious fashion. The "Kingdom" is also often associated with a number of supposed aristocratic members, whose titles are given out freely by whomever is currently the "King". Currently there are a number of different individuals in several different countries who claim to be the sole legitimate "King" of Redonda, but these claims appear to be substantially of the nature of tall tales or humorous hoaxes.
The history of the "Kingdom" of Redonda is shrouded in doubt and legend, and it is difficult to separate fact from fiction.
M. P. Shiel, an author of works of fantasy fiction, was the first person to ever mention the idea of the "Kingdom of Redonda" and that was in 1929, in a promotional pamphlet for a reissue of his books.
According to one of several different versions of the story, his father, Matthew Dowdy Shiell, a banker from Montserrat, claimed the island when his first son, Matthew Phipps Shiell, was born. Supposedly the father felt he could legitimately do this, because it appeared to be the case that no country had officially claimed the islet as territory. Sheill senior is also said to have requested the title of King from Queen Victoria, and as legend has it, she granted it to him as long as there was no revolt against colonial power. The son (originally named Matthew Phipps Shiell but later known as M.P. Shiel) was supposedly crowned on Redonda at the age of 15 by a bishop from Antigua.
However, the whole story appears to have originated decades later with the son, M.P. Shiel, a fantasy and science fiction writer best known for his 1901 novel The Purple Cloud, and so it is possible that some, or most, or possibly all of the story of his being made king of Redonda, may in fact be pure invention.
Kingdom of Redonda from the South West
In any case, again according to one version of the story, M.P. Shiel in later life gave the title, and the rights of his work, to the writer John Gawsworth (Terence Ian Fytton Armstrong), who seems to have sold the title several times, due to permanent bankruptcy. Gawsworth in turn is considered to have bestowed the title, and the rights to his and Shiel's work, to Arthur John Roberts.
Roberts resigned his title in 1997 and named William Leonard Gates as his successor (and bearer of the rights of the work of both Shiel and Gawsworth).
A quote from King Juan II himself (according to King Robert the Bald):
“The legend is and should remain a pleasing and eccentric fairy tale; a piece of literary mythology to be taken with salt, romantic sighs, appropriate perplexity, some amusement, but without great seriousness. It is, after all, a fantasy."
Matthew Phipps Shiell1, 1880 - 1947 (styled as King Felipe)
John Gawsworth2, 1947 - 1967 (styled as King Juan I)
Arthur John Roberts, 1967 - 1989 (styled as King Juan II)
British "King" in Norfolk, England
William Leonard Gates, 1989 - 2008 (styled as King Leo)
American "King" in Antigua, W.I.
Robert Williamson, styled as King Robert or King Bob the Bald and his wife Queen Elizabeth (and their "royal yacht") in Antigua
Spanish "King" in Madrid
Javier Marías
EFE
riter Javier Marías, one of the current claimants of Redonda, tells the story of his "coronation" in Negra espalda del tiempo (published in English as Dark Back of Time). He operates a pet publishing house under the name of Reino de Redonda ("Kingdom of Redonda"), and has created a literary prize with the same name. The reward is several thousand euros and a Redondan duchy.
Several Spanish and foreign artists and writers have been granted Redondan "titles" by Javier Marías, including Pedro Almodóvar (Duke of Trémula), Francis Ford Coppola (Duke of Megalópolis), Alice Munro (Duchess of Ontario), J. M. Coetzee (Duke of Deshonra), Arturo Pérez-Reverte (Duke of Corso), Guillermo Cabrera Infante (Duke of Tigres), A. S. Byatt (Duchess of Morpho Eugenia), and António Lobo Antunes (Duke of Cocodrilos
where you'll find (among other things) a Map of Redonda, the Anthem of thoe micronation (words and music both!), the address where you can contact His Royal Highness, King Robrert the Bald, information on His Majesty's latest book, and an application to join the royal navy.
Now, King Robert the Bald may, or may not be the rightful heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Redonda . . .
Here is a website that givea an opinion to the contrary, naming the present king as King Leo, of the UK, aka William Leonard Gates, fifth King of Redonda :
There's more, about yet another claimant - His Imperial Majesty William I, Emperor of Redonda
this article is about the Kingdom of Redonda with official recognition of the Micronational Professional Registry organisation. The Micronational Professional Registry was contacted by William Leo Timlin, who styles himself as His Imperial and Royal Majesty William I, Emperor of Redonda. While HIRM William I has told us that he is the sole legitimate claimant to the Kingdom of Redonda, now called the Empire of Redonda, no evidence has been provided for this since 9 September 2008, including a mentioned copy of a "Deed of Irrevocable Covenant". The Micronational Professional Registry will continue to recognise the claim of HRH Giancarlo Ezio I of Montedoglio to the Kingdom of Redonda until strong evidence is presented to the contrary.
The Kingdom of Redonda is structured since 1865 as an absolute monarchy, and is connected with the island of Redonda, an unpopulated Caribbean island now part of Antigua and Barbuda. It lies 54 km or 33 miles WSW of the main island, Antigua, and can be seen from there. It is an extinct volcano steeply protruding from the sea.
Christopher Columbus discovered Redonda on 11 November 1493 during his second journey, claimed it for the Spanish crown and named it Santa Maria la Redonda, but did not land on it.
I don't know if this last rererence to a 'William' is to the same person earlier referred to as King Leo. (His real first name is/was William.) There is reference to William Leo Gates, and William Leo Timlin. ARe they the same? Or related? Perhaps one a grandson?
Ha! We all know that this is an usurper and that the only official realm is the one here with Hanna currently in charge. This is a mock travesty to further confuse the issue of sovereignty by placing the realm's location in the Caribbean when we all know it is really in the minds of the beholders.
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