Archdukes

Within the Engarlands, there is but one family that holds Archduchy of Paardenveld, held history by the Ridderlijkheid family (honorific: Their Imperial Grace), an ancient branch of the Imperial line, dating back to Empress Brunhild. The seat of Paardenveld has generally been seen as the Imperial line's closest allies and competitors, due to their shared lineage, and have often served as the First among Equals, when addressing the sitting Emperor or Empress in Congression. Expected to lead armies and holding the largest amount of land, in the center of the empire, Paardenveld has long been a contentious and important factor in the preservation of the Empire.