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Often we see threads about Hanover remaining in personal union with Britain. Interestingly enough the situation of luxembourg is comparable, a part ofthe German confederation in personal union with a foreign monarch. Unlike Denmark, which was in the same position with Schleswig-Holstein, Prussia had never gone to war with the Netherlands, because the Netherlands never tried to incorparate it (although good relations between Prussia and the Netherlands might have had something to do with it). Because of the personal union it never ended up becoming part of Germany (ignoring the occupation during both world wars). The personal union ended in 1890 when Wilhelmina became queen of the Netherlands and because Salic law Luxembourg became a completely independent country*.

So, what if Luxembourg remained in personal union with the Netherlands after 1890. The POD aren't that hard to think of. King Willem III had three sons and two of them survived childhood. So what if they got married and had (male) children, who also survived long enough to reproduce male heirs. Another option is a brother for Wilhelmina or instead of Wilhelmina. As these POD are before 1890, I expect some butterflies, but none of them large enough to prevent German unification or the Franco-German rivalry.

Anyway, the how isn't that important. Far more interesting would be the results; or I at least I suspect they are/could be. This will inevitably lead to closer ties to Luxembourg and the Netherlands. I doubt Luxembourg will be integrated into the Netherlands. Neither France, nor Germany, nor Belgium would like that and actualy I doubt the Netherlands would be interested in it or the Luxembourgians would want it. Would the only consequence be that the Netherlands get involved in the first world war (assuming it isn't butterflied away). or maybe would a Dutch Luxembourg lead to a new Luxembourg crisis, maybe setting of that world war (or at ;least a very big horrible war, even if it isn't aworld war)?



* which depends on your definition of independent, you could say it has been independend since 1815, anyway you know what I mean.
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