King George III

King George III
Reign	25 October 1760 – 29 January 1820
Coronation	22 September 1761
Predecessor	George II
Successor	George IV
Born	4 June 1738 Norfolk House, London, England
Died	29 January 1820 (aged 81) Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, England
Burial	St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle
Spouse	Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
Issue	George IV, William IV, and others
House	House of Hanover
Father	Frederick, Prince of Wales
Mother	Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha

King George III (George William Frederick; 4 June 1738 – 29 January 1820) was King of Great Britain and King of Ireland from 25 October 1760 until the union of these two countries on 1 January 1801, after which he was King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland until his death. He was concurrently Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg and prince-elector of the Holy Roman Empire before becoming King of Hanover on 12 October 1814.

Early Life

George was born in London at Norfolk House in St James's Square. He was the grandson of George II of Great Britain and the son of Frederick, Prince of Wales, and Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. George was educated under the guidance of private tutors and showed an early interest in science and agriculture.

Reign

George III's reign is noted for a number of military conflicts involving his kingdoms, much of the rest of Europe, and places further afield in Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Key conflicts included the Seven Years' War, the American Revolutionary War, and the Napoleonic Wars. George III is often remembered for the loss of the American colonies.

During his reign, Britain also underwent important cultural and economic changes, which included the advancements of the Industrial Revolution.

Personal Life and Health

George married Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz on 8 September 1761, and they had fifteen children. His later life was marked by recurrent, and eventually permanent, mental illness. This has traditionally been attributed to a blood disease, porphyria, although the actual cause of his illness remains the subject of speculation.

Legacy

George III's legacy is complex. He was nicknamed "Farmer George" due to his agricultural interests but is often remembered for his bouts of mental illness and the loss of the American colonies. His reign marked a significant constitutional shift, seeing the further development of a constitutional monarchy in Britain.

Titles, styles, honours, and arms

Throughout his life, George held multiple titles and honours. He was made Duke of Edinburgh at birth, succeeded his grandfather as King of Great Britain and Ireland, and later became King of the United Kingdom and Hanover.

See also

• List of British monarchs
• History of the United Kingdom
• Cultural depictions of George III of the United Kingdom