Prince Maurits - Character Study

Maurits was born 15 September 1843.

Prince Maurits (left) with his older brother Wiwill.

It’s hard to say much about Maurits; he died age 6 of meningitis. In other words, he didn’t get a fair chance to make an impression. When people write about Maurits you get the information I just gave you. He is sometimes mentioned when people write about Wiwill or Alexander. In those cases he is compared to either of his brothers. That’s how I got to know Maurits a little.

Maurits was easier in behaviour than his older brother Wiwill. Where Wiwill doesn’t strike the hearts of people, Maurits does. Unlike Wiwill, who bangs his head against the floor when he doesn’t get what he wants, Maurits seems more obedient and happy.

Maurits was much more social than his younger brother Alexander would be. But like Alexander later, Maurits was always sickly and weak. He had a pale complexion and had a cold seemingly all the time. Unlike Alexander he was not a shy and nervous boy. Maurits is out going and social. People find the young boy charming. He also had a pretty face with big eyes, like a little angel.

Even his parents see more in Maurits than in Wiwill and Alexander turns out not to be Maurits. Even though he seems to be the preference over his two brothers, there’s nothing much to say about him. He was unfortunate or fortunate enough to die young.

He died 4 June 1850, age 6.