The vault

The Orange-Nassau family vault, Nieuwe Kerk, Delft

The traditional burial place for members of the House of Orange-Nassau is the Nieuwe Kerk, Delft. The first to be interred in the family vault was Prince William of Orange, in 1584, and the most recent was Princess Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands from 1898 until 1948. Prince Claus is the 44th member of the House of Orange-Nassau to be buried in the vault.

The royal vault lies beneath the mausoleum of William of Orange, in the choir of the church, and has been restored and expanded several times. Its entrance, located at the front of the choir, is covered by a large gravestone in which are carved the arms of the House of Orange-Nassau and a Latin text that can be rendered, “Here lies William I, father of his country, awaiting the Resurrection”.

The vault is not open to the public. After the interment of Prince Claus, those wishing to pay their respects by filing past the open vault will have two days in which to do so.