William III's Care for His Wife Mary II: An Analysis

Political Marriages and Personal Care

Marriages among royals that historically framed alliances rather than love have often been a topic of discussion. In the case of William III and Mary II, their relationship was indeed political, cementing the Protestant succession in England. However, evidence indicates that William did care for Mary personally, even amidst her smallpox attack. Despite his own previous experience with the disease, which made his act all the more daring, William personally nursed her through her illness, although tragically without success. This gesture underscores the personal side to the political union, highlighting the depth of his commitment despite the political nature of the marriage.

A Political Marriage Gone Beyond the Expected

Marriages between royals were as much about dynastic and political considerations as they were about personal affection. Mary II, the younger sister of James II, was forced to marry William III, a Dutchman, to secure the Protestant throne after her father's attempt to install a Catholic heir. Mary was not initially enthusiastic about the marriage, as she found William unattractive and shorter than herself. Nonetheless, she was compelled to comply with the marital arrangement to secure England's political stability. Her father, James II, allowed this union in the hopes of ensuring a Protestant heir to the throne.

William's ascension to the English throne came after various political and religious upheavals. Mary's role in the succession was pivotal, as she would become the heir if her father had remained childless. The threat of a Catholic ruler posed significant risks to the Protestant population, and the Bill of Rights of 1689 reinforced the rights of the Protestant succession.

A Happy and Doting Couple?

Despite political motivations, there is evidence to suggest that William III and Mary II were a reasonably happy couple. Many contemporaries described their relationship positively, noting that they seemed to have a good rapport. Mary was known to be a welcoming and dutiful consort, often described by her contemporaries as a loving and beloved figure. Her early death was deeply mourned, and her influence on the court was significantly felt. When it came to their duties as king and queen, Mary was content to take a secondary role, a rare trait in royal women of that era. She is said to have refused to be queen if her husband was to be merely a Prince Consort, indicating her commitment to their partnership.

Despite their seemingly happy marriage, Mary II faced personal struggles. She and William had three stillbirths or three miscarriages in the first three years of their marriage, leaving them with no surviving children. This struggle likely added to the emotional turmoil of their personal relationship, alongside the pressures of their political roles.

The Influence of Hans Willem Bentinck

While the couple's relationship was complex, William III had male favorites and close friends, the most intriguing of whom is Hans Willem Bentinck. Bentinck played a significant role in William's life, having been his childhood companion and nurse during his illness from smallpox. This bond, combined with their shared interests and interactions, has led some to speculate about a romantic relationship. Bentinck, however, was married twice and had 13 children, suggesting a married life focused on family rather than on a courtly affair with the king.

The relationship between William III and Mary II, while political in its foundation, was marked by personal care and affection. The questions of whether it was a happy union and whether William had a romantic relationship with anyone besides Mary II add layers of complexity to their historical narrative.