Wilhelmus

Wilhelmus (in full, "Het Wilhelmus") is the national anthem of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is a folk poem from the 16th century, composed during the conflict between the Netherlands and the Kingdom of Spain. The lyrics speak of William of Orange, the leader of the rebellion, addressing the audience directly.

The anthem is notable for having one of the oldest texts of any national anthem in the world, though it was formally recognized as the Netherlands' national anthem only in the 20th century. Before that, a different song was used for official occasions.

Structure of the text

Wilhelmus consists of fifteen stanzas. It is an acrostic—the first letter of each stanza, when combined, spells out the name of the leader. Official occasions typically feature the first stanza, though sometimes the sixth stanza is also performed.

Ideological content

The lyrics combine religious faith with political conviction. William declares his loyalty to God and his defence of the Dutch people. Parts of the text have provoked controversy over the centuries, particularly certain passages relating to his stance toward the Spanish king.

Music

The melody derives from a French military song that was popular at the time and was adapted to fit the new lyrics. The version heard today is a shortened form of earlier, longer renderings.

Modern use

Wilhelmus is performed at state occasions, official visits, and international sporting competitions. It is also used at events related to the House of Orange-Nassau.