German Emperor in Austrian Uniform 148 Nicholas II and the Heir of Russia 164 King Albert of Belgium 186 King Haakon of Norway 198 Infanta Eulalia at Window of Her Apartments 218 INTRODUCTION I have endeavoured in these pages to present a true picture of Court life. It is a life hedged about by many restrictions; to me a great deal of it all was empty and meaningless. I say nothing of those who are actively engaged in the duties of rulership; but to the other members of Royal families, life is little more than a round of useless ceremonies, from which a mind with any pretence to independence flies in relief--does opportunity offer. I have left behind me the life of Courts and palaces. But for many years, in my own youth, and while my sons were growing up into manhood, I fulfilled my part as a Princess of Spain, after my marriage visiting practically all the Courts of Europe. I have written here of these visits and of my impressions of the rulers of Europe, and, while I hope there is much in this book of kindliness and sympathy, yet I have considered truth to be the first essential in these recollections. I am democratic in my sympathies, and consider the day has gone by when Royalty should live behind closed blinds. The world, as I see it, is peopled by one big family. We are all brothers and sisters; let us know one another better. Paris, 1915. COURT LIFE FROM WITHIN CHAPTER I THE SEEDS OF REVOLT “The time has come,” the Walrus said, “To talk of many things, “Of shoes and ships and sealing-wax, “Of cabbages and kings.” _Alice in Wonderland._