Barthélémy de Theux de Meylandt

Trained in law at the University of Liège, De Theux was elected to the National Congress in 1830, defending conservative Catholic constitutional principles. As Prime Minister from 1834 to 1840, he stabilized Belgian municipal and provincial governance through the organic laws of 1836.

His most painful yet necessary statesmanship was signing the 1839 Treaty of London, which recognized Belgian neutrality and independence while ceding portions of Limburg and Luxembourg to the Netherlands. He returned as Prime Minister in 1871, dying in office at Meylandt Castle.