Founded on 23 July 2018, the Grand Duchy of Scheinhafen began as a small breakaway from the United Kingdom, born out of Scheinhafener citizens’ desire to show that there is an alternate option. The Duchy is heavily influenced by the last remaining Grand Duchy with widespread recognition, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with Scheinhafen meaning “Beautiful Harbour” in Luxembourgish. The Duchy consists of two small enclaves in the port cities of Bristol and London within the United Kingdom.

Styled as a grand duchy in the Luxembourgish tradition, Scheinhafen is in practice a constitutional monarchy. The Grand Duke serves as a ceremonial figurehead, while day-to-day governance rests with an elected Parliament. Like many young nations, the Duchy’s story hasn’t been a straight line. It has survived periods of isolation but is now ready to develop into a fully fledged and active micronation.