De ​Prinses op de Erwt (The Princess and the Pea)

De Prinses op de Erwt (The Princess and the Pea)

A home for the princess from the Anderson story Princess & The Pea was built in the Spring of 2025.
Princess Adinda arrived on 14th May 2025

Story

Originally an Anderson tale

There was once a prince who only wanted to marry a true princess.
One stormy night, in the pouring rain, a princess from a far away land knocked on the doors of the palace.
The dripping girl with the torn dress who claimed to be a real princess was put to the pea test by the queen.
She hid a pea under twenty mattrasses and twenty down duvets.
Only a true princess would be sensitive enough to have her sleep disturbed by the pea.

To read the full story go to the Efteling souvenir shop and purchase the Efteling Book of Fairy Tales.

Translation

The story of The Princess and the Pea is played on audio during the show. This is in the Dutch language. Please find below a translation for your benefit.

"A prince sought the one, a true princess.
Travelled the world but learned his lesson.
The fate of love won't be denied.
Saddened he went homewards, a heart full of sorrow.
Storm struck the facade, palace felt bleak.
The prince was forlorn, so lonely and still.

Suddenly he heard: pounding on the gate.
There he found a girl, drenched and disheveled.
Seized by love, he lost heart.
Would this guest be one of royal blood?
A pea was hidden, under twenty mattresses.
Would she notice this night, would she surprise him?

The next morning the princess said: Heavens! What was in my bed?
I couldn't sleep a wink!
I was lying on something terribly hard.
And the prince thought...
As you are, is how I see you, no mantle or crown, no symphony.
tis your soft gaze, your earnest voice, your goodness inside that makes you who you are. "