 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2016) |
| Prince of Ligne | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Current region | Belgium |
| Place of origin | Ligne in Hainaut |
| Estate(s) | Château de Belœil |
Prince of Ligne is a title of Belgian nobility that belongs to the House of Ligne, which goes back to the eleventh century. It owes its name to the village in which it originated, between Ath and Tournai.[1] The lords of Ligne belonged to the entourage of the Count of Hainaut at the time of the Crusades.[2]
The Ligne family began a progressive rise in the nobility, first as barons in the twelfth century, then counts of Fauquemberg and princes of Épinoy in the sixteenth century. Lamoral I received the titles of Prince of Ligne and Prince of the Holy Roman Empire in the early seventeenth century from Emperor Rudolf II. The Princes of Ligne are also Grandees of Spain, but this dignity is held personally rather than in conjunction with the title.
- ^ "Castle history". Château de Belœil. Retrieved 2020-11-04.
- ^ "Ducal and princely houses of Belgium - Belgium Travel Guide - Eupedia". Eupedia.