Redonda Travel Guide

The tiny rocky outcrop known as Redonda, 35 miles (55km) south west of Antigua in the Caribbean, lays claim to being the world's smallest island kingdom, although the rightful heir to the title is apparently in dispute if one peruses the several 'official' Kingdom of Redonda websites on the Internet! In fact the little island went up for grabs simply because no-one wanted it back in the mid-19th century, when all it seemed good for was a source of guano deposited by its rich bird population. Along came an ambitious Irishman, Matthew Shiell, who laid claim to the 'lump of rock' and declared his son to be its king. The kingdom was acknowledged by Britain, and King Felipe's reign continued until his death, by which time he had gained a reputation as a novelist. Poet John Gawsworth became the new king, and currently the title is held by one 'King Robert the Bald'. The kingdom's subjects are all feathered or scaly, and the island is a favourite haunt for keen birdwatchers, renowned for having a small population of the rare Burrowing Owl.