Why was the last Queen of Vietnam not liked by her mother-in-law?

Queen Nam Phuong 's real name was Nguyen Huu Thi Lan, born into a wealthy Catholic family in the South. When she married King Bao Dai, Nguyen Huu Thi Lan was just over 20 years old and was crowned Queen right after the wedding.

With her beauty and education, Queen Nam Phuong was loved by many people. However, like many other daughters-in-law, she also had to face quite fierce conflicts with her mother-in-law, Queen Mother Doan Huy (Duc Tu Cung).

Queen Nam Phuong.

According to recorded documents, the first cause of discord between Queen Nam Phuong and her mother-in-law was a girl. When King Bao Dai reached marriageable age, the Queen Mother had already chosen a "standard" traditional girl for her son. That was Bach Yen, a girl from a noble family, well-educated, and following the rules and etiquette of the royal court. However, King Bao Dai chose Nguyen Huu Thi Lan (Queen Nam Phuong) - a girl who was Catholic and heavily influenced by Western culture.

Once living together, Queen Nam Phuong and her mother-in-law had many differences in lifestyle. While Tu Cung supported Bao Dai in taking wives and concubines, Nam Phuong asked her husband to abandon the harem and maintain monogamy. Therefore, the Queen was often criticized by her mother-in-law, who said she was selfish and only thought of herself.

Later, when King Bao Dai fell in love with a girl named Mong Diep, even though there was no marriage certificate, Lady Tu Cung still gave the concubine a hat and dress and trusted her with the task of ancestor worship.

Queen Mother Doan Huy - mother-in-law of Queen Nam Phuong.

In addition to their lifestyles, Queen Nam Phuong and her mother-in-law also had differences in religion. Tu Cung was a Buddhist and a very disciplined person. For her, ancestor worship and incense offering were the ultimate tasks. However, Nam Phuong was a Catholic, so she did not burn incense, pray, or worship her ancestors. The fact that her daughter-in-law did not perform the ancestor worship and incense offering rituals for the royal court was truly an unpleasant thing for Tu Cung.

Queen Mother Doan Huy (sitting), King Bao Dai, Queen Nam Phuong and two princesses Phuong Mai - Phuong Lien.

When Queen Nam Phuong gave birth to children, especially princes, Tu Cung also wanted to take care of them according to tradition. She wanted her grandchildren to wear amulets for good luck on their arms, but Queen Nam Phuong did not agree.

In addition, Nam Phuong also taught her son to speak French. Whenever the Queen and her son spoke to each other, Tu Cung did not understand. Therefore, she also felt a little uncomfortable in her heart.

Queen Nam Phuong with her sons and daughters.

Although the relationship was not really harmonious, Queen Nam Phuong still respected her mother-in-law very much. In the book Queen Nam Phuong, through some unpublished documents (author Pham Hy Tung, published by Ho Chi Minh City General Publishing House), there were published letters sent by the Queen to her husband, in which she mentioned Lady Tu Cung.

For example, in a letter dated January 14, 1951, Queen Nam Phuong wrote: "My dear. I am concerned about Mother's health, is it true that she is tired?" , or in a letter dated May 7, 1951, she wrote: "I have received your letter. I am very happy that Mother is well and is by your side. The weather here is not very nice."

The love between Bao Dai and Nam Phuong was only warm in the early years, after that Bao Dai became addicted to play and womanizing, constantly chasing after other beauties. Queen Nam Phuong became lonely in the Hue capital. Later, she took her children to live in France and died there.

Ngoc Thanh (synthesis)

Useful
Emotion
Creative
Unique
Wrath

Source: https://vtc.vn/vi-sao-hoang-hau-cuoi-cung-cua-viet-nam-khong-duoc-long-me-chong-ar761054.html