1952 Queen Juliana of Netherlands Signed Photo US State Visit President Truman

Description

For your consideration is an exceedingly rare and historically significant original antique c.1952 royal press photograph of H.M. Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, hand-inscribed and hand-signed by the Queen herself. This official press photograph captures Queen Juliana during her notable three-day state visit to the United States, extended by invitation of President Truman and the State Department. This visit marks a significant post-WWII event, being her first state visit in 1952. The photograph measures approximately 9.0 by 7.25 inches and is preserved in its original condition, displaying very good quality with minor imperfections as noted.

Queen Juliana, born Juliana Louise Emma Marie Wilhelmina on April 30, 1909, was a beloved monarch, reigning from 1948 until her abdication in 1980. She was the only child of Queen Wilhelmina and Prince Henry of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, and received an education that included international law at the University of Leiden. In 1937, Juliana married Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld, with whom she had four daughters: Beatrix, Irene, Margriet, and Christina. The royal family's resilience during the German invasion of the Netherlands in WWII saw Juliana relocating to Canada with her children, ensuring their safety while other family members remained in Britain.

The royal family's return to the Netherlands post-liberation in 1945 marked a significant period. With Queen Wilhelmina's health declining, Juliana temporarily took over royal duties, leading to her ascension to the throne in September 1948 after Wilhelmina's abdication. Juliana's reign witnessed the decolonization and independence of both the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and Suriname. Despite controversies involving the royal family, Juliana maintained high popularity, abdicating in favor of her eldest daughter, Beatrix, in April 1980. Upon her death in 2004 at the age of 94, she was celebrated as the longest-lived former reigning monarch in the world.

This photograph not only represents a piece of Dutch royal history but also commemorates an important international relationship during a pivotal moment in the 20th century. The hand-signed inscription by Queen Juliana enhances its value and uniqueness, making it a museum-quality piece guaranteed to be authentic. It stands as a testament to Queen Juliana's significant role in Dutch and global history, and is a must-have for collectors of royal memorabilia or historians specializing in European monarchies or Dutch-American relations.