Their great-uncle, Frederick, Prince of Anhalt-Bernburg-Schaumburg-Hoym, had waived his right of succession in Schaumburg and the County of Holzappel in 1811 in favour of his great-niece, but in 1828 this decision was overruled.

[1] After her husband's death in 1852, she ruled Waldeck and Pyrmont as Regent for her minor son George Victor.

Among her first acts was a reform of the Waldeck contingent of the federal army, implemented in 1845 by Prussian officers.

[3] Emma's reign has been described as an important phase in the history of Waldeck, with a complete overhaul of the organisation of the state.

[4] Emma married on 26 June 1823 at Schaumburg Castle, George II, Prince of Waldeck and Pyrmont (1789–1845).