George III

Who Was George III?

George III, a prominent figure of the Hanoverian dynasty that ruled Britain for nearly two centuries, reigned as King of Great Britain during some of the nation’s most defining moments, including the American Revolutionary War. Known for his virtue and steadfastness, George III’s leadership through the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars earned him considerable admiration. However, his reign was marred by periods of mental illness, which led to a regency under his son in his later years. George III passed away in 1820, after enduring recurring bouts of insanity and a life marked by both personal and political upheavals.

Early Life

Born prematurely on June 4, 1738, to Frederick, Prince of Wales, and Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, George William Frederick’s survival was uncertain at birth, prompting his immediate baptism. Against the odds, he grew to become the longest-reigning British monarch before Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II.

Educated by private tutors, George demonstrated intellectual promise from a young age. By age eight, he was fluent in both English and German and later mastered French. His studies spanned a broad curriculum, but he showed a particular passion for the natural sciences. Shy and reserved as a child, George was profoundly influenced by John Stuart, Third Earl of Bute, his mentor and advisor. Lord Bute helped George overcome his shyness and shaped his moral and political outlook.

George’s path to the throne began after his father’s death in 1751, when he inherited the title Duke of Edinburgh. At just 12 years old, he was named Prince of Wales by his grandfather, George II, solidifying his position as heir to the throne. Despite his grandfather’s invitation to reside at St. James’s Palace at the age of 18, George remained under the watchful eye of his mother, who instilled in him a strict adherence to moral values under Lord Bute’s guidance. These formative years shaped his character and prepared him for the responsibilities of kingship.

Shy and Inexperienced, George Ascends the Throne

In 1760, at just 22 years old, George became King of Great Britain following the sudden death of his grandfather. A year later, he married Charlotte Sophia of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Though they met for the first time on their wedding day, the couple shared a harmonious 50-year marriage and raised 15 children together.

Upon his ascension, George inherited not only the crown but also a tumultuous realm. Britain was embroiled in the Seven Years’ War, grappling with religious discord and navigating significant social changes. The conflict with France, which had begun as a colonial skirmish in 1754 involving a young Lieutenant George Washington, had escalated into a global war.

As a young and inexperienced monarch, George relied heavily on his prime minister, Lord Bute, who insulated him from Parliament. However, Bute’s Scottish heritage and his belief in the king’s divine right to rule made him deeply unpopular. Mounting criticism from Parliament, the press, and a sex scandal involving the king’s mother forced Bute to resign in 1763.

The Path to Revolution

George Grenville succeeded Bute as prime minister, inheriting a nation burdened by debt from the Seven Years’ War. Grenville sought to raise revenue from the American colonies, arguing they should contribute to their own defense. King George supported this reasoning, leading to the passage of the Sugar Act in 1764 and the controversial Stamp Act in 1765.

The Stamp Act provoked widespread outrage in the colonies, with protests erupting under the rallying cry of “No taxation without representation!” While the Act was repealed, the Declaratory Act of 1766 asserted Parliament’s authority over the colonies. Subsequent tax measures fueled colonial dissent, culminating in the American Revolution.

By 1775, the colonists, inspired by Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, had formed the Second Continental Congress and declared their independence. Despite early British confidence, the war turned against them. The decisive defeat at Yorktown in 1781, followed by the Treaty of Paris in 1783, sealed American independence.

From Loss to Legacy

The loss of the American colonies marked a turning point for King George III. He became deeply unpopular for prolonging the war, yet he managed to restore some favor in 1783 by opposing parliamentary corruption in reforms targeting the East India Company.

In 1788, George suffered his first bout of mental illness, later attributed to the genetic disorder porphyria, though this diagnosis remains contested. Despite his struggles, he recovered in 1789 and resumed his duties with Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger, guiding Britain through the Napoleonic Wars and the Act of Union with Ireland in 1801.

Decline and Death

By 1811, family tragedies and the strains of leadership had taken a heavy toll on King George. His mental health deteriorated to the point where he could no longer rule. Parliament enacted the Regency Act, transferring power to his eldest son, Prince George, who governed as regent while balancing his father’s erratic will.

King George III passed away on January 29, 1820, at Windsor Castle. Feeble and blind in his final years, he left behind a complex legacy as a monarch who endured personal trials while presiding over a transformative era in British history.