William Adelin was the only legitimate son of Henry I of England and Matilda of England. Born around 1103, he was the heir apparent to the English throne. His life was marked by the political struggles of the time, particularly the conflict between his mother, Matilda, and her cousin, Stephen of Blois, over the crown. William's life was cut short when he died in 1120 in the White Ship disaster, a maritime tragedy that claimed the lives of many nobles. His untimely death led to a succession crisis in England, contributing to a period of civil war known as the Anarchy.