How did William I respond when the Council of Troubles summoned him to appear?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Portrait of William I, Prince of Orange, by Adriaen Thomasz Key. He wears a dark embroidered coat, a white ruff collar, and a black cap, with a trimmed beard and mustache. — William I Portrait of William I, oil on panel by Adriaen Thomaszoon Key, c. 1579; in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

When William I, Prince of Orange, was summoned to appear before the Council of Troubles—a special court established by the Duke of Alba to prosecute cases of heresy and rebellion—he responded by issuing a dignified Justification of his conduct.1

He did not appear in person before the court. Following his refusal to comply with the summons and the regent's requirement for a new oath of unconditional obedience, his possessions within the dominions of Philip II were confiscated, and his son, Philip William, was deported to Spain.21