Hitler and Eva Braun met in 1929, when she was only 17 years old and Hitler already 40. He immediately noticed her. Hitler especially sought the company of very young women; he invited them to dinners, took them to the theater and opera, creating the impression of a chivalrous gentleman.

After the death of Geli Raubal in 1931, Eva Braun took over the role of Hitler’s secret companion and lover in 1932. The relationship demanded complete secrecy: Hitler, the “Messiah of the German people,” could not marry — Germany was his bride.

For years, she was treated like a kind of private secretary, though everyone knew she was Hitler’s lover.