William III and Mary II are crowned as joint sovereigns of Great Britain.

The late 17th century was a tumultuous period in European history, marked by shifting alliances, religious tensions, and dynastic struggles. At the heart of many of these events stood two remarkable figures: William III of Orange and Mary II. Their joint reign, often simply referred to as "William and Mary," ushered in a new era for Britain, profoundly shaping its constitutional monarchy and its place on the international stage. Their story is one of duty, political maneuvering, and a shared commitment to a Protestant succession, culminating in the pivotal Glorious Revolution.

The Early Life and Ascent of William of Orange

Born William Henry on November 4, 1650, in The Hague, Dutch Republic, William III faced an early life steeped in political intrigue and personal loss. He was the only child of William II, Prince of Orange, and Mary, Princess Royal, who herself was the daughter of King Charles I of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Tragically, his father passed away just a week before his birth, making him the sovereign Prince of Orange from the moment he entered the world. This meant that from infancy, William was a figure of immense importance within the Dutch Republic, a position that would later evolve into his role as Stadtholder of key provinces including Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Guelders, and Overijssel from the 1670s onwards.

Known widely as William of Orange, his upbringing was characterized by a strong Calvinist Protestant faith, which would become a defining feature of his political and military career. His early years were shaped by the complex dynamics of the Dutch Republic, where the Orange-Nassau family vied for influence against powerful republican factions. As he matured, William became a shrewd military commander and statesman, deeply committed to protecting the Dutch Republic from the expansionist ambitions of the powerful Catholic French King Louis XIV. He forged alliances across Europe, often uniting both Protestant and Catholic powers against what he perceived as the overarching threat of French hegemony, earning him a reputation among many Protestants as a stalwart champion of their faith.

Mary II: A Princess Royal in Turbulent Times

Mary II, born on April 30, 1662, was the eldest daughter of James, Duke of York, and his first wife, Anne Hyde. Her father, a younger brother to King Charles II, would later become King James II. Mary’s early life was marked by a fascinating religious dichotomy: though both her parents converted to Roman Catholicism, she and her younger sister, Anne, were raised as Anglicans, a deliberate decision made by her uncle, King Charles II, to ensure a Protestant heir in the line of succession. This decision proved to be immensely significant for the future of the British monarchy.

With King Charles II lacking legitimate children, Mary found herself second in the line of succession, a position that carried immense political weight. In 1677, at the age of fifteen, she was married to her first cousin, William of Orange. This union was more than just a family affair; it was a strategically vital alliance, uniting two prominent Protestant houses and further solidifying William’s dynastic claims and influence across Europe. Despite differing temperaments – William was often reserved and austere, while Mary was known for her grace and charm – their marriage was a partnership that would profoundly alter the course of British history.

The Glorious Revolution: A Crown Offered

The political landscape of Britain shifted dramatically in 1685 when Mary’s father, James, Duke of York, ascended to the thrones of England, Scotland, and Ireland as King James II. However, his reign quickly proved unpopular with the Protestant majority. James, a devout Catholic, pursued policies that many perceived as autocratic and aimed at re-establishing Catholicism in a predominantly Protestant nation. His attempts to rule by decree, to promote Catholics to positions of power, and the birth of a Catholic son, James Francis Edward (later known as "the Old Pretender"), sparked widespread fears of a Catholic dynasty and a revival of Catholic influence.

Against this backdrop of growing discontent, a group of influential British political and religious leaders, often referred to as the "Immortal Seven," extended an invitation to William of Orange. They urged him to intervene and protect the Protestant religion and liberties of the English people. Seizing this historic opportunity, William launched an invasion. In November 1688, he landed with his Dutch fleet and army at Brixham, a south-western English port. The invasion was remarkably successful; faced with widespread desertions and a lack of support, James II’s authority crumbled, leading to his effective deposition in what became known as the Glorious Revolution. This largely bloodless revolution secured the Protestant succession and redefined the relationship between the monarch and Parliament.

The Joint Reign of William and Mary (1689-1694)

Following James II’s departure, the Convention Parliament offered the crowns of England, Scotland, and Ireland jointly to William and Mary. They accepted, becoming co-monarchs in 1689. This unique arrangement, recognizing both as sovereign rulers, set a precedent in English constitutional history. Their ascension was enshrined in the English Bill of Rights, a landmark document that limited royal power, guaranteed parliamentary supremacy, and established fundamental civil liberties. As King of Scotland, William is often referred to as William II.

Their reign, often popularly remembered as that of "William and Mary," saw a distinct division of responsibilities. William, a renowned military leader and the principal architect of European resistance against Louis XIV, was frequently engaged in military campaigns abroad. A significant portion of his early reign was consumed by the Nine Years' War (1688–1697), where he led grand alliances against France. During these extended absences, Queen Mary II stepped forward to govern Britain alone. She proved to be a powerful, firm, and effective ruler, capably managing domestic affairs and demonstrating considerable political acumen. Though she generally deferred to her husband on matters of state when he was present, her individual contributions to governance were significant and crucial for the stability of the kingdom.

Mary's Legacy and William's Continued Rule (1694-1702)

Tragedy struck in December 1694 when Queen Mary II succumbed to smallpox at the age of 32. Her death left William as the sole ruler of Britain, a role he continued until his own passing. Mary's quiet strength, administrative skill, and commitment to the Protestant cause were deeply missed, and her early demise cast a shadow over the remainder of William's reign.

William’s later years were marked by continued challenges. The Jacobites, a faction loyal to the deposed James II and later his son, remained a persistent threat, plotting unsuccessfully to assassinate William and restore the Stuart line. A significant crisis also arose concerning the succession. William and Mary had no children, and the death of Mary’s nephew, Prince William, Duke of Gloucester (son of Mary's sister Anne), in 1700, gravely endangered the Protestant succession. To avert this peril, Parliament passed the Act of Settlement in 1701. This crucial legislation placed distant Protestant relatives, the Hanoverians, in line to the throne, ensuring that the crown would not fall back into Catholic hands.

William III died on March 8, 1702. In Britain, he was succeeded by Mary’s sister, Anne. Concurrently, his cousin, John William Friso, became the titular Prince of Orange, marking the beginning of the Second Stadtholderless Period in the Dutch Republic. William III’s legacy is complex and enduring. In Ireland and Scotland, he is sometimes informally known as "King Billy." His decisive victory at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 against James II continues to be a powerful symbol, particularly commemorated by Unionists, who proudly display orange colours in his honour, celebrating what they view as a pivotal moment for Protestant ascendancy and constitutional liberty.

FAQs About William III and Mary II

Who were William III and Mary II?
William III, also known as William of Orange, was a Dutch sovereign Prince of Orange and Stadtholder who became King of England, Ireland, and Scotland. Mary II was his wife and first cousin, and the daughter of the deposed King James II. They co-reigned as monarchs of Great Britain from 1689 until Mary's death in 1694, with William continuing to rule alone until 1702.
What was the Glorious Revolution?
The Glorious Revolution was a largely bloodless revolution in 1688 that led to the overthrow of King James II of England (Mary's father) and the accession of William and Mary to the throne. It was prompted by James II's pro-Catholic policies and fears of a Catholic dynasty, and it established parliamentary supremacy and constitutional monarchy in Britain.
Why were they referred to as "William and Mary"?
Their reign is popularly referred to as "William and Mary" because they ruled as co-monarchs, a unique arrangement where both held sovereign power. This joint sovereignty was formally established by the Bill of Rights and recognized their shared claim to the throne and collective authority.
What was the significance of the Battle of the Boyne?
The Battle of the Boyne, fought in 1690 in Ireland, was a decisive victory for William III's forces against the deposed James II and his Jacobite supporters. This battle is particularly significant for its role in securing Protestant dominance in Ireland and ensuring the continuation of the Protestant succession to the British throne. It remains a powerful symbol, especially for Unionists in Northern Ireland, who commemorate it annually.
What was the Act of Settlement 1701?
The Act of Settlement 1701 was a crucial piece of legislation passed by the English Parliament. Faced with the lack of direct heirs from William and Mary, and to prevent the crown from ever passing to a Catholic, it established the succession to the English throne with the Protestant House of Hanover, ensuring a Protestant monarchy for Britain.
What was Mary II's role in the reign?
While her husband William was frequently away leading military campaigns in Europe, Mary II served as a powerful and effective regent, governing Britain alone. She demonstrated strong leadership, political acumen, and administrative capabilities, proving herself to be a capable ruler in her own right and crucial for the stability of the kingdom during challenging times.