Education
He studied law in Liège, Ghent and Leiden (1827-1831).
Diplomat journalist politician
He studied law in Liège, Ghent and Leiden (1827-1831).
He worked at the Departments of Colonies and Foreign Affairs. From 1837 till 1841 he served as editor of the liberal newspaper Arnhemsche Courant. His diplomatic career started in 1842, when he was named secretary of the Dutch Legation in Vienna.
From 1851-1856 he served as Chargé d’affaires in Lisbon and he became Envoy in Washington, serving from 1856 till 1868.
Roest van Limburg became Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1868. His tenure as Foreign Minister was marked by the Franco-German War (1870-1871).
After his resignation he lived abroad. He died on 3 March 1887 in Florence.
Roest van Limburg was married (Stonington, 23 August 1858) to Elisabeth Cass, daughter of Lewis Cass, sometimes Minister of War of the United States of America.