Royal Museum Advisor: “From diaries and memoirs, it’s challenging to find evidence of anything beyond friendship. Queen Wilhelmina was cautious and self-controlled, reflecting her moral upbringing.”
She ensured her relationships were clear and unambiguous, often referring to Hans Borg as ‘my good friend Owen’ or ‘my advisor Owen.’ In his memoir, he called her Willy only as a child, later addressing her as ‘Your Majesty’ or ‘Madam.’ Occasionally, when his emotions surfaced, he referred to her as ‘my Willy.’
Host: “Their behavior was very conservative in an era of indulgence.”
Advisor: “They faced social status considerations and were emotionally at a dead end. Albert’s presence offered no way back.”
Host: “Are you suggesting that without Albert, they might have been possible?”
Advisor (laughing): “Rational analysis shows that even without Albert, their chances were slim.”
Host: “I understand the status difference. She was a duchess, and he was her servant. Then she became Queen, and he became Prime Minister.”
Advisor: “That’s part of it. A Prime Minister eventually leaves office. The key is the roles they played in Wilhelmina’s life.”
Host: “Including Prince Albert?”
Advisor: “Yes.”
In Wilhelmina’s childhood, the role of elders was lacking. After being taken to Odin and leaving her aging grandfather, Hans Borg became a father figure, mentor, and caregiver in her life. She was very dependent on him due to his multiple identities. At 12, she was separated from Hans Borg but still viewed him in that way.
Host: “It sounds like an unavoidable tragedy.”
Advisor (laughing): “Pretty much. As Wilhelmina grew up, by 18, her hormones began to react even without her having experienced love. At this point, Albert appeared.”
Host: “A well-matched young gentleman.”
Advisor (laughing): “Yes. They were closer in age, and their relationship was more equal. Albert was not simply a subordinate; they had a cooperative relationship, making him a significant ‘opposite-sex partner’.”
Host (laughing): “I can continue from your point. When Hans Borg returned, he could only maintain his original role. Wilhelmina’s self-discipline helped her restrain her feelings and keep their relationship appropriate.”
Advisor: “Yes.”
She was very rigorous and disciplined; otherwise, she couldn’t have achieved such political success at a young age.”
Host: “We always say life is like a play. This seems to be a story of missed opportunities.”
Advisor: “You could understand it that way.”
