According to the Dutch constitution, Wilhelm Ernst was in the line for the throne of the Netherlands (as the grandson of Princess Sophie of the Netherlands) after Queen Wilhelmina. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Dutch feared the possibility of German influence or even annexation of the Netherlands.
The Dutch constitution established Wilhelm Ernst as a potential successor to the throne of the Netherlands (as the grandson of Princess Sophie of the Netherlands) after Queen Wilhelmina. In the early 20th century, the Dutch were apprehensive about German influence or even annexation of their nation.