Ill-Fated Facts About Leopold III of Belgium, The King Who Lost A Kingdom
Leopold III came to power during a horrifying time in Europe. He became the King of the Belgians just as an ominous and terrifying power was rising in Germany. The problem was, Leopold seemed to have a hidden agenda. But it was so hidden, that it was impossible to know whose side this secretive king was actually on—until it was far too late.
1. He Was Destined For Power
On November 3, 1901, Prince Leopold was born into a pretty cozy situation. In fact, as the son of Belgium’s royal heir, he was already destined to wield great power. However, nobody could foresee the dangers that lay in wait for the young prince. With these great odds of success, you have to wonder how it all went so wrong.
2. Danger Darkened His Doorstep
As expected, in 1909, Leopold’s father became King Albert. Of course, eight-year-old Leopold also got a boost: He was now the Duke of Brabant. Everything was going swimmingly until the summer of 1914. Disaster struck when the Germans invaded Belgium. Instead of wanting to protect their young son, Leopold’s father made a shocking decision.
3. He Was Too Young To Fight
King Albert allowed 12-year-old Leopold to play soldier and join the Belgian army, that is, until the situation took a startlingly dark turn. By 1915, Belgium was crawling with Germans.
The King wisely pulled his son out of the army and placed him in Eton College in England. Leopold stayed safely secured at school while his father bravely fought the Germans in France.
It was touch and go there for a while. Would his father survive? If he didn’t, what would happen to Leopold?
4. He Had To Find A Wife
Luckily, the grim reaper spared Leopold’s family…at least, for now. After Germany lost WWI, the prince, along with the rest of Europe, tried to return to normal life as best they could. With the future looking more secure, it was time for him to find a wife. And, as fate would have it, there was an eligible princess waiting in the wings. But there was only one problem.
