The Royal House of Orange-Nassau

Three queens have ruled the Netherlands from the late 19th century, through the 20th century, and into the early 21st century.

Queen Wilhelmina

The Reign of Queen Wilhelmina

November 23, 1890 - September 4, 1948

Queen Wilhelmina was born on August 31, 1880, and died on November 28, 1962.

She lived until she was 82 years old and ruled for almost 58 years.

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

September 4, 1948 - April 30, 1980

Queen Juliana was born on April 30, 1909, and died on March 20, 2004.

She lived until she was 94 years old and ruled for almost 32 years.

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

The Reign of Queen Beatrix

April 30, 1980 - April 30, 2013

Queen Beatrix was born on January 31, 1938, and is still alive.

She is currently 81 years old and ruled for 33 years.

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.

Further Reading:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Orange-Nassau

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilhelmina_of_the_Netherlands

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juliana_of_the_Netherlands

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatrix_of_the_Netherlands

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