Anecdotes
Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands was noted for the indomitability of her spirit.
During the First World War, the Kaiser dreaming of European conquest, tried to impress her with Germany’s strength, “Our guardsmen,” he boasted,” are seven feet tall.”
“And when we open our dykes,” the queen replied quietly,” the waters are ten feet deep.”
9.
On the eve of the outbreak of WWI, Albert I of Belgium was entertaining a powerful ally. The chieftain from the Belgian Congo was well received at the palace and after dinner, in his honor the members of the royal orchestra filed into the hall on a given signal. While they sat down and began tuning their instruments the king asked what kind of music he wished to listen. “ My orchestra will be happy to oblige,” proposed the king.
“That’ s it,” replied the guest,” they are playing it now.”
The king nodded graciously and for the rest of the evening the assembled guests listened while the orchestra tuned up.”
benny
posted by benny @ 3:09 PM
2 Comments:
I once visited Veurne in Belgium, near the French border. In the beautiful, typically Flemish old Town Hall, we were shown around the office where the King worked, virtually in exile through the First War. I suppose it was a comment on his impotentcy that he was left untroubled for a long time.
In those days gentlemanly behaviour, class distinctions were still followed. Imagine Saddam being treated in such manner as William II received in the hands of the Dutch! He even found a partner.
benny
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