The use of the word "apparent" is justified, for provision was made in the deed of cession that the Netherlands should revert to the Spanish crown in case the union should prove childless; and there was a secret agreement that the chief fortresses should still be garrisoned by Spanish troops and that the archdukes, as they were officially styled, should recognise the suzerainty of the King of Spain.
Philip did not actually live to carry his plan into execution.

His death took place on September 13, 1598.

But all the necessary arrangements for the marriage and the transfer of sovereignty had already been made.

Albert, having first divested himself of his ecclesiastical dignities, was married by proxy to Isabel at Ferrara in November.

It was not until the end of the following year that the new rulers made their _joyeuse entree_ into Brussels, but their marriage marks the beginning of a fresh stage in the history of the Netherlands.
Albert and Isabel were wise and capable, and they succeeded in gaining the affection and willing allegiance of the southern provinces.