Wilhelmina, << `wihl` hehl MEE nuh >> (1880-1962), became queen of the Netherlands in 1890 when her father, William III, died. Her mother, Queen Emma, ruled as regent until 1898. In 1901 Wilhelmina married Henry, Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Germany invaded the Netherlands in 1940, during World War II, and tried to capture Wilhelmina. But she escaped to London and directed the Netherlands forces against both Germany and Japan. After the war, her people joyfully welcomed Wilhelmina home. She celebrated her Golden Jubilee in August 1948 and then gave up her throne to her daughter, Juliana (see Juliana ). Wilhelmina was born on Aug. 31, 1880, at The Hague, the Netherlands. She died on Nov. 28, 1962.
