William and Mary
The phrase
William and Mary usually refers to the joint sovereignty over the Kingdoms of
England and
Scotland of
King William III and his wife
Queen Mary II. Their reign commenced with the
Glorious Revolution of
1688. Mary died in
1694 after which William ruled alone until his death in
1702.
Their rule was the only period in British history in which "joint sovereigns" with equal powers were allowed to reign. Usually, the spouse of the monarch has no power and is simply a consort.
See also: