As says in the title. What could be the possible consequences of Mary, Princess Royal, giving birth to a girl instead of the boy that would become William III?
I don't think they'd be to keen on one of their princesses and heirs marrying anyone Catholic.
The throne would go to Wilma's male cousins such as:
- Frederick who later is Frederick I of Prussia joining the two nations (like king George I's Hanover and Great Britain)
- Henry Casimir II, Prince of Nassau-Dietz
- Leopold I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau
The throne would go to Wilma's male cousins such as:
- Frederick who later is Frederick I of Prussia joining the two nations (like king George I's Hanover and Great Britain)
- Henry Casimir II, Prince of Nassau-Dietz
- Leopold I, Prince of Anhalt-Dessau
What impact this has on Britain is we just see Mary II of England marry a different prince, maybe marrying Prince George of Denmark (before her sister Anne.) or maybe even marry into the House of Braganza, with Pedro, Duke of Beja (future Peter II of Portugal) forming the British-Portugal Empire![]()
Frederick of Prussia inheriting the Principality of Orange and all other hereditary titles of Willem II could really have some interesting effects. Being appointed as Stadholder right away is pretty much impossible but would still be the most important Dutch noble and gain a lot of influence in the Republic. Everything could happen. In 20 years he could gain control over the Republic or he could be totally sidelined with his Dutch possessions seized.
But wouldn't Mary's daughter (let's call her Amalia, after her grandmother) be the Princess of Orange? The title was held by women before, it wasn't something linked to the Nassau dynasty.
Also, as the young girl would have no political value to the Dutch, if the Restoration still happens in England (I see no reason for it not to happen) probably Mary would go back to London as IOTL, but with her daughter too, instead of living her in Netherlands as she did IOTL with William III. Amalia would be used for political marriages, but to the English instead of the Dutch.
Also, would it mean that the Stadtholder age is completely over, or the other branch of the Nassau family could try to take this position?
Nope to her as Princess of Orange. The Principality was never held by a female.
Nope to her as Princess of Orange. The Principality was never held by a female.
As for her moving to London, that would be a likely possibility, considering that I doubt there would be any issue of custody over a girl. As for a marriage, who knows. Maybe a noble or maybe a lesser Prince.
And yes the Nassau-Dietz could in theory become candidates for the Stadtholdership, as the Orangists would have no choice but to support them, but William Frederick (the head of that branch) had little support in Holland and the other states.
Without Willem III Willem Frederick will be the only choice for Dutch Orangists though. They can't wait the 40 years it would take for Amalia to produce a adult son. This gives Willem Frederick more power but as you said he had little support in the Western provinces and was downright hated in Amsterdam.
It would be interesting if Frederick of Prussia and Amalia married to unite their claimants after which Frederick could very well (with the help of the Prussian Army) take over the Netherlands after aiding them against the French. However, Frederick was only born in 1657 so couldn't possibly inherit in 1650.
While it's obvious that Willem Frederick becomes the (probably ineffective) leader of the Dutch orangists I'm not sure who would be the heir of Willem II's possessions. Would it be Amalia or would someone else inherit?
William II left a will appointing his wife as guardian of his child. There is anything in the document that shows what he planned for his succession if the child was a female?
EDIT: I have just found out that per the last will of Frederick Hendrik the heirs of Louis Henriette would inherit. That means it doesn't matter if Frederick of Prussia wasn't born yet I presume? Possible German Netherlands!
So, if Amalia dies young, we would probably have Prussia trying to mess with Dutch politics (maybe even allying with England)? It would be fun to watch.
The possibility exists of course, that Brandenburg takes over the Nassau-Oranje inheritance and becomes more westward-focused than east. Or a younger son is designated to inherit the Dutch titles, perhaps?