Dora visits her mother in sanitarium

February 26, 1903

The Duke and Duchess of Schleswig-Holstein recently visited the Duchess' mother, Princess Philipp of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha at Dr. Pierson's Sanitarium near Dresden.

The Duchess -- Princess Dorothea -- has not seen her mother, the eldest of the three daughters of King Leopold II of the Belgians, since before her marriage, which took place five years ago. 

Princess Louise was confined to the asylum about eighteen months before her daughter's marriage, according to the Marquise de Fonentoy.

The Duke and Duchess spent several hours visiting with the Princess, who accompanied them to the train station, where "she took leave of them in the most affectionate manner.

The meeting between Dorothea and her mother has provided non-stop conversation at the European courts.  It appears that the Princess is in "a far better state of health, mentally speaking, than has been asserted.

The timing of the meeting is also said to be significant as it follows "so closely on the sensational and scathing denunciation of Prince Philipp in the Hungarian parliament."

He was assailed by several MPs over his private life, especially "his treatment of his wife."  The members of Parliament offered so many "proofs in support of their assertions as to carry conviction in the minds of those present."

So far Prince Philipp has not defended himself against the attacks upon his "honor and upon his private character."  There have also been questions about the Prince's relationship with the late financier Baron von Hirsch.  Prince Philipp is said to be one of the "most unpopular of princes" who may "receive his just desserts," and his estranged wife may soon receive her liberty.