Joan Bates died on March 14, 2016.
She was a British Sealandic princess.
Herself and her late husband Major Roy Bates moved to an anti-aircraft fortress just outside British territorial waters almost 50 years ago.
Together they declared the island off the coast of England an independent state and gave themselves the titles “Prince” Roy and “Princess” Joan of Sealand.
Reportedly, the Prince” Michael of Sealand said: “My parents will always be remembered for shaking up the establishment with pirate radio, declaring Sealand’s independence and confronting the Royal Navy and other foreign governments.
The island has its own flag, has printed its own stamps, has its own currency and issues passports.
Joan Bates passed away at 86 yrs old.