Photographing the Self-Proclaimed King of Everland

PhotoPersonal

19 Mar

Introduction

Recently, I was invited by journalist Wil Crisp to photograph Steve Ogier, the self-declared "King of Everland." The photos were featured in the Independent - The man who declared himself king, revealing the complexities of Ogier's journey. With looming legal repercussions, he remains steadfast in his quest for sovereignty.

“Steve Ogier could face two years behind bars after trying to get around planning rules by declaring his land a sovereign state and making himself king. He tells Wil Crisp about his journey so far, and why he won’t give up without a fight”

Meeting the 'King'

Arriving at Everland, we were greeted by a vivid flag flying over a WWII bunker next to a few cars in an overgrown car park. The surrounding area was the serene Guernsey landscape, buzzing with the sounds of nature and the occasional tractor passing by in the hedgerows. Within minutes of meeting Steve, It was immediately clear that Ogier wasn't an eccentric dreamer; he was a man deeply committed to his ideals.

The Origins of Everland

In 2019, Steve Ogier declared his Guernsey land a sovereign state to bypass planning rules inhibiting him from building a home for his daughter and himself. The territory, named Everland after his daughter Evelyn, spans 150 feet by 50 feet and contains WWII-era bunkers. Despite evictions, arrests, and over £20,400 in costs, Ogier remains resolute.

An International Dispute

His case reached Guernsey's Royal Court, where he referenced the 1933 Montevideo Convention to argue for Everland's sovereignty. The court ultimately rejected his claims, stating Everland didn't meet the criteria for a stable population. Undeterred, Ogier continues to seek international recognition and has even garnered hundreds of online supporters who have registered as "citizens" of Everland.

Questions of Fairness

Ogier's struggle raises questions about planning regulations and the rights of individuals to use their land as they see fit. Is it justified to levy potentially severe legal consequences on someone who perceives the system as imbalanced?

Conclusion

Whether you view Steve Ogier as a maverick, a disruptor, or simply a father trying to create a home, the photos taken during this assignment serve as an indelible record of a unique chapter in contemporary Guernsey history.

Ogier plans to take his case to the European Court of Human Rights, but for now, he stands defiant, adding a distinct hue to the rich tapestry of characters who challenge societal norms. This photoshoot wasn't just another day at the office; it was a window into the complex battle between individualism and regulation.

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