Consultant (laughing heartily): “That shouldn’t be complicated. At that time, Wilhelmina was a young, beautiful blonde girl. She was intelligent and clever, noble but approachable. Their similar educational backgrounds naturally gave them many common topics. Young, handsome men and beautiful women falling in love doesn’t require too many external factors – hormones decide everything.”
In the Palace of Paris, where the royal couple lived for 45 years, portraits from various periods of the royal family adorn the walls. Wilhelmina created a small world exclusive to their family, keeping politics outside.
Warmth is the main tone here, with ivory-yellow floral wallpaper, handmade cushions, and mugs made by the children. Crafts by Wilhelmina and the children are preserved in picture frames, and their drawings are carefully collected.
In the portrait titled “Spring Day,” we see the happiness and harmony of the royal family. The husband lifts his son to pick apples while the wife distributes snacks to the children. Sunlight falls on the grass as a small dog chases butterflies. The mother is not a queen, the father not a royal consort, and the children are not princes and princesses. Without attendants or nannies, the scene resembles an ordinary middle-class family. This image reflects the approach Wilhelmina and her husband sought to create, making royalty appear more approachable.
In contrast, Hans Borg’s lifelong bachelorhood has been a topic of discussion. His memoir confirmed speculation that he was deeply in love with the Queen.
The confession in the memoir was subtle yet clear, and Hans Borg instructed that it be published after Wilhelmina’s death to avoid embarrassing her.
Borg’s gentle approach to emotions contrasted with his bold political stance, leading to admiration among women after the memoir’s release. His actions embodied the ideal lover, symbolizing deep love and selfless devotion.
Host: “From Hans Borg’s memoir, we can see his emotional journey with Wilhelmina. Initially, he loved and protected her like a child. (Reading from the book) ‘I finally saw her. She looked so happy and excited, hugging me like she did when she was a child. I realized she had grown to my chin and had blossomed into a beautiful young woman.'”
Six years ago, she was a 12-year-old girl; now, at 18, she was a beautiful young woman. At thirty, Borg was in his prime. Did they not develop even a hint of romantic feelings?
