William III of England

:For other men named William of Orange, see William of Orange (disambiguation)

Early life

William, the son of William II, Prince of Orange and Mary, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange, was born in The Hague. Eight days before he was born, his father died from smallpox; thus, William became the Sovereign Prince of Orange at the moment of his birth.

Related Topics:
William II, Prince of Orange - Mary, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange - The Hague - Smallpox - Orange

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On December 23, 1660, when William was just ten years old, his mother died of smallpox while visiting her brother, King Charles II in England. In her will, Mary designated Charles as William's legal guardian. Charles delegated this responsibility to William's paternal grandmother, the Princess Dowager Amalia, with the understanding that Charles's advice would be sought whenever it was needed. This arrangement did not prevent Charles from corresponding with his nephew.

Related Topics:
Charles II - Princess Dowager Amalia

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In 1666, at the age of sixteen, the States General of the United Provinces officially made William a ward of the government, or as William himself called it, a "Child of State". This was supposedly done in order to prepare William for a role in the nation's government, although what this role would be was left unspecified. When his time as the government's ward ended three years later, William returned to private life.

Related Topics:
1666 - States General

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