Emperor Wilhelm III, also known as Wilhelm the Wise was the first Emperor of the Holswig-Schliestein line, the house that still holds position of Emperor today. Prior to his election, he was Prince of Altdorf. When Dieter IV sold Marienburg its independence for massive "donations" to the imperial coffers, Wilhelm was quickly elected Emperor. When he went to war, he was famous for his superior pikemen and heavy cavalry. It is unknown when Wilhelm died, but he was succeeded by his son. His family retains control of the Empire to this day; Karl Franz is his direct descendant.