William was initially sent to the court of his uncle, Theodoric of Autun, who died around 830, and left the child in the charge of Louis the Pious, then reigning emperor. When Louis died in June 840, custody of the youth passed to Charles the Bald of West Francia. Throughout most of this time, William lived in Uzès, with frequent stays with his father in Toulouse.
William was initially placed under the care of his uncle Theodoric of Autun until his death around 830. After that, he was entrusted to Louis the Pious, who was then emperor. When Louis died in June 840, custody of William passed to Charles the Bald of West Francia. During this period, William resided primarily in Uzès with frequent visits to his father in Toulouse.