Carolyn Shelby
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| Carolyn Shelby | |
|---|---|
| Carolyn I | |
 Queen Carolyn in 2011 | |
| Queen of Ladonia | |
| Reign | 2 June 2011 - present |
| Predecessor | Ywonne I Jarl |
| Born | Carolyn Shelby United States of America |
| Citizenship | American Ladonian (self proclaimed) |
Carolyn Shelby[1][2] is an American micronationalist, notable for serving as the Queen and head of state of the Royal Republic of Ladonia.[3]. Her reign began on June 2, 2011, following the election by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ladonia, succeeding Ywonne I Jarl.[4][5][6]
Early Life and Personal Background
Carolyn Shelby was born in the United States in 1976. According to Ladonia's official website, she resides in the United States and is a mother to three children. Details of her early life and education, which might have influenced her later involvement in micronationalism, are not extensively documented.
Reign as Queen of Ladonia
Shelby ascended to the throne as Carolyn I of Ladonia on June 2, 2011. Her coronation was held on September 19, 2011, at Nimis, the iconic structure in Ladonia.[7] As Queen, Shelby's role encompasses the duties of a constitutional monarch. She works alongside the Cabinet of Ministers, playing a pivotal role in representing and governing the micronation.[7]
Under her leadership, Ladonia has seen significant developments, particularly in its digital infrastructure and international relations. Shelby has been instrumental in creating a more accessible digital presence for Ladonia, including establishing social media accounts and revamping the official website. Her commitment to Ladonia's cultural preservation and the promotion of free speech and artistic expression is a hallmark of her reign.
Ladonia Foundation
Establishment and Purpose
Carolyn Shelby, in her capacity as Queen of Ladonia, founded the Ladonia Foundation, a significant step in institutionalizing the efforts to preserve and promote Ladonia’s unique cultural and artistic heritage. Incorporated in the state of Illinois, USA, the Foundation aims to:
Preserve the iconic sculptures Nimis and Arx, central to Ladonia’s cultural identity. Promote and protect free speech and artistic expression, key values upheld by the micronation.
Activities and Impact
The Ladonia Foundation has become a vital organ in maintaining and funding Ladonia's micronational activities. It provides necessary funding for maintenance activities at Nimis, which are carried out under the supervision of the Minister of Art and Jump, Fredrik Larsson. This initiative is crucial for the ongoing preservation of these significant artworks and the micronation’s natural environment.
Shelby’s Role
As the founder, Shelby’s establishment of the Foundation reflects her commitment to ensuring the longevity and sustainability of Ladonia’s cultural and ideological ethos. This move also signifies her foresight in creating a structured and formal avenue for supporting Ladonia’s initiatives, further solidifying her legacy as a monarch dedicated to the growth and preservation of the micronation.
Trademark Registration
Under Queen Carolyn's leadership, "Ladonia" was successfully registered as a trademark in Sweden and in the European Union in last 2022 and mid-2023, respectively.[8] This strategic decision was aimed at legally safeguarding the micronation’s name and symbol, ensuring control over its use and representation in a legal and commercial capacity. This move signifies an important step in the formalization of Ladonia’s presence and identity on both a national and international level.
Legacy and Impact
Queen Carolyn's tenure is marked by her active participation in the micronational community. She has been recognized for her contributions and has received several honors and awards from various micronations. Her election to the Micronational Hall of Excellence in 2023 highlights her significant impact within this unique sphere.
See also
References
- ^ "The country that became a 'micronation capital'". BBC. 19 April 2022. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
- ^ Balke, Fred (2021-10-11). "Drottningen av Ladonien: "Vår plikt att röra oss framåt"" [Queen of Ladonia: "Our duty to move forward"]. Dagens Nyheter (in Swedish). Stockholm. Retrieved 2021-10-11.
- ^ "Leaders of 3 Unrecognized Nations Share Why They Formed Their Self-Proclaimed States". LX News. 7 July 2022. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
- ^ "The Queen of Ladonia - Ladonia". ladonia.org. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
- ^ "This Country With Over 18,000 Citizens Is Literally Just A Pile Of Sticks". daily meal. 8 September 2017. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
- ^ "Micronaciones hechas en casa: ¿cómo empezar tu propio país?". Algoritmomag (in Spanish). 8 September 2017. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
- ^ a b "The Queen of Ladonia - The Ladonian Monarchy". Ladonia. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
- ^ "Ladonia Trademark Registration". European Union Intellectual Property Office. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
External links
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