4 November 1650 – 8 March 1702
House: Orange-Nassau, Stuart
Titles: Prince of Orange, Stadtholder of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Guelders, and Overijssel, King of England, King of Ireland, King of Scotland
William III, also known as William of Orange, was born into the House of Orange-Nassau and ascended to the role of sovereign Prince of Orange from birth. His marriage to Mary II united him with the English throne, leading to their joint reign in Britain and Ireland, known as that of William and Mary. As a Protestant, William fought against Catholic France and its king, Louis XIV, and was viewed as a defender of the Protestant faith. The Glorious Revolution of 1688, driven by fears of a Catholic resurgence under James II, culminated in William’s invasion of England and his ascension to the throne. Although he spent considerable time abroad for the Nine Years’ War, William’s rule was marked by his efforts to maintain Protestantism and oppose the Catholic influence in Europe.
Death: Died at age 51 at Kensington Palace, Middlesex, England and was buried in Westminster Abbey
Reign: 13 years and 332 days
Children: 0
Marriages: Married to Mary II of England until her death in 1694