Princess Marianne of the Netherlands

Princess Marianne of the Netherlands, born on May ninth, eighteen ten, was the youngest child of King William I of the Netherlands and Princess Wilhelmine of Prussia. Her life was marked by a series of unconventional choices that set her apart from the norms of her time. After leaving her unfaithful husband, Prince Albert of Prussia, she embraced a life of independence, openly recognizing her illegitimate son with her partner, Johannes van Rossum, with whom she lived in a common-law marriage.

Following her decision to break away from her royal ties, Princess Marianne faced banishment from the Kingdom of Prussia. She established her new home at Schloss Reinhartshausen in Erbach, located on the picturesque Rhine. Here, she not only indulged her passion for art as a collector and patron but also dedicated herself to philanthropy, particularly focusing on the needs of the underprivileged in the Rheingau and Silesia regions.

Her commitment to social causes earned her the affection of the local populace. A significant aspect of her legacy is the Johanneskirche in Erbach, a church she founded after the tragic death of her twelve-year-old illegitimate son. This church stands as a cultural monument and holds the distinction of being the first Protestant church in the Rheingau, symbolizing her enduring impact on the community.