Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands was the longest reigning monarch in Dutch history, ruling from 1890 until her abdication in 1948. She was born on August 31, 1880, in The Hague, Netherlands, as the only child of King William III and Queen Emma. At the age of ten, she became queen after her father's death and was known for her strong will and determination.
During her reign, Queen Wilhelmina faced many challenges, including two world wars and economic crises. She played a crucial role in maintaining Dutch neutrality during World War I and providing support to her people during World War II when the Netherlands was occupied by Nazi Germany.
Despite facing personal tragedies such as the death of her husband Prince Henry in 1934 and her daughter Princess Juliana's exile during World War II, Queen Wilhelmina remained a beloved figure among the Dutch people. She was known for her compassion towards her subjects and often visited hospitals and orphanages to show her support.
Queen Wilhelmina also played an important role in modernizing the Netherlands by promoting education and women's rights. She established several universities and encouraged women to pursue higher education.
