The founders and promoters were Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands and the Polish political advisor Józef Retinger. The first annual meeting of European politicians, bankers and monarchs, and American politicians and bankers was in 1954
The Bilderberg Group has been the subject of much controversy and speculation over the years, with some people accusing it of being a shadow government or a secret society that wields undue influence over world events.
Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands
Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands was a controversial and influential figure in European history, known for his role in the Dutch resistance during World War II and his later involvement in politics and international affairs.
Born in 1911 in Jena, Germany, Prince Bernhard was the son of Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld and Princess Armgard of Sierstorpff-Cramm. He was raised in a privileged and aristocratic household, and he received a classical education at the universities of Lausanne and Berlin.
During World War II, Prince Bernhard played a key role in the Dutch resistance, working behind enemy lines to gather intelligence and sabotage German operations. He was arrested and imprisoned by the Gestapo, but he managed to escape and make his way to London, where he joined the Allied forces.
After the war, Prince Bernhard returned to the Netherlands and married Princess Juliana, the future queen of the Netherlands. He became a prominent figure in Dutch politics and international affairs, serving as the country’s ambassador to the United Nations and playing a key role in the founding of the World Wildlife Fund.
However, Prince Bernhard’s later years were marked by controversy and scandal. He was involved in several financial scandals, and he was accused of accepting bribes from the arms company Lockheed. Despite these controversies, Prince Bernhard remained a popular and influential figure in the Netherlands, and he continued to be active in public life until his death in 2004.
Polish political advisor Józef Retinger
Józef Retinger was a Polish political advisor and diplomat who played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Europe in the mid-20th century.
Born in Krakow in 1888, Retinger was educated in Austria and Germany before returning to Poland to work as a journalist and political activist. He was a strong supporter of Polish independence and worked tirelessly to promote the cause of Polish nationalism.
As the tensions between Europe’s great powers began to escalate in the lead-up to World War II, Retinger became increasingly involved in international diplomacy. He worked closely with the British government and played a key role in securing support for Polish independence from other European powers.
In the aftermath of World War II, Retinger continued to work tirelessly to promote Polish interests on the world stage. He worked closely with other European leaders to promote the cause of European unity and cooperation, and he played a key role in the creation of the European Union.
But despite his many accomplishments, Retinger remains a somewhat mysterious and controversial figure. Some have accused him of being a spy or a manipulator, using his influence to shape the political landscape of Europe to serve his own ends.
Others have praised him as a visionary and a tireless advocate for peace and unity, working tirelessly to bring the nations of Europe together in a spirit of cooperation and understanding.
In the end, the true nature of Józef Retinger may never be fully understood. But his impact on the political landscape of Europe will be felt for generations to come.