William III: From Reactionary Resistance to Indifference

The liberal constitutional reforms of 1848, which limit the power of the monarch, are a thorn in the side of the Dutch crown prince. He nearly wants to renounce his claim to the throne in favor of his son. His father forbids him to do so, and thus he becomes King of the Netherlands as well as Grand Duke of Luxembourg and Duke of Limburg after his father's death. At the beginning of his reign, William III tries by all means to return to pre-revolutionary law and regain power. In later years, he increasingly loses interest in politics as long as his rights are not affected.