William, Prince of Orange

British General
King William II of the Netherlands
1792 -1849

Educated in Berlin and Oxford, the young Prince of Orange was an anglophile who served with the Duke of Wellington in the Peninsular War and during the 100 Days Campaign.

In 1815 he commanded I Corps of the Anglo-Allied army and did so with great personal courage.

Criticised for several major mistakes that led to many casualties, the prince was regarded by Wellington as inexperienced, rather than a bad soldier.

He became a British Field Marshal in 1845.

Wellington seems to have had a high opinion of the well-mannered, charming prince who he said was "liked by every person".

Becoming king in 1840, William II was a moderate reformer.