The House of Orange is a princely family of French origin that has played a key role in European history, particularly in that of the Netherlands. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages and extends to the present-day Dutch monarchy.

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Origins and Formation of the House of Orange

The lordship of Orange, located in what is now the Vaucluse department in Provence, was originally a principality within the Holy Roman Empire.

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The First Princes of Orange

The city of Orange was ruled in the 11th century by independent lords. William I of Nassau, known as William the Silent, inherited the title of Prince of Orange. Of German origin, he is considered the true founder of the House of Orange-Nassau.

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The Struggle for Dutch Independence

William of Orange (1533–1584) became the leader of the revolt against Spain during the Eighty Years' War (1568–1648). The House of Orange continued to govern the Dutch Republic as hereditary stadholders (governors).

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The Accession to the English Throne

In 1688, William III of Orange (1650–1702), stadholder of the Dutch Republic, became King of England, Scotland, and Ireland following the "Glorious Revolution." He reigned alongside his wife, Mary II Stuart, until 1702.

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The Kingdom of the Netherlands

In 1815, after the fall of Napoleon, William I of Orange became the first King of the Netherlands, thus founding the Dutch monarchy. Since then, the House of Orange-Nassau has ruled the Netherlands without interruption.

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The House of Orange Today

The current King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, is a direct descendant of this lineage. Since April 30, 2013, the Princess of Orange has been Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands, the eldest daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, born on December 7, 2003.