The Story of The Netherlands
The story of the Netherlands - Oranje Nassau
A journey through history that shows who the Oranges are and how today's royal family came into being.
Where to Watch The story of the Netherlands - Oranje Nassau
8 Episodes
- When two faiths share a pillow
E1When two faiths share a pillowDaan Schuurmans talks about the origins of the Orange dynasty. 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 Willem received the title Prince of Orange thanks to an inheritance. This William of Orange-Nassau wants to strengthen his position by marrying the Protestant Anne of Saxony. But that gets him into big trouble with his ruler, the Spanish king Philip the Second. - Out of sight out of mind
E2Out of sight out of mindAfter the murder of William of Orange, the role of the Nassaus in the Netherlands seems to have ended. His inheritance sows division within the family and a battle erupts over who can call himself the rightful successor of the Father of the Fatherland: eldest son Philip Willem or the younger Maurits? - Of good name and fame
E4Of good name and fameIn Friesland, the Nassau-Dietz family continued the Orange Line after the death of King-Stadholder William the Third. From Leeuwarden they try to match the name and fame of their Orange predecessors and obtain the governorship over the whole of the Netherlands. - King of the world
E5King of the worldDue to revolution and wars at the beginning of the 19th century, the Oranges fled and lost everything: the governorship, their possessions and even the Netherlands. But not their English and German family ties. The Orange seem 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. - King Gorilla
E6King GorillaThe power of the Orange 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 monarchy in distress
E7The monarchy in distressThe 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 the House of Orange? - In the name of Orange
E8In the name of OrangeThe 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?
