While Bernhard recovers at home, Juliana dies. Máxima assists Bernhard during the mourning period, and she hears how Bernhard - and with him the monarchy - almost falls because of the Lockheed-Affair. There is revealed how the breach between Bernhard and Beatrix arose.
With the passing of Bernhard the way to the throne for Máxima and Alexander seems to be cleared. However Beatrix seems to have more reasons to not step down. Reason which hurt Máxima.

Christmas 2003. Despite all promises of Bernhard, Beatrix still doesn't step back and Máxima finally knows why. Bernhard can't do anything else than to tell about one of his low points in his life: The Greet Hofmans crisis. Bernhard admits as long as he lives, Beatrix will sit on the throne.
After a major Alzheimer attack and a vivacious conversation with Beatrix, Bernhard collapses in front of Máxima.

Bernhard tries to speak to Máxima, so he can correct his mistake. However he can only do this by telling about his missteps during the Second World War. When he has finally convinced her, Beatrix tells the real reason for not stepping down: Bernhard.

The day after Queens-day 2003 Princes Máxima tells Prince Bernhard she wants to give up the Royal life. Beatrix doesn't even worry about giving up the throne. Bernhard is shocked and tries to convince her by telling the story about how he was brought in to the Royal family during the Nazi-regime. But an unexpected revelation makes the situation even worse. Máxima storms away furious.