“Het Wilhelmus,” the oldest national anthem in the world, is played proudly and loudly at international athletic competitions.
André Rieu – UMe | Official Website
The Netherlands’ national anthem dates back to at least 1572, making it one of the world’s oldest patriotic songs.
But ‘Het Wilhelmus’ has only been the official recognised Dutch anthem since 10 May 1932. Here’s a bit of background.
The lyrics tell of William of Orange, and his fight against the King of Spain to gain independence for the Netherlands from Spain.
Written from his perspective, the anthem follows William in his struggle to both remain loyal to the Spanish King, but also to serve God and lead his people in the fight against persecution.
The lyrics were written at the beginning of the Eighty Years’ War, or The Netherlands War of Independence. But while some believe the hymn was written by Philip of Marnix of Sint-Aldegonde, a close advisor of William of Orange, the composer of the ‘Wilhelmus’ is unknown.
News
Karolina Protsenko’s Violin Brings Chicago’s Classic Ballad to Life in a Way You’ve Never Heard Before
Karolina Protsenko Delivers a Hauntingly Beautiful Violin Cover of Chicago’s “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” Karolina Protsenko, the young violin…
“No Violin, No Problem! Karolina Protsenko and Her Mom’s Soul-Stirring Duet of ‘Yesterday’ Is So Breathtaking, It Will Give You Chills – You Have to Hear This!”
Karolina Protsenko and her mother present a deeply emotional and moving rendition of The Beatles’ timeless classic “Yesterday.” Without the…
“King Charles Secretly Relieved as Trump Won’t Deport Prince Harry – Royal Expert Reveals Why the King Prefers Him ‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind’!”
King Charles III is “likely relieved” after President Donald Trump said last week that he doesn’t plan to deport his…
“Meghan Markle Scrambles for a ‘Cringeworthy’ Rebrand After Embarrassing Trademark Setback – Desperate Move or Genius Strategy?”
Just weeks before Meghan Markle releases her delayed Netflix series, she has renamed her lifestyle brand. On Tuesday, the Duchess…
“Meghan Markle Sparks Outrage for Allegedly Stealing Small Business’ Name for Her New Lifestyle Brand – Legal Battle Looming?”
After announcing the renaming of her lifestyle brand, Meghan Markle has been accused of trying to “snatch” the same name…
“Blake Lively Reveals Shocking Legal War with Justin Baldoni Left Her with ‘Extreme Anxiety’ – Claims Her Kids Are ‘Traumatized’ in Explosive Court Documents!”
Blake Lively’s amended complaint highlighted the ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni, claiming it has left the actress with “extreme…
End of content
No more pages to load
