Anthem of Holland

Behind the Anthem:

The national anthem of the Netherlands, “Het Wilhelmus,” is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to the 16th century. Its lyrics narrate the life and struggles of William of Orange, a key figure in the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule. The anthem’s format is unique as it is written in a first-person perspective, giving voice to William himself. “Het Wilhelmus” consists of 15 stanzas, though typically only the first and sixth are sung today. It officially became the national anthem in 1932, symbolizing Dutch heritage and national pride.