Queen Emma (1858-1934)
Adelheid Emma Wilhelmina Theresia, Princess of Waldeck and Pyrmont, daughter of Prince Georg Viktor of Waldeck and Pyrmont and Princess Helena of Nassau, was born in Arolsen on 2 August 1858.
On 7 January 1879 she married King Willem III of the Netherlands. Their daughter Wilhelmina was born on 31 August 1880.
Emma acted as regent for King Willem III from 20 to 23 November 1890 and, after his death, for her daughter Queen Wilhelmina from 8 December 1890 to 30 August 1898. During that time Queen Emma prepared her daughter well for her duties as monarch. As regent, she restored the prestige of the monarchy through her good sense and dignity. She also added to the popularity of the Royal House by travelling throughout the country with her daughter. After Queen Wilhelmina’s investiture, Emma withdrew into the background somewhat but continued to occupy an important place in Dutch society. Queen Emma died on 20 March 1934 in Lange Voorhout Palace in The Hague.