The Netherlands has recently taken action against a Dutch version of a book that stirred up a media storm concerning the British royal family. The book, titled “The Crown: A Secret History of the British Monarchy,” was originally published in the United Kingdom and criticized members of the royal family for their perceived misdeeds.
The Dutch publisher Penguin Random House decided to translate and publish the book in the Netherlands, but its decision didn’t bode well with the Netherlands’ Royal Institute, which serves as an unofficial body of Dutch opinion concerning the monarchy. After contacting Penguin Random House, the institute was able to get the book pulled from stores in the Netherlands.
The book has been praised by some for its investigation of royal corruption, but outraged the royal family and angered those who believe the monarchy should remain untouchable. It appears that the Netherlands will be broadcasting a message that criticism of the monarchy has its limits, no matter how factual and relevant it may be.
Though the publication of “The Crown: A Secret History of the British Monarchy” in the Netherlands may be delayed, it may be only a matter of time until other countries take it upon themselves to challenge the notion that the royals are above scrutiny. Until then, it seems that the institute’s decision to have the book removed from shelves in the Netherlands will remain unchallenged.
