King william of orange biography of michael

William of Orange lived from 14 November 1650 to 8 March 1702. He became King William III of England and of Ireland on 22 January 1689, and King William II of Scotland on 4 April 1689, in each case ruling as joint monarch with his wife, Mary II, until her death on 28 December 1694, and then ruling as sole monarch.

King william of orange biography of michael

His date of birth is given using the new style Gregorian calendar then in use in the Netherlands, where he was born. By the old style Julian calendar, in use in Britain until 1753, his date of birth is 4 November 1650: and many sources give it as that.

The wider picture in Scotland at the time is set out in our Historical Timeline.

William was born in the Hague, the son of William II, Prince of Orange, and Mary Stuart, sister of Charles II and James VII/II of England.

He came to power in the Netherlands in the aftermath of an occupation by French forces (supported by the English) in 1672. He made peace with England