House of Orange-Nassau

The House of Orange-Nassau (in Dutch Oranje-Nassau), is a family that has played a central role in the political life of the Netherlands since William I of Orange (also known as "William the Silent" and "Father of the Fatherland") organised the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule, which after the Eighty Years' War led to an independent Dutch state.

Expansion of dynastical power

Maurits died unmarried in 1625 and left no legitimate children. He was succeded by his halfbrother Frederick Henry (Dutch: Frederik Hendrik), youngest son of William I. Maurits urged his successor on his deathbed to marry as soon as possible. A few weeks after Maurits's death he married Amalia van Solms-Braunfels.

Related Topics:
1625 - Frederick Henry - Amalia van Solms-Braunfels

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Frederick Henry and Amalia had a son and several daughters. These daughters were married to important houses such as the house of Hohenzollern, but also to the Frisian Nassaus, who were stadtholders in Friesland. His only son William wedded the daughter of Charles I of England, Mary Stuart, Princess Royal. These dynastic moves were the work of Amalia.

Related Topics:
Hohenzollern - Friesland - William - Charles I of England

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