In 1855 King Willem III of the Netherlands appointed Hiddingh his special envoy to the newly formed Boer republics of the Orange Free State and Transvaal , to present a flag and coat - of - arms , as a gift to the government and people of the Republic .
In 1855 King Willem III of the Netherlands appointed Hiddingh his special envoy to the newly formed Boer republics of the Orange Free State and Transvaal . 
 The visit to the Orange Free State was special , as the main purpose was to present a flag and coat - of - arms , as a gift from King Willem III to the government and people of the Republic .