Philip de Montmorency, Count of Horn

[3] In 1559, De Montmorency commanded the stately fleet which conveyed Philip II from the Netherlands to Spain, and he remained at the Spanish court until 1563.

On his return, he placed himself with the Prince of Orange and Count of Egmont at the head of the faction which opposed the imposition of the inquisition in the Netherlands by Cardinal Granvelle and ultimately forced his resignation.

In April 1566, the Council of State sent Philip's younger brother, Floris of Montmorency, to Spain in a last attempt to avoid war.

[4] Two years later, Philip II had Horn's still-detained brother Floris strangled in secret and spread the rumor that he had died of disease.

In historical overview, they are usually mentioned together as Egmond en Hoorne and hailed as the first leaders of the Dutch revolt, as the predecessors of William of Orange, who grew to importance and obtained the rebel leadership after their execution.