Marriage and controversy In 1941, at the invitation of Queen Elisabeth, Lilian visited Laeken Castle, where King Leopold III, now a prisoner of war, was held by the Germans under house arrest. This visit was followed by several others, with the result that Leopold III and Lilian fell in love. Leopold proposed marriage to Lilian in July 1941, but Lilian declined his offer because "Kings only marry princesses," she said. Queen Elisabeth, however, prevailed upon Lilian to accept the King's offer. Lilian agreed to marry the King, but declined the title of queen. Instead, the King gave Lilian the title Princess of Belgium, a.k.a. Princess of Réthy, with the style Royal Highness. It was agreed that descendants of the King's new marriage would be titled Prince/Princess of Belgium with the style Royal Highness but excluded from succession to the throne.
Marriage and controversy In 1941 at the invitation of Queen Elisabeth Lilian visited Laeken Castle where King Leopold III now a prisoner of war was held by the Germans under house arrest This visit was followed by several others with the result that Leopold III and Lilian fell in love Leopold proposed marriage to Lilian in July 1941 but Lilian declined his offer because "Kings only marry princesses" she said Queen Elisabeth however prevailed upon Lilian to accept the King's offer Lilian agreed to marry the King but declined the title of queen Instead the King gave Lilian the title Princess of Belgium aka Princess of Réthy with the style Royal Highness It was agreed that descendants of the King's new marriage would be titled Prince/Princess of Belgium with the style Royal Highness but excluded from succession to the throne