Shortly before the coronation, Prince Ernst of Wortumborg became a suitor for her hand.

The King was very much pleased.

Prince Ernst was a cousin of the Princess Hildegarde's father, and had striven for the principality in the days gone by.

The King, thinking to repair the imaginary wrongs of the Prince, forced the suit.

He impressed upon the Princess that it was marry the Prince or give up her principality.