George IV

George IV
Title	King of the United Kingdom and Hanover
Reign	29 January 1820 – 26 June 1830
Coronation	19 July 1821
Predecessor	George III
Successor	William IV
Spouse	Caroline of Brunswick
Issue	Princess Charlotte of Wales
Full Name
House	House of Hanover
Father	George III
Mother	Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
Birth Date	12 August 1762
Birth Place	St James's Palace, London
Death Date	26 June 1830
Death Place	Windsor Castle, Berkshire
Burial Date	15 July 1830
Burial Place	St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle

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George IV (George Augustus Frederick; 12 August 1762 – 26 June 1830) was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and King of Hanover from 29 January 1820 until his death in 1830. He had previously served as Prince Regent from 1811 during his father's final mental illness.

Early Life

George was born at St James's Palace in London, the eldest son of George III and Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. As the heir apparent, he was automatically Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay at birth, and was created Prince of Wales shortly thereafter.

Regency

George became Prince Regent in 1811 due to the mental illness of his father, George III. His regency was marked by the Napoleonic Wars in Europe and the War of 1812 with the United States. The period of his regency is known as the Regency era, noted for its distinctive trends in British architecture, literature, fashions, and culture.

Reign

George IV ascended the throne in 1820 following the death of his father. His reign was marked by his extravagant lifestyle and the continuation of the Industrial Revolution. He was known for his patronage of the arts and his influence on the cultural life of Britain.

Domestic Affairs

George IV's reign saw significant political and social changes. The Catholic Emancipation was a major issue during his reign, culminating in the Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829, which allowed Catholics to sit in Parliament.

Foreign Affairs

During his reign, Britain was involved in the Congress of Vienna and the subsequent reshaping of Europe after the defeat of Napoleon. George IV's foreign policy was largely managed by his ministers, as he was more interested in cultural pursuits.

Personal Life

George IV's personal life was tumultuous. He married Caroline of Brunswick in 1795, but the marriage was unhappy, and they separated soon after. Their only child, Princess Charlotte of Wales, died in 1817, which was a significant personal and national tragedy.

Legacy

George IV is remembered for his patronage of the arts and his role in the cultural development of Britain. He commissioned the building of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton and was a significant patron of the National Gallery and King's College London. Despite his contributions to culture, his reign was often criticized for his personal excesses and lack of political engagement.

Also see

• George III
• William IV
• Regency era
• Napoleonic Wars
• Catholic Emancipation