House of Orange-Nassau Facts for Kids

The House of Orange-Nassau is a very old and important family in Europe. They are a branch of the House of Nassau, which came from Germany. This family became especially famous in the Netherlands. Today, the Dutch royal family belongs to the House of Orange-Nassau.

A Royal Family's Story
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A Royal Family's Story

Who Are the Orange-Nassaus?

The House of Orange-Nassau is a noble family that has played a huge role in the history of the Netherlands. They are known for leading the Dutch people in their fight for independence and later becoming their monarchs.

How They Became Important

The family's story really took off with William the Silent, also known as William I. He was a prince from the House of Nassau. In the 16th century, he led the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. This long war, called the Eighty Years' War, eventually led to the Netherlands becoming an independent country.

William the Silent: A National Hero

William the Silent is considered a national hero in the Netherlands. He fought for religious freedom and for the rights of the Dutch people. His leadership helped create the Dutch Republic.

From Stadholders to Kings

After the Dutch Republic was formed, members of the House of Orange-Nassau often held the position of "stadholder." A stadholder was like a chief executive or governor of the different Dutch provinces. They had a lot of power and influence.

The Role of Stadholders

Stadholders were important military leaders. They also helped govern the country. Over time, the position of stadholder became almost like a hereditary title, meaning it passed down through the family.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands

In 1815, after the Napoleonic Wars, the Netherlands became a kingdom. Prince William VI of Orange-Nassau became the first king, King William I. Since then, the House of Orange-Nassau has been the royal family of the Netherlands.

Modern Monarchy

Today, the Dutch monarch has a more ceremonial role. They represent the country and perform many public duties. The current monarch is King Willem-Alexander.

Images for kids

William the Silent, Prince of Orange, leader of the Dutch Revolt, and stadholder of Holland, Zeeland, and Utrecht by Adriaen Thomasz. Key, c. 1580
"The Nassau Cavalcade", members of the House of Orange-Nassau on parade in 1621 from an engraving by Willem Delff. From left to right in the first row: Prince Maurice, Prince Philip William and Prince Frederick Henry.
Willem II (1626–50), prince of Orange, and his wife Princess Maria Stuart of England (1631–60).
The collateral house of Nassau: the four brothers of Willem I, prince of Orange: Jan (1536–1606), sitting, Hendrik (1550–74), Adolf (1540–68) and Lodewijk (1538–74), counts of Nassau.
Painting by Willem van Honthorst (1662), showing four generations of Princes of Orange: William I, Maurice and Frederick Henry, William II, and William III.
Princes of the collateral House of Nassau-Dietz from the Stadhouderlijk Hof (nowadays called Princessehof Ceramics Museum) in Leeuwarden, H.Prince of Nassau, Henry Casimir, Prince of Nassau, George, Prince of Nassau, and Willem Frederick, Prince of Nassau_Dietz
Prince William of Orange wounded at Waterloo, 1815
Coats of arms corresponding to the titles borne by various Dutch monarchs, including Veere and Flushing (right above the bottom crowned arms), displayed at Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam
Arms of Johan Willem Friso as Prince of Orange.
Standard of Claus von Amsberg as Royal consort of the Netherlands
Standard of Princess Maxima of the Netherlands
Hotel de Nassau in Brussels painted 1658
Royal Palace of Amsterdam
Noordeinde Palace, The Hague
Huis ten Bosch palace, The Hague
Het Loo Palace
Soestdijk Palace