diff --git a/lib/OpenLayers/Renderer/VML.js b/lib/OpenLayers/Renderer/VML.js
index 08f65e25a0..9cf0f771b3 100644
--- a/lib/OpenLayers/Renderer/VML.js
+++ b/lib/OpenLayers/Renderer/VML.js
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ OpenLayers.Renderer.VML = OpenLayers.Class(OpenLayers.Renderer.Elements, {
         if (!this.supported()) { 
             return; 
         } 
-        document.namespaces.add("v", "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml");
+        document.namespaces.add("v", this.xmlns);
         var style = document.createStyleSheet();
         style.addRule('v\\:*', "behavior: url(#default#VML); " +
                                "position: relative; display: inline-block;");