Judge rules against Leopold's daughters

April 2, 1913

The Belgian Court of Appeal has "delivered final judgment" regarding the $12,500,000 claim against the late King Leopold II of the Belgians by two of his daughters, Princess Louise and Princess Stephanie.

The New York Times reports that the court has dismissed the appeal.  The Public Prosecutor had advised that the court rule in the princesses' favor.

The judgment will place Princess Louise, who is "overwhelmed with debts," in a very difficult position.

The lawsuit dealt with the late King's property in the Congo.  Princess Louise and Princess Stephanie had rejected the offer of the Minister of Justice that "they take $7,500,000, of their share."  Now everything will be turned over to Belgium and the Niederfulbach Foundation.