The Dutch flag is the oldest tricolour in continuous use, but its colors shifted.

History · Published 3 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The iconic red, white, and blue of the Netherlands was not the original design. It evolved from the orange-white-blue Prince's Flag, a symbol of the 16th-century revolt against Spain. This transition from orange to red mirrored the Republic's political shift, eventually cementing a design that influenced flags worldwide.

The origins of the Dutch flag trace back to the late 16th century and the revolt against King Philip II of Spain. Prince William of Orange, who led the rebellion, used orange, white, and blue livery, which appeared in the 1574 siege of Leiden. This 'Prince's Flag' became a symbol of the Dutch Republic, though its colors were gradually replaced by red, white, and blue between 1630 and 1660. This shift reflected a growing dissociation from the House of Orange, leading the States-General to officially adopt the 'States Flag' in 1664.

The red-white-blue tricolour is recognized as the oldest in continuous use, and its influence is vast. It served as a model for the Russian flag and, following the 1789 French Revolution, the French tricolour. These designs subsequently inspired numerous national flags across the globe. Despite its historical stability, the flag's identity faced challenges; during the 1930s, the orange-white-blue variant saw a resurgence among conservative and fascist groups. To resolve this confusion, Queen Wilhelmina issued a royal decree on 19 February 1937, officially reaffirming the red, white, and blue design.

The flag's modern technical specifications were defined in 1949, designating the colors as bright vermilion, white, and cobalt blue. While the flag is flown at government buildings year-round, private use is typically reserved for national holidays or significant personal milestones, such as graduations. On royal birthdays or weddings, the flag is accompanied by an orange pennant, a nod to the historical connection to the House of Orange. Today, the flag remains a central symbol of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, distinct from its former colonies and territories, which have developed their own unique vexillological identities.

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