Stadtholder
In the early 16th century Charles V of Hapsburg became the Lord of the 17 provinces of the Netherlands. In each of these provinces he was represented by a Stadtholder. After the northern 7 Provinces had abjured the king in 1581, they became a republic but because the Stadtholder Willem I of Orange (William the Silent) had been the leader of the rebellion the office was not abolished.
Stadtholders of Holland:
- Willem I (William the Silent)
- Maurice
- Frederik Hendrik
- Willem II
- first Stadtholderless period
- Willem III (aka king William III of Orange
- second Stadtholderless period
- Willem IV
- Willem V
Until Willem IV Friesland had its own Stadtholders, in fact Willem IV is their descendant, because with Willem III the direct line became extinct.