Privy Council of the Habsburg Netherlands


The Privy Council or Secret Council was one of the highest government institutions of the Habsburg Netherlands. Based in Brussels, it was particularly charged with legal and administrative questions.

History

The Council was founded on 1 October 1531 by Emperor Charles V, as one of the three "collateral councils" alongside the Council of State and Council of Finances. He prescribed a president, eight councillors, and a secretary.
Philip V of Spain abolished the council in 1702, but it was later restored by the archduchess-governess Maria Christina, Duchess of Teschen and finally abolished by the Brabant Revolution.

Personnel

Presidents