Mary II was the joint sovereign of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1689 until her death in 1694. Born on April 30, 1662, she was the eldest daughter of King James II and his first wife, Lady Anne Hyde. As the Protestant daughter of a Catholic father, Mary's ascending to the throne was a significant event during a period of religious and political turbulence in England.
Mary II married her cousin William of Orange in 1677, and the two became joint rulers after the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw her father deposed and William and Mary invited to assume the throne. As queen, Mary played a vital role in the new constitutional settlement, working alongside her husband to restore stability and strengthen Parliament's authority.
During her reign, Mary actively participated in policymaking and was known for her commitment to Protestantism, freedom of religion, and the defense of Britain against external threats. Although her reign was relatively short, Mary II made lasting contributions to the political structure of England and Scotland, such as the passage of the Bill of Rights in 1689.
Mary II passed away on December 28, 1694, due to smallpox, leaving William to rule as sole monarch until his death in 1702. Their reign marked a significant turning point in English history, establishing a constitutional monarchy and setting the stage for the Glorious Revolution's long-term impact on the nation.
