The Secret History Of Queen Victoria's Disabled Grandson | The Crippled Kaiser | Absolute History

The video script begins with the outbreak of World War I and introduces Kaiser Wilhelm II, the German leader who was also Queen Victoria's grandson. Despite his childhood fondness for the British royal family, he led Germany against Britain. The narrative delves into the private pain and turmoil within the royal family, including a secret disability of a young boy, which is revealed through a cache of hidden royal letters. The letters paint a tragic picture of a royal family grappling with the pressures of power, disability, and personal relationships.

The second paragraph focuses on the birth of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the medical challenges his mother, Princess Victoria (Vicky), faced during childbirth. The use of chloroform and the baby's breech position led to a complicated birth that resulted in Wilhelm's left arm being permanently paralyzed. This disability was seen as a significant setback for a royal child, leading to a relentless search for a cure and a series of traumatic medical treatments that failed to help and only served to distress the future German leader.

The third paragraph details the bizarre and ineffective medical procedures Wilhelm underwent in an attempt to cure his disability. These included animal therapies and forced use of his disabled arm. The treatments were described as medieval and barbaric, causing more psychological trauma than physical benefit. The paragraph also highlights the emotional impact on Wilhelm, who was subjected to these procedures from a young age, and the frustration and desperation of his mother, Vicky, in her quest for a cure.

The fourth paragraph discusses the efforts to hide Wilhelm's disability from the public and the emotional toll it took on his mother, Vicky. It describes how Wilhelm's disability was seen as an embarrassment and how his family practiced camouflage to hide the disability in photographs. The paragraph also reveals the emotional distance that grew between Vicky and Wilhelm due to her inability to accept his condition and the impact this had on their relationship.

The fifth paragraph explores the emotional consequences of Vicky's rejection of Wilhelm due to his disability. It mentions the contrast between Wilhelm's relationship with his mother and his grandmother, Queen Victoria, and how Wilhelm's troubled childhood and the lack of maternal love contributed to his complex personality. The paragraph also touches on the educational pressures placed on Wilhelm and the discovery of intimate letters between Wilhelm and Vicky, which suggest an obsessive relationship.

The sixth paragraph describes Wilhelm's ascension to power as the Kaiser of Germany following the death of his father, Kaiser Friedrich. It highlights his youth, the trauma from his upbringing, and the challenges he faced in leading a powerful state. The paragraph also discusses the impact of Wilhelm's physical disability on his public image and his relationship with his mother, Vicky, who was marginalized in his court.

The seventh paragraph outlines the escalating tensions between Britain and Germany, particularly over naval supremacy. It details Wilhelm's ambition to build a navy to rival Britain's and how this, along with his emotional attachment to his English grandmother, Queen Victoria, contributed to a complex political landscape. The paragraph also describes the personal grief shared by Wilhelm and King Edward VII and the tragic foresight of what their countries' future held.

The eighth paragraph focuses on the political maneuvering between Britain, Germany, and Russia, with Vicky's attempts to persuade Wilhelm to form an alliance with England. It discusses Wilhelm's rejection of this alliance and his decision to pursue a naval buildup that would ultimately turn Britain against Germany. The paragraph also highlights Vicky's growing concern over her son's actions and the political direction of Germany.

The ninth paragraph describes Wilhelm's life in exile after World War I, his refusal to accept blame for the war, and his continued love for Britain despite the strained relationship. It outlines his life at House Dorrenberg, his frustration with the political restrictions placed on him, and his efforts to fight against the image of him as a war criminal. The paragraph also touches on the personal aspects of Wilhelm's life, including his family and his death in 1941.

The final paragraph reflects on the tragic nature of Vicky's life and her failed mission to unite Britain and Germany. It contrasts her life with Wilhelm's, who despite his early trauma, made choices that led to his role in the war and his ultimate downfall. The paragraph concludes with a poignant note on the personal dimensions of the war and the irony of Wilhelm, who was born to unite royal families, becoming the man who tore them apart.