William Bentinck, 1st Earl of Portland[1] (Dutch: Hans Willem Bentinck; 20 July 1649 – 23 November 1709) was a Dutch-born English nobleman who became in an early stage the favourite of William, Prince of Orange, Stadtholder in the Netherlands, and future King of England.

When, in 1675, Prince William was attacked by smallpox, his physicians suggested he sleep with one of his pages to absorb "animal spirits" from a young, healthy body.

Later, in 1688, when William was preparing to assist in the overthrow of (now King) James including an invasion by Dutch troops, Bentinck went to some of the German princes to secure their support, or at least their neutrality.

[4] Bentinck superintended the arrangements for the invasion, including raising money, hiring an enormous transport fleet, organising a propaganda offensive, and preparing the possible landing sites, and also sailed to England with Prince William.

The revolution accomplished, William (now King of England) made Bentinck Groom of the Stole, first gentleman of the bedchamber, and a Privy Counsellor.

[4] William Bentinck had, however, become very jealous of the rising influence of another Dutchman, Arnold van Keppel, and, in 1699, he resigned all his offices in the royal household.

Portland had been loaded with gifts, and this, together with the jealousy felt for him as a foreigner, made him very unpopular in England.

He was occasionally employed on public business under Queen Anne until his death at his residence, Bulstrode Park in Buckinghamshire.