Lady Villiers used her position to secure for her children both place and influence in the future Queen Mary II's household.

In 1685, Mary's father James II exploited rumours of William's infidelity in an attempt to cause a split between his daughter and the prince.

Mary II died on 28 December 1694, and within a year or so, William ended his relationship with Elizabeth Villiers, motivated, it is said, by his wife's expressed wishes before her death.

Elizabeth, now the Countess of Orkney, served her husband's interests with great skill, and the marriage proved a happy one.

Her paternal aunt was Anne Douglas, Countess of Morton, the godmother and governess of Henrietta of England, Duchess of Orléans.