Queen Sophie of the Netherlands (German: Sophia Frederika Mathilde von Württemberg; 17 June 1818 – 3 June 1877) was the first wife of King William III of the Netherlands.
She was born in Stuttgart, her parents were King William I of Württemberg and Grand Duchess Catherine Pavlovna of Russia, the fourth eldest daughter of Tsar Paul I. Sophie and William (as her and William’s mother Queen Anna Paulowna were sisters) were first cousins. Shortly after Sophie’s birth, her mother died, and she was cared for by her aunt, Catharina of Württemberg.
Prior to her marriage, King Otto of Greece and Duke William of Brunswick were possible suitors for Princess Sophie. The engagement with the first came to nothing because Sophie's father had no confidence in the newly established Greek monarchy. Change prevented a proposal by the second candidate because it was rumored that Sophie was already betrothed.
