Maurice, who had been conducting operations on the eastern frontier, now hastened to Breda, and did his utmost by cutting off Spinola's own supplies to compel him to raise the blockade.
All his efforts however failed, and after holding out for many months Breda surrendered.

In the spring of 1625 the prince became so seriously ill that he asked the States-General to appoint his brother commander-in-chief in his stead.

Feeling his end drawing near, Maurice's chief wish was to see Frederick Henry married before his death.
Frederick Henry, like Maurice himself, had never shown any inclination for wedlock and there was no heir to the family.

He had, however, been attracted by the Countess Amalia von Solms, a lady of the suite of Elizabeth of Bohemia.

Under pressure from the dying man the preliminaries were speedily arranged, and the wedding was quietly celebrated on April 4.