OranjeNassau

OranjeNassau, also known as the House of Orange-Nassau, is the reigning royal house of the Netherlands. The dynasty emerged in the 16th century from the union of the noble Orange line with the German House of Nassau (the Nassau-Dillenburg branch) and derives its name from the Principality of Orange in what is now southern France and the Nassau family. William I, Prince of Orange (William the Silent), is regarded as the founder of the house’s prominence, leading the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule.

In the Dutch Republic the House of Orange-Nassau supplied the Stadtholders and later became the royal house of the Netherlands. The modern constitutional framework for the Netherlands was established in the 19th century under this house. Notable rulers include Wilhelmina (1890–1948), Juliana (1948–1980), Beatrix (1980–2013), and Willem-Alexander (2013–present). The current monarch is King Willem-Alexander, with Queen Máxima as queen consort. The royal family performs ceremonial duties, acts as a symbolic national figure, and participates in diplomacy and charitable work within the framework of a constitutional monarchy.

Luxembourg’s connection to the Orange-Nassau line ended in 1890. After the death of William III without a male heir, the Netherlands continued under the House of Orange-Nassau, while Luxembourg passed to the Nassau-Weilburg branch, establishing a separate succession and ruling house there.

The Oranje-Nassau dynasty remains a central symbol of Dutch national identity, with the color orange and various royal traditions reflecting its long historical role in the Netherlands and, historically, in the broader region.