Het Verhaal van Nederland

With the marriage of Count Engelbrecht of Nassau to the Dutch Johanna van Polanen, the German Nassau family set foot on Dutch soil for the first time. More than a century later, descendant William inherited the title of Prince of Orange.

After the assassination of William of Orange, the role of the Nassaus in the Netherlands seems to have been played out. His inheritance sows divisions within the family and a battle erupts over who can call himself the rightful successor.

In the 17th century, the House of Orange was at the height of their power and prestige. One woman plays an important role in this: Amalia van Solms. This Orange woman is committed to the survival of the dynasty and the image of the family.

In Friesland, the Nassau-Dietz family continued the Orange line after the death of king-stadholder William the Third. From Leeuwarden they try to emulate the name and fame of their Orange predecessors.

The House of Orange seems to have been forgotten in the Netherlands for a long time when, thanks to their international contacts, they returned to the highest position ever in the Netherlands in 1813. With King William I on the throne.

The power of the Oranje kings slowly but surely crumbles in the nineteenth century. A new constitution gives parliament more power at the expense of the king. Much to the frustration of King Willem III, who is doing everything he can to turn the tide. Because what is a king without power?

The Oranje-Nassau family consists of only two members: Queen Wilhelmina and Princess Juliana. If Juliana does not provide offspring, the dynasty will cease to exist. The relief is great when a marriage partner is found in the person of Bernhard zur Lippe Biesterfeld. Can this German prince save Oranje-Nassau?

The Oranje-Nassau family has become an indispensable part of the Netherlands. For centuries they have played a significant role in our history, right at the center of power, in good times and in bad. Will the Oranjes continue to color our history in the future?