Wilhelmina of the Netherlands

Reign: 1890 – 1948
Life: 1880–1962

She reigned for nearly 58 years, making her the longest-reigning monarch in Dutch history, as well as the longest-reigning female monarch outside of the United Kingdom. Her reign encompassed World War I, the Dutch economic crisis of 1933, and World War II. The only surviving child of King William III of the Netherlands and Emma of Waldeck and Pyrmont, Wilhelmina ascended the throne at the age of 10 after her father's death in 1890, under her mother's regency. After taking charge of government, Wilhelmina became generally popular for maintaining Dutch neutrality during the First World War and solving many of her country's industrial problems. Following the German invasion of the Netherlands in 1940, Wilhelmina fled to Britain and took charge of the Dutch government-in-exile. She frequently spoke to the nation over radio and came to be regarded as a symbol of the Dutch resistance.

During Wilhelmina of the Netherlands' reign, Wilhelm II ruled Prussia, Franz Joseph I of Austria ruled Austria, and Emperor Meiji ruled Japan.

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Lonely but Not Alone by Wilhelmina of the Netherlands

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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From the library

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Lonely but Not Alone

Wilhelmina of the Netherlands

The queen's own memoir, two world wars, neutrality abandoned, and the House of Orange in crisis.

Find this book on Amazon

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Wilhelmina of the Netherlands

The World During Their Reign

Meanwhile in history

Go deeper on Wilhelmina of the Netherlands

Lonely but Not Alone

The Embarrassment of Riches

The Dutch Republic: Its Rise, Greatness and Fall