2: The Last Viscount of the Netherlands: A Brief Interview

In the Netherlands, noble titles are rare, and the title of viscount is even more unique. Hans de Preud’homme d’Hailly de Nieuport, 64 years young, can call himself the last viscount of our country. Since Belgium's secession in 1830, the title of viscount has become rare in the Netherlands and has mainly continued within Belgian noble branches. Of the three burgravial families still part of the Dutch nobility, only a few scions carry the title of viscount, two of whom reside in Belgium. The only burgravial family living in the Netherlands is the aforementioned family, established in the country since the 1950s. Incidentally, King Willem-Alexander also holds one of his titles as 'viscount of Antwerp,' although as king he stands above the nobility.

Enough facts listed, it's time to meet the person behind the title. Hans de Preud’homme d’Hailly de Nieuport, as mentioned earlier the last viscount of the Netherlands, works daily as a dentist in the practice for cosmetic dentistry that he founded together with his wife Nicole. He has four adult children and two grandchildren. The family shares their home with a large Bernese Mountain Dog mix, two Ragdoll cats, a blue-and-yellow macaw, and several koi carp. They also travel extensively, including with their camper, an American school bus that Hans converted himself.

As the last viscount of the Netherlands, Hans experiences the title as something special, although it does not play a daily role in his life. “It’s nice to have a title that is quite unique in the Netherlands, but I’m certainly not occupied with it every day,” he says. The title has little influence on his daily life, though his surname occasionally prompts questions about his background. He experiences hardly any advantages or disadvantages, except that the length of his name can sometimes cause practical problems in the digital world.

Within his family, heritage plays only a limited role. “We are not very focused on traditions,” Hans explains. “At most, there’s a playful mention of having a grandson so that the title is not lost. I have made sure my children are aware of their noble heritage.”

Even in his own childhood, nobility played a modest but present role. “He and his sister were made aware of their noble background, and occasionally there were events related to the family. Later, Hans delved further into the family history. Fortunately, a lot of material is available: books, documents, and records. A great-uncle, a cousin of his father, conducted extensive research on the family history and documented it, so there is plenty to read,” Hans adds.

Besides the stories, the family also possesses an impressive collection of heirlooms. Books, paintings, an extensive family dinner service, and, of course, the signet ring are part of the collection. The most remarkable item, however, is a parchment document bearing the royal seal and the signature of King Willem I, carefully preserved in a zinc chest. The former family castle in Poeke also remains a place of significance; the family still visits it regularly, and Hans recently celebrated his 12.5-year wedding anniversary there.

Nieuwpoort, the town that is also part of his surname, is close to Hans’ heart. He visited frequently in his youth, first with his parents who had a holiday apartment there, and later with his own sailboat. At the invitation of the municipality, he also attended the 400th anniversary of the Battle of Nieuwpoort, a moment that further underscored his historical connection to the town.

His engagement with history and tradition is not limited to his own family or background. Hans also has a clear perspective on the role of nobility in modern society. According to him, nobility still has a place today, primarily in terms of traditions and cultural heritage. “It enriches society with history and culture,” he says. He is also open to a renewed form of ennoblement, provided it occurs in moderation and not based on money or status. Finally, he emphasizes his support for both the nobility and the monarchy. Although their political and social significance is limited today, he sees enduring value in the tradition and history they represent, something that should certainly be preserved.

It is remarkable to meet someone who holds a title so unique in the Netherlands. In his answers, Hans shows how nobility relates to modern life: not as something lofty, but as a piece of living history. His perspective on tradition, heritage, and identity makes it clear that nobility still has a place, not through power or status, but through the meaning it carries within family, culture, and society.

With thanks to Hans de Preud’homme d’Hailly de Nieuport for the time he made available and for sharing his story and his perspective on nobility in modern times.