William de Croÿ

After Philip's death in 1506, William became part of the regency council and held chief responsibility for the finances of the Low Countries, as well as being supreme commander.

[3] The young man was dependent on William—who plotted to have Charles declared to be of age at fifteen and appointed Grand Chamberlain—for advice.

[3] William insisted that Charles become a candidate for the Imperial election in 1519 and was present at the Diet of Worms in 1521, where he was opposed to the violent persecution of Martin Luther and his followers.

Protestant followers of Martin Luther were blamed for this purported reprisal for the Edict of Worms which had been issued three days earlier on 25 May 1521.

[citation needed] William was also later titled Duke of Sora and Arce between 1516 and 1528, Baron of Roccaguglielma (all three in Kingdom of Naples, now in the Province of Frosinone), 1st count of Beaumont, 1st Marquess of Aarschot and Lord of Temse.