In a blow to Nigel Farage and the No campaign, Prince Liam of Sealand confirmed to BuzzFeed News that the government of the human-constructed island, which lies around eight miles off the Suffolk coast, will put diplomatic pressure on the UK to stay within the EU ahead of the in/out referendum.

Sealand is comprised of an off-shore military fort built during World War II. It was occupied and declared as an independent state in 1967 by Paddy Bates – although it has not been recognised by any country. Bates's grandson, Prince Liam, said Sealand is firmly behind Britain's continued membership of the EU.

"From our point of view, the UK would be doing the right thing to stay in Europe," revealed the prince. "It's worked well for them over the years, socially and economically, and it's a time for solidarity – especially with the challenges facing Europe with the rise of Asia."