Prince of Orange

The Princes of Orange

William the Silent, first Stadtholder of the United Provinces (better known as the Dutch Republic) was the most significant bearer in the House of Orange within the Netherlands. He, originally a count of a small German county, Nassau, obtained lands in the Netherlands (lordship of Breda and several other dependencies) as an inheritance from his cousin René, Prince of Orange, when 11 years old. After William´s assassination in 1584, the title and position passed down firstly to his son Philip (who was catholic and was imprisoned for a long time), then to second son Maurice, who later passed it on to his brother, Frederick Henry.

Related Topics:
William the Silent - United Provinces - Count - Nassau - Assassination - 1584 - Catholic

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The title of Prince of Orange became soon practically synonymous with the stadtholder of the Netherlands.

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After the death of Willem III in 1702, the Dutch contender to his title was his heir in the Netherlands, John William Friso of Nassau, who assumed this title. His line held it as their principal title during the 1700s. Napoleon drove them away from Holland, but on the return, the then Prince of Orange became the first King of the Netherlands in 1815.

Related Topics:
1702 - 1700s - 1815

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After the establishment of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1815 the title was partly reconstitutionalized in a bill and granted to the eldest son of King Willem I, Prince Willem. In the 19th century the female variant of the title was also sometimes specifically granted to the Heir Apparent's wife. Instead of gaining the title by courtesy, it seems that the title has to be granted on wives. Princess Maxima, wife of the Heir Apparent, Prince Willem-Alexander, does not have the title "Princess of Orange" officially, but she probably may use it as wife of the Heir Apparent.

Related Topics:
Kingdom of the Netherlands - Willem I - Prince Willem - 19th century - Courtesy - Princess Maxima - Prince Willem-Alexander

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The Prince(ss) of Orange is styled "His/Her Royal Highness the Prince(ss) of Orange" (Zijne/Hare Koninklijke Hoogheid de Prins(es) van Oranje)

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William III was also King of Great Britain and Ireland and his legacy is commemorated annually by the Protestant Orange Order

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