House of Orange-Nassau

The House of Orange-Nassau (in Dutch Oranje-Nassau), is a family that played a central role in the government of the Netherlands since William I of Orange (also known as "William the Silent" and "Father of the Fatherland") organised the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule, which after the Eighty Years' War led to an independent Dutch state.

Several members of the house served during this war and after as governor or stadtholder (Dutch stadhouder). In 1815 the Netherlands became a monarchy under the rule of the House of Orange-Nassau.

The house was established as a result of the marriage between Hendrik III of Nassau-Breda[?] from Germany and Claudia of Châlon-Orange[?] from French Burgundy. Their son René of Châlon[?] first adopted the new family name "Orange-Nassau". William I was his nephew and successor.

In the late 17th century, the family also supplied a British monarch, King William III.

See also: Dutch monarchy