Famous Dutch Emperors & Kings

William III was King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg from 1849 until his death in 1890. He succeeded as king of the Netherlands after the death of his father in 1849. William married twice and had children, with his daughter Wilhelmina succeeding him to the Dutch throne. He was also the last Dutch monarch to die while on the throne, as all his successors have abdicated in favor of their children. The throne of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg passed to his distant cousin after his death.

William I of the Netherlands was king from 1815 to 1840. He faced political upheavals early on, fighting against French invasion and ruling briefly in Nassau-Orange-Fulda. After Napoleon's defeat, he became Sovereign Prince of the United Netherlands. As king, he introduced a new constitution, focusing on economic growth and education. His attempts to enforce the Reformed faith and Dutch language in the south led to the Belgian Revolution in 1830. He accepted Belgian independence in 1839 and abdicated in 1840, passing the throne to his son, King William II.

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands has a diverse professional background. He served in the Royal Netherlands Navy and pursued a degree in history at Leiden University. He has been involved in various roles related to international water management, such as serving on the International Olympic Committee, chairing the Advisory Committee on Water to the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and the Environment, and leading the United Nations' Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation. In 2013, he succeeded his mother as the monarch of the Netherlands.

William II of the Netherlands was King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and Duke of Limburg. He became Prince of Orange in 1815 and succeeded his father as king in 1840. During his reign, the Netherlands transitioned to a parliamentary democracy with the new constitution of 1848. William II's rule marked a significant shift towards modern governance in the country. He passed away in 1849 and was succeeded by his son William III.

William V was the last Stadtholder of the Dutch Republic and Prince of Orange. He went into exile in London in 1795 during political upheaval. Additionally, he ruled the Principality of Orange-Nassau until his death in 1806. His professional life was marked by leadership during a tumultuous period in Dutch history, culminating in his exile and the eventual succession of his son. William V's legacy includes his role as a key figure in Dutch politics and the House of Orange-Nassau.

Robert I, Duke of Parma, reigned as the last sovereign Duke of Parma and Piacenza from 1854 to 1859. His rule came to an end when the duchy was annexed to Sardinia-Piedmont during the Risorgimento. Descended from Philip, Duke of Parma, Robert I was a member of the House of Bourbon-Parma. His professional life was characterized by his role as the ruler of the duchy during a pivotal period in Italian history, marked by the political transformations of the Risorgimento.

John William Friso was a Dutch statesman who served as the Stadtholder of Friesland and Groningen in the Dutch Republic. He became the (titular) Prince of Orange in 1702. Tragically, his professional life was cut short by accidental drowning in the Hollands Diep in 1711. Despite his untimely death, Friso's legacy endured through his descendants. Until 2022, he and his wife, Marie Louise of Hesse-Kassel, were the most recent common ancestors of all reigning hereditary European monarchs, establishing a lasting impact on the royal lineages of Europe.

William II of Holland was the Count of Holland and Zeeland from 1234 until his death. In 1248, he was elected anti-king of Germany, and eventually ruled as the sole king from 1254 onwards. During his reign, William II faced political challenges and conflicts, including disputes with the church and other nobles. Despite these challenges, he managed to assert his authority and expand his influence in the region. His reign was marked by efforts to strengthen his position as a ruler and maintain stability in his territories.

Floris V reigned as Count of Holland and Zeeland from 1256 to 1296. Known for modernizing administration, promoting trade, and prioritizing the interests of peasants over nobility. He reclaimed land from the sea and maintained a mostly peaceful reign. His murder, allegedly orchestrated by King Edward I of England and Guy, Count of Flanders, elevated him to hero status in Holland. Documented extensively by chronicler Melis Stoke in the Rijmkroniek, Floris V left a legacy of effective governance and progressive policies during his time as ruler.

William I of Nassau-Siegen, also known as William the Elder or William the Rich, was a prominent ruler who introduced the Reformation in his territories and expanded his county's possessions. He played a significant role in political events of his time, including involvement in the Schmalkaldic League and negotiations leading to the Peace of Passau. Throughout his reign, he faced challenges such as the succession dispute over the County of Katzenelnbogen. Known for his calm demeanor and diplomatic skills, William was a respected figure within the Holy Roman Empire and a key player in his house's success.