The Hague, 14 November 1650. Willem III (William III) was born in the Binnenhof. At first everything looks bleak: his father has died shortly before, the Orange dynasty has thinned out and the First Stadtholderless Era begins. From 1672 (Disaster Year of the Republic) his chances turn.

The Hague, 14 November 1650. Willem III (William III) was born in the Binnenhof. At first everything looks bleak: his father has died shortly before, the Orange dynasty has thinned out and the First Stadtholderless Era begins. From 1672 (Disaster Year of the Republic) his chances turn.