The Governor of the Order is His Serene Highness G.V.K.J. Prinz zu Bentheim und Steinfurt, who, as a descendant of the Counts of Holland, also holds the highest authority within the Order. His house represents a dynastic line traceable to the Counts of Holland, a connection established in the twelfth century.
Bentheim Castle and the Counts of Holland
The earliest documented occupants of Bentheim Castle were Otto II of Rheineck and his mother, Gertrude of Northeim. Their tenure marks the beginning of a succession of noble families who held the castle. The decisive link with the comital house of Holland was made by Sophia of Rheineck, sister of Otto II: her marriage to Dirk VI, Count of Holland (r. 1121–1157), produced Otto of Bentheim, who inherited Bentheim Castle.
In the centuries that followed, the castle passed by inheritance and marriage alliance to several families. In the fourteenth century it came to the family Van Güterswyk, who thereafter took the name of Bentheim. Through marriage, Steinfurt Castle was added to their possessions, laying the foundation for the title Prinzen zu Bentheim und Steinfurt.
This title, formally recognised by the King of Prussia in 1817, reflects the accumulation of territories and the consolidation of the mediatised House of Bentheim-Steinfurt. The present holders of the title are direct descendants of Otto of Bentheim, and thereby of Count Dirk VI of Holland — an historic inheritance that continues into the present day.
Line of descent
- Dirk VI, Count of Hollandr. 1121–1157 · m. Sophia of Rheineck
- Otto of BentheimSon of Dirk VI · inherited Bentheim Castle
- The family Van GüterswykFourteenth century · took the name of Bentheim
- Bentheim und SteinfurtSteinfurt added by marriage · princely title recognised 1817