It was furthermore provided that the little state should be a free Countship, and should thus silently sever its connexion with the Empire.
With regard to the position of the Prince, as hereditary chief of the little commonwealth, his actual power was rather diminished than increased by his new dignity.

What was his position at the moment?
He was sovereign during the war, on the general basis of the authority originally bestowed upon him by the King's commission of stadholder.

In 1581, his Majesty had been abjured and the stadholder had become sovereign.

He held in his hands the supreme power, legislative, judicial, executive.

The Counts of Holland--and Philip as their successor--were the great fountains of that triple stream.