How many kings Williams have there been?

Answer 1

There have been four-

William 1st, known as 'William the Conqueror'- he led the Norman invasion of England in 1066, which overthrew the Saxon monarchy of King Harold and led to William becoming crowned King of England. He reigned until his death in 1087, and is buried in Caen in his native France.

His eldest son William II, who succeeded his father and reigned until he died in 1100. He extended Norman rule into parts of Scotland, but was less succesful in conquering Wales. He is sometimes known as William Rufus, and is buried in Winchester Cathedral.

William III, also known as 'William of Orange' due to his descent from the Dutch Royal house of Orange-Nassau. He invaded England in 1688 which resulted in the ultimate deposition of James II, and reigned jointly with his wife Mary until her death in 1694, when he held the throne alone until his death in 1702. He is buried in Westminster Abbey.

William IV, who succeeded George IV as King when George died in 1820. George IV had no legitimate heir, and William was his younger brother so the throne passed directly to him. He reigned for 7 years until he died in 1837. Like his elder brother, he left no legitimate heir, so the throne passed to his neice, Queen Victoria. He is buried in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

Eventually, the present Prince William, who is Prince Charles's eldest son, will become king, and will be William V, although this entirely depends upon whether the British monarchy survives that long. At present there's no reason to suppose that it won't, but by that time both Wales and Scotland may have attained Independence. Scotland is in favour of retaining the English monarch as Head of State, but Wales is not, so he would be King of England and Scotland only.

Answer 2

There have been 4.

When our current Prince William acends to the throne, he will be King William V