Did You Know That The Netherlands Was Ruled By Three Successive Queens?
The Royal House of Orange-Nassau
Queen Wilhelmina
Queen Wilhelmina and her daughter Juliana, circa 1914 • Wikimedia Commons
The Reign of Queen Wilhelmina
An Embodiment of Fortitude
Having gone into exile during World War Two, the Queen became a symbol of Dutch resistance to the Nazi occupation when she began communicating with the Dutch people through her radio broadcast. The Queen returned to the Netherlands at the end of the war.
Wilhelmina became the Queen when she was ten years old. Her reign is longer than any other Dutch monarch. She ruled for almost 58 years until her health required she abdicate the throne in 1948. Queen Wilhelmina would die over 14 years later at age 82.
Queen Juliana
Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard celebrate their engagement announcement in Amsterdam • Wikimedia Commons
The Reign of Queen Juliana
An Embodiment of Compassion
When the Netherlands was hit by a powerful storm that caused massive flooding, on January 31, 1953, the Queen herself responded. Queen Juliana personally led the delivery of aid to those in need of food and clothing despite the devastating conditions.
Queen Juliana abdicated the throne on her 71st birthday on April 30, 1980. She lived for 20 years longer and died when she was 94 years old.
Queen Beatrix
Queen Beatrix with Prince Claus and their children Constantijn, King Willem-Alexander, and Friso on the balcony of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam following the abdication of Queen Juliana, 1980. • Wikimedia Commons
The Reign of Queen Beatrix
An Embodiment of Unity
When then princess Beatrix got engaged and subsequently married Claus von Amsberg, a German aristocrat who had been in the Hitler Youth program, the Dutch people protested. The Dutch would take to the streets again when Beatrix became Queen. Despite these controversies, Queen Beatrix would prove to be a popular monarch. Her reign is known for its focus on national unity.
On Queen's Day in 2013, Queen Beatrix abdicated the throne. At age 75, she was the oldest monarch in Dutch history. Queen Beatrix is still alive. She is 81 years old.
