My Own Affairs

In this candid memoir, the eldest daughter of a Belgian king recounts her life from the glitter of royal ceremonies to the harsh realities of war. She guides the listener through European courts, from Munich to Budapest, where she endured captivity by Hungarian Bolshevists and witnessed the collapse of empires. Her reflections reveal a woman torn between duty, personal ambition, and a deep, often unspoken love for her homeland.

Through frank observations on power, honor, and the emptiness that can accompany privilege, she critiques the politics that shaped the early twentieth century while remaining rooted in her Christian upbringing. The narrative balances personal tragedy—an early marriage, broken relationships, and exile—with a broader concern for the suffering of ordinary people caught in the conflict. Listeners will find a poignant blend of historical insight and intimate self‑examination, offering a fresh perspective on a turbulent era.