Kronprinz Wilhelm III, or Willy, eldest son and heir of Kaiser Wilhelm II, has often been derided as a playboy who cared more about football and parties than his duty. However, that is quite unfair. Despite the popular image he was a very capable commander during World War I, not a military genius, but capable and worthy of his rank. After the war he went into exile in Holland but returned to Germany later on the promise to stay out of politics though he did try subtle ways to feel out possible allies in restoring the monarchy. Sadly this did not come about and the Crown Prince died in 1951.
