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- Aug 13, 2004
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As posted by Joris on the Benelux Royals MB:
It never stops, eh. What a mess. The late Prince Bernhard, again.
From a biography, also thesis, about former (Social Democratic) Dutch Prime Minister Joop den Uyl by Annet Bleich it now appears (rumours had been "singing around" for years) that Prince Bernhard been again involved in illegal corruption practices. After the Lockheed affair had been dealt with with the utmost care and with all consequences for Prince Bernhard (stripped from military functions and uniform), it was proven that Bernhard (and consorts) also received money from Northrop (US$ 750,000, in portions).
Surely the Prince would be sued for this at Court.
BUT the Prime Minister decided not to deal with this matter and "verdonkeremaande" this. How do I translate this? Stifle this? Put the evidence in a drawer for ever...
Princess Beatrix was desperate and feared for all the cans of worms... and was visisted by Wim Duisenberg (Minister of Finances) several times at Drakesteyn.
Queen Juliana showed her gratitude in a letter to him (also published in the biography). Was signed: Uw oude praatpaal (Funny word for Your confidante, someone you complain to in confidence).
It gives me a dirty taste in my mouth.
That my present monarchy is rescued by the mere fact that something was hidden because it was too bad to be true...
Either the Dutch monarchy would have come to an end or we would perhaps have had a Queen Margriet (she is known for her personal sense of duty?)(Princess Beatrix not willing to succeed under such circumstances: becoming Queen because Juliana had to abdicate for being married to someone who would have been condemned guilty in criminal acts.)...
Still surviving politicians think indeed that the Prince would have been sued if things had become known then.
What an incredible mess.