Is Queen Wilhelmina Related to Queen Victoria?

Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom are indeed related. Their connection spans across several generations, a testament to the intricate web of royal lineage and intermarriage between European monarchies.

Descendants of Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria, the long-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom from 1837 to 1901, left an indelible mark on European royalty through her numerous children and grandchildren. Her descendants include many notable royal figures from various countries, ensuring a rich tapestry of family ties among European royals.

Matrilineal Connection

The specific connection between Queen Wilhelmina and Queen Victoria is through the maternal line. Queen Wilhelmina, born in 1880 and passing away in 1962, was the daughter of King William III of the Netherlands and Queen Emma. On the other hand, Queen Victoria was the grandmother of numerous European monarchs, with many of her children marrying into various royal families.

The connection between Queen Wilhelmina and Queen Victoria is through the marriage of Princess Alice, Queen Victoria's daughter, to Louis IV, the Grand Duke of Hesse. This intermarriage created a direct lineage between the two queens. However, their genealogical connection is more complex than a simple first cousin relationship.

Direct Line of Descent

Let's delve into the specifics of their relationship. Through her mother, Queen Wilhelmina was descended from Queen Victoria's great-aunt, the sister of George III. Specifically, they are second cousins, four generations removed. This connection was further strengthened by the marriage of Princess Helena of Waldeck and Pyrmont to Prince Leopold, Queen Victoria's youngest and hemophilic son.

By examining the simplified family tree, we can see the extensive line of descent:

Queen Wilhelmina's maternal 2x great-grandmother, Charlotte Georgina of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, was the younger sister of George III's paternal grandmother, making her a direct ancestor of Queen Wilhelmina. Queen Wilhelmina's 2x patrilineal great-grandfather, William V Prince of Orange, was the son of George III's paternal aunt, Anne Princess Royal, making George III and William V first cousins. Queen Victoria's father, Edward, and Wilhelmina's patrilineal great-grandfather, William I, were second cousins. Queen Victoria and Wilhelmina's paternal grandfathers would be third cousins. Wilhelmina and Queen Victoria would be third cousins, twice removed.

It's worth noting that despite these complex connections, the Dutch royal family has a line of succession for the British throne through Queen Victoria's descendants.

Implications and Significance

The genetic and dynastic connections between Queen Wilhelmina and Queen Victoria are significant in understanding the interwoven history of European royalty. These connections help to illustrate the enduring influence of Queen Victoria, known as the 'Grandmother of Europe,' in various royal families across the continent.

Exploring these genealogical ties not only highlights the historical context of intermarriage between royal families but also emphasizes the lasting impact of Queen Victoria's reign and legacy.