In Zeeland the Estates consisted of seven members, the "first noble" (who presided) and six towns.

There was but one noble, the Marquis of Flushing and Veere.
William the Silent in 1581 obtained this marquisate by purchase; and his heirs, through its possession, continued to exercise great influence in the Provincial Estates.

As Philip William, Prince of Orange, was in Madrid, Maurice sat in the assembly as "first noble" in his place.

In Utrecht the three Estates were represented, _i.e._ the nobles, the towns (four in number) and the clergy.

The representatives of the clergy were, however, chosen no longer from the Chapter but from the possessors of what had been Church lands and property.