Queen Emma, née Van Waldeck-Pyrmont, was the mother of queen Wilhelmina. After the death of king Willem III, she reigned as queen-regent until 1898 in name of her daughter, who was still under age. In later years, Emma was still an influential figure at court,  as the most important confidante of the young queen Wilhelmina.

Queen Emma is mainly remembered as a 'sweet little old lady', who devoted her final years to charity work.