William IV of England

William IV of England was the third son of King George III. He became an unexpected heir to the throne when his older brothers both died without leaving an heir. The most notable event of his reign was the passage of the Reform Act 1832. William IV did not produce any legitimate heirs and was succeeded by his niece, Queen Victoria.BBC: William IV (1765-1837)

William IV served in the Royal Navy from 1778 (at the age of 13) to 1790.Official Site: William IV (r. 1830-37) He was stationed in New York during the American Revolution, and was nearly kidnapped there. He also served in the West Indies. He retired from the Royal Navy with the rank of rear admiral.Undiscovered Scotland: William IV

"In his professional line, he is superior to two-thirds, I am sure, of the Naval list...I hardly know his equal."—Horatio NelsonHistomat: Dead King Watch: William IV (June 20, 2006)

• 1765: Born at Buckingham Palace

• 1778: Joins the Royal Navy

• 1786: Becomes Captain of the HMS Pegasus

• 1789: Is named Duke of Clarence and St. Andrews and Earl of Munster

• 1791: Begins 20 year affair with Irish actress Dorothy Jordan

• 1816: Dorothy Jordan dies in France

• 1818: Marries Princess Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen

• 1830: Ascends to the throne after King George IV dies

• 1831: Dissolves Parliament, forcing a new election

• 1832: Reform Act 1832 passes

• 1834: Appoints as Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel

• 1837: Dies from heart failure

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