Lamoral, 1st Prince of Ligne

Who was Lamoral, 1st Prince of Ligne?

Lamoral I first Prince de Ligne (Château de Belœil, 19 July 1563 - Brussels, 6 February 1624), Count and since 1601 first Prince of Ligne and Prince d'Espinoy, was a Belgian diplomat of the 17th century.

He was the son of Philip, Count of Ligne (died 1583), and Marguerite de Lalaing (died 1598), daughter of Philip de Lalaing, count of Hoogstraten.

In 1601 he receives from Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor the hereditary title of Prince de Ligne .

As a diplomat, the first Prince de Ligne is involved in many historic events of his time. He represents Archduke Albert of Austria (1559–1621) and Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia of Spain at the French Court of Henri IV of France, in Spain and again in Paris, to congratulate King Louis XIII of France with his marriage of the daughter of Philip III of Spain. During this mission, he discusses several issues with the French political leaders.

Prince Lamoral I is made in 1621 grandee of Spain by King Philip IV of Spain for his services rendered to the Crown. He is also made a Knight in the Order of the Golden Fleece.