Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands (1880-1962) standing on board the deck of a submarine, September 1916. The Queen was attending manoeuvres carried out by the Dutch navy and is reported to have submerged in the vessel, leading the Illustrated London News to suggest that she 'had the honour of being the first Queen-Regent to travel under water.' Wilhelmina succeeded to the Dutch throne upon the death of her father, King William III in 1880. Her mother, Queen Emma, acted regent until her daughter came of age and was crowned Queen of the Netherlands in September 1898.