The Principality of Hutt River, often referred to by its former name, the Hutt River Province, was an unrecognised micronation in Australia. The micronation was founded on 21 April 1970 when Leonard Casley declared his farm to be an independent country, the Hutt River Province. He attempted to secede from Australia over a dispute concerning wheat production quotas. A few years later, Casley began styling himself as “Prince Leonard” and granting family members royal titles, although he did not include the word “principality” in the official name until 2006.
The principality was located in the state of Western Australia. It was not recognised as a country by the Australian Government nor any other national government, and the High Court of Australia and Supreme Court of Western Australia rejected submissions arguing that it was not subject to Australian laws.
The principality was a regional tourist attraction until it announced it was closed to tourists after 31 January 2020. In February 2017, at the age of 91 and after ruling for 45 years, Casley abdicated the throne in favour of his youngest son, Prince Graeme. Prince Leonard died on 13 February 2019.
In December 2019 the principality announced that it would close its borders and cease its external government services as of 31 January 2020, until further notice. On 3 August 2020 the principality formally dissolved.
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