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Princess Emma zu Waldeck und
Pyrmont
Queen-Regent of The Netherlands
1890-1898, (1858-1934)
Born 2 August 1858 Arolsen
Died 20 March 1934 's-Gravenhage
Married 7 January 1879 Arolsen
Willem III, King of The Netherlands (1849-1890)
Born 19 February 1817 Bruxelles
Died 23 November 1890 Apeldoorn, 't Loo |
| She grew up in a close family and the early death in 1869 of her sister
Sophie, who suffered from tuberculosis, affected her greatly. Later in
life she would be involved with the "Emma Fund" and the founding of a sanatorium.
When she was twenty years old, the sixty-one year old widower, Willem III,
King of The Netherlands, visited Arolsen and proposed marriage to her elder
sister Pauline. However, Pauline was in love with a suitable German Prince
and it was Emma who stepped forward to become the bride. In Arolsen, on
7 January 1879, the marriage took place and, over a year later, a daughter
was born. Emma had a strong personality and will which must have helped
her in her marriage to the much older king, and soon she was not only his
wife but also his nurse when he began suffering from a kidney disease.
When her husband died, she became Regent for her daughter from 8 December
1890 until 31 August 1898. Acting strictly constitutionally she remained
above the political parties. However, there were conflicts with some politicians.
When she visited the Dutch provinces, she would often be accompanied by
her daughter, Queen Wilhelmina. With these visits to factories, hospitals,
charities and historical buildings, she showed the face of the monarchy,
something which had been neglected by her late husband. In her later years
she involved herself with charities and became known as "the sweetest old
lady of Europe".
Source: Leo van de Pas |
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