Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Wilhelm II

Kaiser Wilhelm II — Painter

Born 27 Jan 1859 Berlin, Germany

Died 4 Jun 1941 Doorn, Netherlands

Citizenship Germany

11 min read

Reading time

2,096

Words

Feb 26, 2026

Published

28

Film credits

2

Books

45

Awards

TL;DR

Kaiser Wilhelm II became German Emperor in 1888 and ruled until his abdication in 1918, leading Germany into World War I. As the first grandchild of Queen Victoria, he was born with a deformed left arm, which affected his development. After the war, he fled to the Netherlands, where he died in 1941 at age 82.

Identity & family.

KIN · 15

Names, aliases, and relatives of Kaiser Wilhelm II — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Native Name Wilhelm II

Nicknames Kaiser Bill, Willie

Aliases Wilhelm II Emperor, Wilhelm II of Germany, Guillaume II, Wilhelm II., German Kaiser, Emperor Wilhelm II, Cesarz Wilhelm, Emperor Wilhelm, Emperor William II, Emperor William

SPOUSES: Princess Hermine Reuss Greiz Empress Augusta Victoria
CHILDREN: Prince Eitel Friedrich of Prussia Prince Adalbert of Prussia Prince August Wilhelm of Prussia Prince Oskar of Prussia Prince Joachim of Prussia Princess Viktoria Luise of Prussia
SIBLINGS: Prince Waldemar of Prussia Prince Henry of Prussia Sophia of Prussia Princess Charlotte of Prussia Princess Viktoria of Prussia Princess Margaret of Prussia Prince Sigismund of Prussia

At a glance.

STATS

Kaiser Wilhelm II by the numbers — life, work, and family.

82 Years lived

28 Film credits

2 Books

45 Awards

2 Marriages

6 Children

Who was Kaiser Wilhelm II?

BIOGRAPHY

Kaiser Wilhelm II — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Wilhelm was born on January 27, 1859, in Berlin to Prince Frederick of Prussia and Princess Victoria, the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria. His left arm was severely damaged during a traumatic breech birth, leaving it withered and unusable. This physical disability made him deeply self-conscious and strained his relationship with his parents, who closely monitored his therapy. Wilhelm had seven siblings, including his brother Henry, who married their cousin Irene. He attended the Friedrichsgymnasium in Kassel and later studied at the University of Bonn.

Career

Wilhelm ascended to the throne in 1888 following the death of his father, Frederick III, and immediately dismissed Chancellor Otto von Bismarck in 1890. He pursued an aggressive foreign policy, expanding the German navy and engaging in a costly arms race with Britain. His erratic diplomacy and support for Austria-Hungary during the July Crisis of 1914 helped trigger World War I, pitting him against his cousins King George V and Tsar Nicholas II. The war led to his abdication on November 9, 1918, after Germany’s defeat.

Personal life

Wilhelm married Princess Augusta Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein in 1881; they had seven children, including Crown Prince Wilhelm, Prince Joachim, and Princess Viktoria Luise. After Augusta’s death in 1921, he married Princess Hermine Reuss of Greiz in 1922. He was present at Queen Victoria’s deathbed in 1901 and lost his mother that same year. His son Joachim, unable to accept the loss of royal status, committed suicide in 1920.

Legacy

Wilhelm II precipitated World War I and abdicated in 1918, ending the German monarchy. In exile, he initially supported Adolf Hitler’s rise, hoping for a Hohenzollern restoration, but condemned Kristallnacht in 1938, saying he felt ashamed to be German. He died in Doorn, Netherlands, on June 4, 1941, with Nazi officials barred from his funeral per his request. Historians continue to examine his complex legacy as a militaristic figure and unstable leader.

Filmography.

FILMS · 28

Browse the complete filmography of Kaiser Wilhelm II — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

Movie

Triumph Over Violence

1965
TV

Doomsday: World War I

2012
Movie

Leonardo Da Vinci and the Bust of Flora

2020
Movie

Winston Churchill: a Giant in the Century

2014
Movie

Paris 1900

1948
Movie

The Fight for Peace

1939
Movie

The Fall of the Romanov Dynasty

1927
Movie

A Wall in Jerusalem

1968
Movie

The Guns of August

1964
Movie

From Atatürk to Erdoğan: Building a Nation

2019
Movie

Apocalypse: the Battle of Verdun

2016
Movie

The Cultural History of Museums

2022
Movie

Départ En Gondole De Leurs Majestés

1898
Movie

Guillaume II Et Nicolas II à Cheval

1896

Could not load more credits.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 45

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Kaiser Wilhelm II — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Pour le Mérite
Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece
Grand Cross of the Order of Maria Theresa
Order of the Black Eagle
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Olav
Knight Grand Cross in the Order of the Netherlands Lion
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus
Knight grand cross of the order of the crown of Italy
Order of St. Andrew
Royal Victorian Chain
Knight Grand Cross of the Military Order of William
Grand Cross of the Iron Cross
Order of the Crown
Royal House Order of Hohenzollern
Order of Saint Hubert
Military Order of Max Joseph
Military Order of St. Henry
Hanseatic Cross
Sovereign Military Order of Malta
Knight of the Order of the Most Holy Annunciation
Order of the Garter
Order of the Elephant
Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius Equal-to-apostles
Order of the Norwegian Lion
Order of the Rue Crown
Royal Order of the Seraphim
Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum
Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order
Grashof Commemorative Medal
Order of Saint Stanislaus
Order of the Red Eagle
House Order of Hohenzollern
Order of the Golden Fleece
Order of Willem
Grand Cordon of the Order of Leopold
Order of Glory
Order of the Chrysanthemum
Order of the Royal House of Chakri
Order of the Crown of Thailand
Order of the Liberator
Knight of the Order of St. Alexander Nevsky
Order of Saint Stephen of Hungary
Grand Cross of the Order of the Cross of Liberty
Order of Merit of the Prussian Crown
Order of the Most Holy Annunciation

Bibliography.

BOOKS · 2

Kaiser Wilhelm II's bibliography — every authored, edited, and co-written book, ranked by edition count.

Amazon

My Early Life

by William II German Emperor
Amazon

Die Politischen Reden Kaiser Wilhelms II.

by William II German Emperor

Did you know?

FACTS · 13

Little-known facts about Kaiser Wilhelm II — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Syd Chaplin, Kenneth More, Jürgen Prochnow, and John Mylong are among the actors who have portrayed Wilhelm II.
After the Jameson Raid in 1896, the Kaiser publicly sided with the Boers, and continued that stance during the Second Boer War 1899-1902.
The Kaiser’s left arm was withered due to a traumatic breech birth, a condition some scholars believe affected his emotional stability.
During his summer residence in Stuttgart, Wilhelm would parade with his cavalry officers on the main street every Sunday at noon, and the townsfolk were expected to attend.
The abdication of Wilhelm drove his youngest son, Prince Joachim, into a depression so deep that he shot himself on July 18, 1920.
Wilhelm was the first grandchild of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and was at her bedside when she died in 1901.
In 1904, Wilhelm encouraged Russia to go to war with Japan and supplied the Imperial Russian Navy with coal as it sailed around Africa.
He was a first cousin of Tsarina Alexandra, Queen Victoria Eugenia, Princess Alice, Prince Albert Victor, Dronning Maud, King George V, and Queen Marie of Romania.
Wilhelm initially admired Adolf Hitler and hoped he would restore the monarchy with his eldest grandson as Kaiser. After Kristallnacht in November 1938, he declared he felt ashamed to be German for the first time, yet he later sent telegrams congratulating Hitler on the Dutch surrender in May 1940 and the fall of France in June 1940. Hitler ignored his request for no Nazi regalia at his funeral.
Wilhelm’s grandson Karl Franz Josef married Hermine’s daughter Henriette in 1940; they divorced in 1946.
Wilhelm and Tsar Nicholas II exchanged telegrams in English, signed Willie and Nicky.
King Constantine I of Greece was Wilhelm’s brother-in-law.
Wilhelm’s body was not given a state funeral in Germany; he was buried in Doorn with a small ceremony.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 36

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Kaiser Wilhelm II.

When was Kaiser Wilhelm II born?

Kaiser Wilhelm II was born on January 27, 1859. He was the first grandchild of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
Where was Kaiser Wilhelm II born?

He was born in Berlin, Kingdom of Prussia, which is part of modern-day Germany. His birth took place at the Kronprinzenpalais.
When did Kaiser Wilhelm II die?

Wilhelm II died on June 4, 1941, in Doorn, Netherlands. He was 82 years old.
How old was Kaiser Wilhelm II when he died?

He was 82 years old when he passed away. His death occurred in exile in the Netherlands after his abdication in 1918.
Where did Kaiser Wilhelm II die?

He died at his home in Doorn, a village in the province of Utrecht, Netherlands. He had lived there in exile after World War I.
How did Kaiser Wilhelm II die?

The cause of death was undisclosed officially. He died peacefully at home on June 4, 1941, at age 82.
What is Kaiser Wilhelm II's native name?

His native name in German is Wilhelm II. He was known internationally as Wilhelm II or Kaiser Wilhelm.
What nationality was Kaiser Wilhelm II?

He was German, as he was the Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia. After his abdication he lived as a private citizen in the Netherlands but retained his Prussian citizenship.
Who was Kaiser Wilhelm II married to?

He was married twice. First to Princess Augusta Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein from 1881 until her death in 1921. Then to Princess Hermine Reuss of Greiz from 1922 until his death in 1941.
Did Kaiser Wilhelm II have children?

Yes, Wilhelm had seven children with his first wife Augusta Victoria: Crown Prince Wilhelm, Prince Eitel Friedrich, Prince Adalbert, Prince August Wilhelm, Prince Oskar, Prince Joachim, and Princess Viktoria Luise.
Does Kaiser Wilhelm II have any siblings?

He had seven siblings, including Prince Henry of Prussia, Princess Charlotte of Prussia, and Princess Viktoria of Prussia. His brother Henry married their cousin Irene of Hesse and by Rhine.
Where did Kaiser Wilhelm II go to school?

Wilhelm attended the Friedrichsgymnasium in Kassel and later studied at the University of Bonn. He received a military education as well.
What awards did Kaiser Wilhelm II receive?

Wilhelm received numerous orders and decorations, including the Pour le Mérite, the Order of the Black Eagle, the Order of the Garter, and the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross. He held over 45 orders from various nations.
How many awards did Kaiser Wilhelm II win?

He accumulated 45 major awards from European and Asian monarchies, many of which were knightly orders and medals.
What is Kaiser Wilhelm II best known for?

He served as the German Emperor during World War I and abdicated in 1918. Archival footage of him appears in films like Triumph Over Violence and Paris 1900.
How tall was Kaiser Wilhelm II?

He stood 5 feet 9 inches tall, or 1.75 meters. His height was average for the period.
What were Kaiser Wilhelm II's nicknames?

He was nicknamed Kaiser Bill by British soldiers and Willie by his family, especially by Tsar Nicholas II with whom he exchanged letters.
Why did Kaiser Wilhelm II have many aliases?

Wilhelm used various titles and aliases across different languages, such as Guillaume II in French and Emperor William II in English, because he was the head of the German Empire and interacted with many countries.
What was Kaiser Wilhelm II's birth name?

His full birth name was Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albert Hohenzollern von Preußen. He was named after his grandfather, Wilhelm I, and his father, Frederick III.
Who were Kaiser Wilhelm II's parents?

His parents were Crown Prince Frederick III of Prussia later Emperor Frederick III and Princess Victoria, the Princess Royal of the United Kingdom. His mother was the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria.
Did Kaiser Wilhelm II have a deformed arm?

Yes, his left arm was withered and useless from birth due to a difficult breech delivery. This disability influenced his personality and strained relations with his parents.
How did Kaiser Wilhelm II come to the throne?

Wilhelm became German Emperor and King of Prussia on June 15, 1888, after his father Frederick III died of throat cancer. This year is known as the Year of the Three Emperors.
What was Kaiser Wilhelm II's relationship with Otto von Bismarck?

Wilhelm dismissed Otto von Bismarck as Chancellor in 1890, wanting to assert his own authority. He disagreed with Bismarck’s cautious foreign policy and preferred a more aggressive course.
What role did Kaiser Wilhelm II play in World War I?

Wilhelm’s aggressive diplomacy, support for Austria-Hungary after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his naval arms race with Britain contributed significantly to the outbreak of World War I in 1914.
Why did Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicate?

He abdicated on November 9, 1918, under pressure from the German military and the threat of revolution. The defeat in World War I made continued rule impossible.
Where did Kaiser Wilhelm II live after abdication?

He fled to the neutral Netherlands and settled in Doorn, where he bought a country house called Haus Doorn. He lived there until his death in 1941.
What was Kaiser Wilhelm II's relationship with Hitler?

Initially, Wilhelm supported Hitler’s rise, hoping for a monarchist restoration. However, after Kristallnacht in 1938, he expressed shame, though he later sent congratulatory telegrams on Nazi victories. Hitler ignored his funeral wishes.
Did Kaiser Wilhelm II have any cousins who were monarchs?

Yes, he was first cousin to King George V of the United Kingdom, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, Queen Marie of Romania, and many other European royals. This family network complicated World War I alliances.
Was Kaiser Wilhelm II buried in Germany?

No, he was buried in Doorn, Netherlands, at his estate. He had requested no Nazi regalia at his funeral, and Hitler refused permission for a state burial in Germany.
What actors have played Kaiser Wilhelm II?

He has been portrayed by Syd Chaplin, Kenneth More, Jürgen Prochnow, and John Mylong in various films and television productions.
What was Kaiser Wilhelm II's famous quote?

He once said, You will be home before the leaves have fallen from the trees, about the expected swift victory in World War I. The war lasted four years.
Did Kaiser Wilhelm II write any memoirs?

Yes, he wrote his memoirs while in exile, titled My Memoirs: 1878-1918, published in 1922, where he defended his actions.
What was Kaiser Wilhelm II's posture in photographs?

He often kept his deformed left arm hidden, sometimes placing his hand on his sword or in his coat pocket, to conceal the disability.
How did Kaiser Wilhelm II treat his sons?

He pushed them into military careers. His youngest son, Prince Joachim, struggled after the abdication and committed suicide in 1920. Crown Prince Wilhelm also had a strained relationship.
Did Kaiser Wilhelm II ever return to Germany?

No, after his abdication he never returned to Germany. He refused an offer from Hitler to return in 1940 because he did not want to be a puppet.
What was Kaiser Wilhelm II's impact on history?

His reign marked the end of the German Empire and he is widely seen as a trigger of World War I. His legacy is a cautionary tale of aggressive nationalism and militarism.

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Audited & updated by

If something's wrong in a profile, Daniel will find it. With 7 years of research experience, he's developed an almost unreasonable eye for inaccurate career timelines, misattributed credits, and dates that don't quite add up. He doesn't publish anything he can't verify. The profiles on Famousy are as accurate as they are largely because of work you'll never see his name on.

Published on February 26, 2026

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