Grand Pensionary
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The Grand Pensionary was the most important official during the time of the United Provinces. The office started in 1619 and replaced the title of Land's Advocate. The Grand Pensionary of Holland was the political leader of the entire Dutch Republic when there was no prince of Orange in the centre of power. When there was a prince of Orange, then he was the second leader of the republic. The Grand Pensionary of Holland acted as the chairman of States of Holland. He was appointed by the estates and could be fired instantly by the estates. A decision of the Estates was made by a summarizing of all the statements of the other delegates by the Grand Pensionary. He was the representative of the nobility of Holland and had the first say on a subject during a meeting of the Estates. The most important nobleman in the county of Holland was the prince of Orange.
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