Some people are born more fortunate than others.
Such was the case with me.
But as a child, I was convinced of quite the opposite .
What little girl does not dream of growing up as a princess ?
But some palaces are not at all what you'd think.
Even a palace... can be a prison .
Mama never explained why she would have someone taste my food.
Why I couldn't attend school with other children or read popular books .
When my father died, Mama and her adviser, Sir John Conroy, created rules.
He said they were for my protection , and he called it the Kensington System.
I could not sleep in a room without Mama or even walk downstairs without holding the hand of an adult .
I learned the reason for all this when I was 11 .
My uncle William was the King of England.
Yet he and his three brothers could boast only one living child. And that was me.
Sir John's dream was that the King would die and there would be a Regency, where my mother would rule England and he would rule my mother.
So I began to dream of the day when my life would change...
.. and I might be free .
And I prayed for the strength to meet my destiny .
(whispers) I will be good.
2
(00:07:51)
England is the key to peace in Europe.
Your uncle's throne is six years old and born o f civil war .
He only took the crown of Belgium because England pledged her support.
And if he's to survive, he must have English force at his disposal .
Favourite novels?
- Sie hat nicht viele Romane gelesen.
- English. Always English.
1

She has not read many novels.
They were forbidden until last year.
- But she did like...?
- The Bride of Lammermoor.
- By?
- Sir Walter Scott.
- Other recreations?
- Drawing. The famous dolls, of course. Piano. Music, generally. It's hard to believe she knows so little, Schubert.
Never mind Schubert. She likes modern composers.
- Is she permitted the theatre?
- Only the opera and ballet .
Which opera does she like best?
- Norma?
I Puritani!
3
(00:14:28)
Do you ever feel like a chess piece yourself?
In a game being played against your will?
- Do you?
- Constantly.
I see them leaning in and moving me around the board .
The Duchess and Sir John?
Not just them. Uncle Leopold. The King. I'm sure half the politicians are ready to seize hold of my skirts and drag me from square to square. (laughs)
Then master the rules of the game until you play it better than they can.
You don't recommend I find a husband to play it for me?
I should find one to play it with you, not for you.
4.
00:37:40
I mourn sincerely the death of my dear uncle, the King, but I know I may count on you to serve me as loyally as you served him.
I am young , but I am willing to learn .
And I mean to devote my life to the service of my country and my people.
2