Frederik Hendrik (Frederick Henry) - 1584-1647

Name

Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange, Duke of Nassau

Nationality

Dutch

Parents

Prince William I of Orange-Nassau and Louise de Colligny

Title

Stadhouder (Steward, but in this age also national leader)

Appearance

A white man in his late forties, of average height and build. Medium length, wavy, grey hair. A grey Van Dyke moustache and beard. According to 17th-century fashion often displayed wearing a wide, white collar with lace edging over full armour.
Voice: commanding but affable. A slight French accent.

Background

Nicknamed The City Forcer, this youngest son of William, Prince of Orange, brought about the end of the Eighty Year War between The Netherlands and Spain. His tendency to lay siege to cities and hold them rather than engage in all out battles earned him his nickname early on in his reign. Through maritime conquests and successful trade missions, Frederik Hendrik led the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands into a Golden Age of art, architecture, science, and eventually, peace.

Persona

Womaniser (his childhood nickname was Pretty Henry), military strategist. Not much of an academic, but cheerful and vivacious as well as brave, but cautious and risk-averse in general tactics.

Quotes

• Hang our portraits side by side? Dear lady, you're making me blush.
• I am but a servant of the State.