WILHELMINA


Meaning of WILHELMINA in English

born Aug. 31, 1880, The Hague, Neth.

died Nov. 28, 1962, Het Loo, near Apeldoorn

Queen of The Netherlands (1890–1948).

Daughter of King William III , she became queen on his death, under her mother's regency until 1898, and soon gained wide popular approval. She helped maintain her country's neutrality in World War I. After Germany invaded The Netherlands in 1940, she left with her family for London. Throughout World War II she made radio broadcasts to maintain the morale of the Dutch people, becoming a symbol of Dutch resistance to the German occupation. In 1948 she abdicated in favour of her daughter, Juliana .

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.