The Constantinian Order in The Netherlands
The Constantinian Order has been present in Dutch society for almost two centuries. One of the first Dutch members was Louis du Chastel de la Howarderie (1808-1880), ambassador in Rome.
During the second half of the 20th century, Dutch citizens have only occasionally been received into the Order, mainly persons of renown such as HE Cardinal Adrianus Simonis, HE Bishop Joannes Gijsen, mgr. Karel Kasteel and HE the NATO Secretary General Joseph Luns.
Until recently, there was no organised Order activity in the Netherlands. A start was made in 2023. The focus is on the promotion of the Faith, the defense of the Church and the glofirication of the Cross. Inextricably linked are social and charitable efforts.
The Constantinian Order is under the direct authority of the grandmaster, HRH prince Carlo di Borbone delle Due Sicilie.
The Constantinian Order is represented in the Netherlands by a delegate in the person of HE ambassador drs. P.M.A.M.G. van Hanswijck de Jonge.
The delegate is assisted in the day-to-day management of the delegation by vice-delegate mr. O.G.J.M. Strouken.
HE mgr. dr. J.J.M. Hendriks, bishop of Amsterdam-Haarlem, is the prior of the Dutch delegation.
On Friday, October 13, 2023, prior to a pontifical high mass, the first Dutch investiture took place in the Cathedral Basilica of St. Bavo in Haarlem.
Investiture and mass were attended from the Grand Magistrate by HH Grand Chancellor Francesco Ruspoli, Prince of Cerveteri.
The Holy See was represented by Apostolic Nuncio HE mgr. Paul Tschang In-Nam.
On Sunday, December 10th, 2023, the Dutch delegation inaugurated the Holy Cross Chapel in St. Bavo's as official order chapel during a vespers celebration.
On Friday, September 13th, 2024, the second Dutch investiture took place, also prior to a pontifical high mass in Haarlem's St. Bavo.
Present were HRH Grand Master Prince Carlo di Borbone delle Due Sicile, HH Grand Chancellor Prince Paolo dei Principi Borghese and HE Cardinal dr. Wim Eijk.
The Holy See was represented by HE mgr. Jan Thomas Limchua, Counsellor of the Apostolic Nunciature.
On Sunday, September 28th, 2025 the third Dutch investiture was held, again preceding a ponifical mass at St. Bavo. The ceremony was led by Dutch delegate ambassador P.M.A.M.G van Hanswijck de Jonge.
All public investiture ceremonies were attended by family members, friends and relatives, representatives of the Belgian delegation, as well as members of Catholic organizations and of other chivalric orders active in the Netherlands: the Order of Malta, the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and the Teutonic Order (Bailiwick of Utrecht).
On the occasion of the first investiture, the booklet 'A spiritual path for the Knights and Ladies of the Constantinian Order' was published.