Why Can a Dutch King Marry a Non-Dutch Woman and Why She Becomes Queen Consort?
The age-old question regarding the marriage of a Dutch king to a non-Dutch woman and why she becomes a queen consort remains a topic of fascination. This article explores the historical and legal underpinnings of royal marriages in the Dutch monarchy and clarifies the specific roles and titles within the Dutch royal family.
Understanding the Position of Consorts in Monarchies
It's important to understand the concept of consortships in monarchies. In the Netherlands, a consort is the spouse of the reigning monarch. When a non-Dutch woman marries the king of the Netherlands, she is typically styled as the Queen consort.
Seniority in Monarchies – The Key Differentiation
The seniority principle, or regality, is a fundamental aspect of monarchies, particularly in the Netherlands. The reigning monarch is always considered senior, regardless of gender. This principle ensures that the monarch has the highest rank, and no other person in the royal family can surpass the monarch's position in a line of succession.
For instance:
If a king marries and becomes the consort of a reigning queen, he remains a king but is treated as less senior than his wife. Conversely, a queen who marries a king is still considered a queen and is ranked above her husband.Example: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
Consider the British monarchy under Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Even though Prince Albert was not a British citizen, he became the Queen consort of the United Kingdom. Albert held the title and was an important figure, but Queen Victoria remained the senior monarch. If Albert had been made King, he would have had a higher rank, and this would have been politically unacceptable at the time.
Philip and Queen Elizabeth II
When Prince Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth II, married into the British Royal Family, he became the Duke of Edinburgh but not the King of the United Kingdom. This was because the British monarchy follows a patriarchal succession system, in which the title of 'King' carries a higher rank than 'Queen'. For this reason, he could never hold the position of King Consort in the British royal family.
The Dutch Monarchy and Its Unique Features
The Dutch monarchy operates under a different set of rules compared to many other monarchies, including the British. In the Netherlands, there is no formal title of 'king'. Instead, the sovereign is referred to as the Monarch. If a Dutch princess were to marry the monarch, her title would be Queen, matching the title of her husband, but she would not be styled as Queen Consort as she is not the consort of a king.
The most notable example is the marriage of Princess Margriet to Erik Braamse. She married a commoner, and despite her Dutch roots, she remained a princess and did not become a queen consort.
Historical Precedents in Netherlands Monarchy
Historically, the Netherlands has a monarchy that evolved from a stadtholderate. William of Orange was the first stadtholder, and his descendants continued to hold this position. The Netherlands does not officially recognize kings, and the current sovereign is referred to as the Monarch.
Conclusion
The marriage of a Dutch king to a non-Dutch woman results in the non-Dutch woman becoming a queen consort, not a king consort. This is due to the patriarchal nature of the Dutch monarchy and the seniority principle. The Dutch monarchy's unique structure and historical context provide a clear explanation for the roles of consort in this specific royal family.
Understanding these intricacies is essential for appreciating the dynamics of royalty and the complexities of royal titles and positions. Whether it's the British, Dutch, or any other monarchy, the principles governing these roles are fascinating and often misunderstood.