Women Who Lead: How Princess Joan’s Wartime Strength Shaped Sealand
Born into a military family, Princess Joan was just ten years old when World War II broke out. Living near the Essex coast, she witnessed fierce dogfights between British and German aircraft in the skies above her home. Survival depended on quick thinking—she learned to recognize friend from foe and knew to run for cover when danger loomed.
As the war progressed, the threat intensified. When the Germans unleashed V2 rockets and flying bombs, Joan quickly understood the deadly silence that came before impact. The moment the engines cut out, she and her family would sprint to the backyard bomb shelter her father had built, bracing for the explosion.
Hardship, rationing, and constant danger shaped her early years, instilling in her a resilience that would serve her well in the years to come. It is little wonder that when Sealand faced its own battles—against storms, legal threats, and even armed invaders—Princess Joan stood firm. Strength was in her nature.
By the time she was eighteen, Joan had blossomed into a stunning carnival queen and model, but her greatest adventure was yet to come. It was then that she met Roy Bates—the man who would change her life forever, their connection was instant—they married just six weeks later, embarking on a journey filled with adventure.
Joan stood steadfastly by Roy’s side through every challenge, including in 1967, when she was declared Princess of Sealand—on her 38th birthday, solidifying her place in one of history’s most extraordinary stories. In her later years, she divided her time between Sealand, the UK, and Spain, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, loyalty, and unwavering spirit.
Joan never liked the hoist, but that didn’t stop her from keeping everyone well-fed—whether it was a full Christmas lunch or Sealand’s national dish- lobster spaghetti. No matter the challenges of life at sea, she made sure no one went hungry.
She wasn’t a fan of the cold either, but she refused to let it get in the way. Bundled up against the sea winds, she embraced the adventure with unwavering spirit.
And when it came to learning how to shoot? Well, there was one small problem—she couldn’t close one eye to aim! Roy had to improvise, so he stuck an eyepatch on her to get the job done. It might not have been standard military training, but it certainly did the trick!
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, here’s to the strong, resilient, and unstoppable women—whether they’re braving the high seas, keeping traditions alive, or proving that sometimes, an eyepatch is the perfect solution. Here’s to all the women making waves in their own way. Happy International Women’s Day!
