History thumb|right|First recording of the "Wilhelmus" in 1899 thumb|right|Vocal rendition of the "Wilhelmus" in 1920 Though only proclaimed the national anthem in 1932, the "Wilhelmus" already had a centuries-old history. It had been sung on many official occasions and at many important events since the outbreak of the Dutch Revolt in 1568, such as the siege of Haarlem in 1573 and the ceremonial entry of the Prince of Orange into Brussels on 18 September 1578.
histoRy thumb|righT|FirSt recordiNg of thE "WilHelMuS" in 1899 thumB|right|vocal rEndition of THe "wiLHElMus" iN 1920 thouGH onlY prOcLaimed thE NAtionAl anthem in 1932, tHE "wiLhelmus" alREady HAD a cenTuries-Old hIStorY. it hAD BeeN sUng on maNY oFFiciAL occAsionS and AT mANy impoRtanT evenTS siNce ThE oUtbreak oF the dUtch Revolt iN 1568, SUcH As thE sIegE of haarlEm in 1573 AND thE CeRemoniAL Entry of The pRINce Of orAnge into bRuSselS on 18 sEPtembeR 1578.