The Oranges' crypt

Rare glimpse into the renewed royal burial vault The Oranjes burial cellar has been expanded and now also houses urns For once, the press was allowed to take a look at our highnesses' final resting place; from William of Orange to Prince Claus.

Delft Not every visitor to the Nieuwe Kerk in Delft will realize that the relationship between the Oranjes and this place is based on a 16th century coincidence. Statesman and army leader William of Orange had found refuge in the neighboring and safe Prinsenhof, a monastery with guest houses at the time, when he was killed there in 1584. The family grave was located in Breda. But that city, in what is now called the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648), fell into Spanish hands and was inaccessible. Willem received a temporary grave in the Nieuwe Kerk, according to the custom that prominent patriots were buried in a church. Temporary became permanent, as the war would continue well into the next century. The grave became a small, low burial cellar, where Willem's fourth wife, Louise de Coligny, was placed. Other family members followed. This is how a new tradition was born: deceased Oranjes have been “added” in Delft since then™, as the official description says. Dutch Newspaper

The royal crypt should be opened to the public. After all, he is taxpayer-funded.

By God's grace, the media were allowed to take a look at the extension of the burial cellar, where, since Willem de Zwijger, almost all of the orange creatures have found their final resting place. This crypt lies deep under the floor of the Nieuwe Kerk in Delft. The mayor of that city is qualitate in terms of key keeper. At the king's behest, he keeps the door firmly locked. Only members of the dynasty are allowed in.

A matter of privacy. Privacy? Those who are buried can never rely on it. Graveyards are public places. Everyone can drool at your stone or cross, even to see if they've stopped you deep enough underground. Only the graves of the Oranjes are hidden from the public. That is not the only privilege. The recent extension of the burial cellar cost three million, it was announced, including only four tons from the royal family.