Johan Willem Friso

Full Name: Johan Willem Friso van Nassau-Dietz anglicized as John William Friso
Profession: Prince of Orange and Monarch of Nassau-Dietz

Nationality:

Biography: Johan Willem Friso was Prince of Orange from 1702 to 1711, when he died by accidental drowning in the Hollands Diep after the ferry he was travelling on overturned. He is, along with his wife Maria Louise van Hessen-Kassel, the most recent common ancestor of the current set of European monarchs.

He took the title of Prince of Orange after the death of William III of Orange, after which there were no direct heirs. This initiated the third House of Orange, though it was opposed by some within the Netherlands as well as King Frederick I of Prussia.

Johan Willem Friso was also a military leader, serving as general of the Dutch army during the War of Spanish Succession and commanding the Dutch infantry at the Battle of Oudenarde, the Siege of Lille, and the Battle of Malplaquet.

Born: August 14, 1687
Birthplace: Dessau, Anhalt, Holy Roman Empire
Star Sign: Leo

Died: July 14, 1711 (aged 23)
Cause of Death: Accidental drowning