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Netherlands Flag - Kingdom of the
SKU: NLD35P
At the end of the 15th century the majority of the Netherlands provinces were united under one Lord and one common flag which was known as the Cross of Burgundy. The Low Countries, which were under spanish control, rose in revolt against King Philip II of Spain. The Prince of Orange was quick to place himself at the head of the insurrection. The Watergeuzen acting on the Prince's instructions, harassed the spanish occupiers under a tricolour of Orange Blanche et Bleu, the colours of the Prince's coat of arms. "The Prince's Flag" quickly became known as a symbol of Dutch independence and would be seen throughout the Eighty Years' War. After 1630, famous artworks began to reflect the flag as containing a red stripe rather than orange. The ability of mariners to distinguish red at sea easier than orange was recorded as the explanation. Revolution in the Netherlands in the late 18th century, together with French invasion resulted in the use of the French Tri-colore and the banishment of the "Prince's Flag". The red division of the flag was embellished in 1796, with the figure of a Netherlands maiden with a lion at her feet imposed in the upper left corner. In one hand she bore a shield with the Roman fasces and in the other a lance crowned with the cap of liberty. When Napoleon imposed his brother Louis as King of Holland the decision was made to respect Dutch national sentiments as much as possible. He removed the maiden of freedom and restored the old tricolour. His pro-Dutch policies led to conflicts with his brother, and the eventual incorporation into the French Empire. The flag again became the French imperial emblem. In 1813, the Netherlands regained its independence and the Prince of Orange returned to his throne from England. The tricolour quickly reappeared. The people's attachment to the House of Orange was indicated by the flying of both the orange-white-blue and the red-white-blue flags together. The decision as to which of these two flags should be the national flag would remain undecided for many years. Both flags had equal status, although the red-white-blue was generally given precedence. This is believed to be due to the fact it was chosen by the first King as his personal standard. Arising from the same period is the custom by the people to fly an orange pennant together with the national flag as a sign of allegiance to the House of Orange. On February 19, 1937 Queen Wilhelmina issued a Royal Decree officially proclaiming a national flag containing the heraldic colours of bright vermilion, white and cobalt blue. Flags Measures 36 in x 60 in and are 100% polyester with grommets for easy flying.
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