Description
Book Synopsis New York City native Mary Esther Lee (1837-1914) first married in 1864 the Prince von Noer, brother of the Queen of Denmark, and was created a princess in her own right after his death. An active philanthropist to Protestant causes, she then married Count Alfred von Waldersee whose close ties to the Prussian court made her an intimate friend of Kaiser Wilhelm II and a mentor and valued friend to his young wife. Although she preferred to remain in the background, Mary''s influence caused intense jealousy by those at court who resented her friendship with the kaiser and kaiserin. This biography chronicles the remarkable life of an American woman whose wealth and influence enabled her to rise to power in the Prussian royal court.
Trade ReviewThe Kaiser was an intolerable old brute. But Mary Lee had a subtle influence on him which until now has been somewhat overlooked. Hutto gives us much to think about in this impeccably researched book."" - Royal biographer Hugo Vickers, author of
Elizabeth, The Queen Mother; Behind Closed Doors: The Tragic, Untold Story of the Duchess of Windsor; Alice: Princess Andrew of Greece; The Private World of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
