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Juliana of Stolberg (1506-1580)

He was only 11 years old, Juliana’s son William, when she had to let him go to Brussels. To the Catholic court of Charles V, while she herself was a staunch Lutheran. It was painful to her. Refusing was, however, not an option. William would only be granted the title Prince of Orange if he went. And that would gain the family more money and, especially, prestige, and a better future for her other children.

So, Juliana agreed. Things did not go as expected, however. Instead of leading the comfortable life of a highly ranked nobleman, equal to a king, her son emerged as the leader of the Dutch Revolt against the powerful Spanish empire. The consequences for her and the rest of the family were immense. All of the family’s wealth was invested in the Revolt and Juliana lost three of her sons on the battlefield. William had to be under constant guard and he feared for his life.

In her letters, Juliana tried to support her son. Devoutly religious, she took comfort in her faith and prayed for her family night and day. In old age, she and William the Silent’s children lived with her son Jan at Dillenburg Castle. Not long before her death, William wrote to his mother he hoped to see her soon. His hope was not realised and it is not clear whether she received the letter in time.

Juliana went down in history as the founding mother of the House of Orange, the mother of mothers. An honourable title, but one for which she paid a heavy price.

From a letter by Juliana to William, written at Dillenburg:

 ‘My dearest Lord, I ask the Almighty God to comfort the good people of Haarlem, to look out for all of their enemies, and for your sovereignty to have mercy meaning you will provide your comfort and aid, set things right, you would do so to comply with his word and your highness would achieve glory. Dearest Lord, I do not wish to hinder you with my letter; my motherly heart is with you always your highness.’

Read more about the life of Juliana of Stolberg

© Image: Anonymous, Portret van Juliana van Stolberg [portrait of Juliana of Stolberg], 18th century, oil on panel, Museum Prinsenhof Delft