Dutch royal palace Soestdijk, December 2004. Courtiers search the controversial, just deceased former prince-consort Bernard's estate as commanded by queen-regnant Beatrix. In 2003, he explained to Maxima, the pregnant wife of his grandson, crown prince Willem-Alexander', how dynastic succession works and is arranged. Reckenwalde, May 1934. Bernard 'Barnilo/ Benno', heir to the (nominal) prince of Lippe-Biesterfeld, is a masterly womanizer. Initially he prefers an industrial career to marrying Dutch queen Wilhelmina's shy heiress Juliana, his dying father's wish, but changes his mind after catching his lover cheating.
—KGF Vissers