He is the Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein and King of Bohemia. A nobleman known for his imposing and showy style, he is currently in the midst of a deep crisis due to his past relationship with Irene Adler in Warsaw. He is soon to enter into a conservative royal marriage with the daughter of the King of Scandinavia. If the photograph he had taken with his former lover is revealed, it will be a major catastrophe. Fearing Adler's intellect and stubbornness, he disguises himself to meet Sherlock Holmes in person and offers a massive reward to have the job done. He is a proud but fundamentally selfish character; he explicitly defends social boundaries, stating she was not fit for his rank.
While traveling in Warsaw as the Crown Prince, he met Irene Adler, corresponded with her imprudently, and appeared in a photograph. He later abandoned her due to his status.
At least six feet six inches tall, he has a massive, Herculean physique. He is dressed with a showy, borderline tacky opulence, wearing a coat with astrakhan trim, leather boots, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Irene Adler
His former lower-class lover, whom he fears with a madness as one who would take revenge, and whom he considers to be of genius-level intelligence.
Sherlock Holmes
The consultant he turned to for a discreet resolution, but who, through his intelligence, shattered the King's own vanity.