Editor’s spotlight — updated daily
Queen Juliana
Netherlands
Queen Juliana became Queen of the Netherlands on August 31, 1948, after her mother Queen Wilhelmina abdicated. Indonesia gained independence from Dutch colonial rule in December 1949 under her reign. She personally poured tea for guests, reflecting her informal style. Her 32-year reign ended with abdication in 1980, and she died in 2004 at age 94.
