Estatúder (in Dutch: stadhouder, that literally means 'lieutenant') was a political position of the old provinces of the north of the Netherlands, that entailed executive functions. When these provinces were united in the Union of Utrecht, a supreme office was created: the one of Estatúder and Captain General of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, controlled of continuous by the States Generals. Its function was to direct the policy and military activities of the Dutch provinces. In 1747, after a revolt, the office became hereditary.

They were standers:

wiki