Queen Regent Emma of Waldeck and Pyrmont

The young German princess Emma of Waldeck-Pyrmont married the Dutch king Willem III, who was more than forty years older, in 1879. The marriage was controversial in the Netherlands, taking place shortly after the death of Willems first wife, the popular Queen Sophie. Emma and Willem had one daughter, Princess Wilhelmina.

King Willem III died in 1890. Wilhelmina was only ten years old at the time. Emma acted as regent until Wilhelmina turned eighteen. Emma devoted her life to preparing her daughter for her future life as queen. Willem III had not been popular with the Dutch public. Emma took Wilhelmina to all the provinces of the Netherlands so that the people could get to know their future queen. Emma's plan succeeded; the royal family was loved again by the Dutch people.