King, Stadtholder and gay?

From the series Queer stories
Bust of King-Stadtholder William III attributed to De Metaale Pot (Lambertus van Eenhoorn), Delft, c. 1695–1700, tin-glazed earthenware (faience)

William of Orange (also William III of England, b.1650 d.1702) had very intense friendships with other men. He also appointed male friends to senior positions. What do we know about him and the speculations that he was homosexual?

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