William II was, from 6 October 1891 until the abolition of the kingdom on 30 November 1918.
Background
He was the son of Prince Frederick of Württemberg (1808–1870) and his wife Princess Catherine Frederica of Württemberg (1821–1898), daughter of King William I of Württemberg (1781–1864). His parents were first cousins. Though his claim appeared contrary to Salic law, as his mother Princess Catherine was the daughter of William I, on his father"s side he was also the senior male-line descendant of Frederick I of Württemberg through his younger son Prince Paul.
Career
In 1870 Württemberg took the side of Prussia in the Franco-German War. In 1871 Württemberg became a State of the German Reich, a significant limitation on its sovereignty. Despite living in a landlocked kingdom, William II was a ship enthusiast.
The king was instrumental in the establishment of the Württembergischer Yacht Club (formerly "Königlich Württembergischer Yacht-Club" or Royal Yacht Club of Württemberg) in 1911 on Lake Constance.
King William became a Generalfeldmarschall during World War I. In 1918, he was deposed from the throne along with the other German rulers. Considered to be a popular monarch, he had the habit of walking his two dogs in public parks in Stuttgart without bodyguards or the like, being greeted by his subjects with a simple Herr König ("Mister King").
William finally abdicated on 30 November 1918. With William II"s death in 1921 without male issue, the royal branch of the House of Württemberg became extinct and the headship of the house devolved to Albrecht, Duke of Württemberg.
25 February 1848 – 25 June 1864:His Royal Highness Prince William of Württemberg 25 June 1864 – 6 October 1891:His Royal Highness Crown Prince William of Württemberg 6 October 1891 – 30 November 1918:His Majesty The 30 November 1918 – 2 October 1921:His Majesty King William II of Württemberg.