Mary, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange

Mary, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange-Nassau (4 November 1631–24 December 1660) was the eldest daughter of King Charles I of England, Scotland, and Ireland and his queen, Henrietta Maria. She was the wife of Willem II, Prince of Orange-Nassau (27 May 1626–6 November 1650) and the mother of King William III of England, Scotland, and Ireland (14 November 1650–8 May 1702). Mary Stuart or Mary of Orange, as she was also known, was the first daughter of a British Sovereign to hold the title Princess Royal.

Marriage

Her father wished the Princess Royal to marry a son of Philip IV, king of Spain, while her cousin, the Elector Palatine Karl Ludwig, was also a suitor for her hand. Both proposals fell through and she was bethrothed to Willem, the son and heir of Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange-Nassau and Stadholder of the United Provinces, and of Amalia of Solms-Braunfels. The marriage took place on 2 May 1641 at the Chapel Royal, Whitehall Palace, London, but was not consummated for several years due to the bride's young age. However,in 1642, Mary crossed over to Holland with her mother, Queen Henrietta Maria, and in 1644, as the daughter-in-law of the stadtholder, she began to take her place in public life.

Related Topics:
Philip IV, king of Spain - Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange-Nassau - Amalia of Solms-Braunfels - 2 May - 1641

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~