Brussels Privy Council


The Privy Council or Secret Council in Brussels was one of the three "collateral councils" that together formed the highest government institutions of the Habsburg Netherlands. It was particularly charged with legal and administrative questions.

History

The Council was founded on 1 October 1531 by Emperor Charles V. He prescribed a president, eight councillors, and a secretary.
Philip V of Spain abolished the council in 1702, but it was later restored by the archduchess-governess Maria Christina, Duchess of Teschen and finally abolished by the Brabant Revolution.

Personnel

Presidents