The Birth of a Unique Prince
Bence was born in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, a name difficult for many to pronounce. Like all expectant parents, his parents were eager to see their child’s face, wondering if he would resemble either of them. However, Bence surprised everyone with his appearance; he had thick, snow-white hair at birth. Unlike many newborns who are either bald or have sparse hair, Bence’s striking white hair made him look like a little winter king.
The Mystery of Bence’s Hair
White hair is usually associated with old age or stress, as reflected in the saying, “Do you think I got these white hairs because I had no problems?” White hair in babies is extremely rare. While light hair is common among Scandinavians, Bence’s hair was as white as snow, causing concern for his parents about the possibility of albinism. Albinism affects melanin production, leading to a lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes. Despite his impressive appearance, albinism can lead to increased sensitivity to light and a higher risk of skin cancer.
Reassurance and Hope
Extensive testing revealed that Bence did not have albinism. He was born healthy with minimal melanin, giving him his distinctive pale complexion and white hair. His condition was more likely a temporary pigment deficiency. Dr. Zoltan Kummer suggested that Bence’s hair might darken as he grows older, similar to the story of Benjamin Button, where age reverses appearance.
Prince Charming of Székesfehérvár
Despite initial concerns, Bence was in excellent health. His unique look earned him the nickname “Prince Charming” among the hospital staff. Born in Székesfehérvár, often called Fehérvár (meaning “white castle” in Hungarian), Bence seemed like the destined white castle king. His unique appearance captured global attention, making him known worldwide as the white king from Hungary.