They were joint governors of the Austrian Netherlands.
Philip II appointed her governor of the Netherlands when he left them in 1559 for Spain.
He was also the last governor of the Spanish Netherlands and duke of Luxembourg.
If something were to go wrong, Francis would become governor of the Austrian Netherlands.
In 1744 Charles became governor of the Austrian Netherlands, a post he held until his death in 1780.
As governor of the Netherlands, Mary faced riots and a difficult relationship with the Emperor.
This passion would later be demonstrated during her tenure as governor of the Netherlands.
The duke was the governor of the Netherlands for the Habsburg family.
In 1780, the couple was appointed joint governors of the Austrian Netherlands.
He was also a governor of the Spanish Netherlands.