Called to the throne of my fathers, I have taken over the government, looking to the King of all kings, and have vowed to God, following the example of my father, to be a righteous and gentle prince, to foster piety and the fear of God, to maintain peace, to further the welfare of the country, to be a help to the poor and oppressed, and to be to the righteous man a true protector.

Germany must have her place in the sun.

I look upon the People and the Nation as handed on to me as an responsibility conferred upon me by God, and I believe, as it is written in the Bible, that it is my duty to increase this heritage for which one day I shall be called upon to give an account. Whoever tries to interfere with my task I shall crush.

For the first time, I am ashamed to be a German.

Woe and death to all who resist my will!

Paris for lunch, dinner in St. Petersburg.

I see myself as an instrument of the Almighty and go on my way, regardless of transient opinions and views.