In the Netherlands, Noordeinde Palace is the setting for one young royal haunting.
In February 1858, a well-known American medium, Daniel Dunglas Home, conducted séances at Noordeinde Palace at the invitation of Queen Sophie.
While exact reports of what occurred are unclear, Home wrote about his visit in a magazine called Spiritual Magazine, where he said he held nine séances. However, Sophie wrote in a letter to a friend that only four were held.
It was during the last séance that a connection was made. Sophie suggested changing rooms to host the séance, and as the pair were walking through the palace, Home sensed that a particular room was the perfect location. Sophie was not surprised as this room belonged to her late son, Maurits, who died from meningitis at age seven.
Participants sat around a table where they saw a silk handkerchief rising from it and floating. A heavy golden ball did the same thing. Soon, a ghost announces its presence. While those in the room call out the alphabet, the ghost knocks when certain letters are recited. Words and sentences are formed from this action.
What exactly was spelt was not revealed; however, Queen Sophie felt a cold hand grab her finger.
Home concluded from the events that Prince Maurits’s ghost was still in the palace. Queen Sophie was so thankful for Home’s assistance that she presented him with a sapphire and diamond ring, saying later: “This is truly one of the most special experiences of my life.”
