Prince Alexander of the Netherlands
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Prince Alexander of the Netherlands (William Alexander Frederick Constantine Nicholas Michael, Dutch: Willem Alexander Frederik Constantijn Nicolaas Michiel; 2 August 1818 - 2 February 1848) was born at Soestdijk Palace, the second son to King William II of The Netherlands and Queen Anna Paulowna, daughter of Tsar Paul I of Russia. He was nicknamed Sasha within his family.
Prince Alexander was an excellent horseman and served as Lieutenant-General and Inspector of the Calvary, a position he held until his death. The Regiment Huzaren Prins Alexander is named for him.
It was suggested in 1840 that Alexander should eventually marry Isabella II of Spain when she came of age, allowing him to become regent. However, opposition from other crowns and King William’s objection to her religion (she was Catholic) prevented any marriage between the two.
Alexander contracted tuberculosis and for health reasons relocated in November 1847 to the drier climes of Madeira, Portugal, where he died on 20 February 1848 at the age of 29. He is buried in the royal crypt at Nieuwe Kerk in Delft.
