Those Dutch boys are simply too mediocre, they can hardly be called handsome. I really breathed a sigh of relief when that meeting finally ended. They were both so stiff, so pretentious, and extremely tedious. They looked rigid, sluggish, and had a hint of terror on their faces, not charming at all. Well, so much for the "Prince Orange Family," dear uncle!
—1835, Victoria to her uncle, Belgian King Leopold I
The court attendant led Victoria, Arthur, and Leisen through the hall carpeted in dark green, advancing along the northern wing corridor.
Hanging in the corridor were several family portraits from the times of George III and George IV. In the corners stood some Rococo-style pink porcelains brought back from Hanover.
The attendant, while directing them forward, introduced, "Later you may have some refreshments in the lounge; His Majesty the King is currently dealing with a military briefing in the royal study, and we have sent someone to inform him."
