Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Astrid vs. Lilian

La Duchesse de Brabant et ses enfants, future Queen Astrid of Belgien with Josephine & Baudouin
The two wives of Leopold III are perennially compared, with Astrid usually being praised and Lilian blamed. (I once saw a really nasty comment on a royalty forum, to the effect that Leopold went from filet mignon to rat's meat!) Astrid was probably the most loved woman in Belgian history while Lilian was the most hated. But is there anyone here who prefers Lilian? If so, I would be interested to hear your reasons.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've never understood the cult of Astrid. She's been overblown into this mythological creature, so of course, in some people's limited mindsets, anyone that follows her has to be scorned and put down.
It's not fair, and it just shows how hypocritical and short-sighted some people are; wanting to believe their own imaginings, not the truth.
What's sad is that they are just taking the limited information out there, and recycling it. They don't make the effort to look a little deeper to find out the truth about people.
Look at what's been found about King Leopold, for instance. The truth always reveals itself, if some people can't accept that, then too bad.

May said...

I can understand why Queen Astrid was greatly loved- she was graceful, refined, charming and kindhearted. But I cannot fathom the way she was made more important even than the King.

Anonymous said...

I can more understand why King Albert and Queen Elisabeth were loved, they made great sacrifices for their country, Queen Astrid? I don't believe she ever did. (which may not be fair because of her untimely death, but doesn't mean her successor deserves such scorn)

May said...

In a way, Lilian made more sacrifices for Belgium due to her strength and courage on behalf of the royal family in captivity...But who mentions that?