Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands abdicates for health reasons.

Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands (1880–1962) reigned for nearly 58 years, making her the longest-serving Dutch monarch. She ascended the throne in 1890 at just ten years old, following the death of her father, King William III, though her mother, Queen Emma, acted as regent until Wilhelmina turned eighteen. From a young age, Wilhelmina was noted for her determination and intelligence, qualities that helped her guide the Netherlands through turbulent periods in history, including both World Wars and the economic challenges of the early 20th century.

Her reign is particularly remembered for her leadership during World War II. When Germany invaded the Netherlands in 1940, Wilhelmina fled to London, where she became a symbol of Dutch resistance. From exile, she delivered powerful radio broadcasts to her people, urging them to resist Nazi occupation and keep faith in eventual liberation. Her speeches made her one of the most respected Allied leaders, and Winston Churchill famously described her as “the only man in the Dutch government.”

After the war, Wilhelmina returned to a country deeply scarred by occupation. She oversaw the rebuilding of the Netherlands and the gradual decolonization process, particularly with regard to Indonesia. In 1948, she abdicated in favor of her daughter, Juliana, citing health reasons and her wish to see the monarchy refreshed by younger leadership. Despite stepping down, she remained highly respected as the “Mother of the Nation” until her death in 1962. Her reign left a legacy of resilience, patriotism, and modernized monarchy.