Een vreemdelinge in Den Haag

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Princess Sophie Frederika Mathilde of Wurttemberg (1818-1877) married her first cousin, William, Prince of Orange, in 1839. Known for her intelligence and ambition, Sophie, a great-granddaughter of Catherine the Great, sought to influence the House of Orange's affairs. However, after the birth of two sons, her relationship with William deteriorated, leading to her isolation from the family in The Hague. To combat this loneliness, she engaged in extensive correspondence with various influential figures, including heads of state, royal relatives, and intellectuals. As family tensions escalated following William's ascension to the throne in 1849, Sophie formed a close friendship with Marina Dora Spading, Lady Malt, whom she met in 1842. Their bond, though marked by infrequent meetings, became a significant source of support for Sophie. Her letters to Lady Malt reveal a compelling mix of personal reflections and astute observations on the European political landscape. This selection of her correspondence offers a candid and insightful perspective on mid-nineteenth-century Europe, showcasing her unique voice amidst the complexities of her life and times.