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King George III’s Sons, Part 2

History Tea Time with Lindsay Holiday・17 minutes read

King George III and Queen Charlotte had 15 children, leading to a succession crisis after Princess Charlotte's death. The tragic deaths of their youngest sons, Alfred and Octavius, greatly impacted King George's mental health, leading to moments of madness.

Insights

  • The British line of succession faced challenges due to King George III and Queen Charlotte's sons' preference for mistresses over legitimate marriages, leading to a succession crisis.
  • The tragic deaths of Prince Octavius and other young royal family members deeply impacted King George III's mental health, causing him to mourn intensely and experience moments of madness, as depicted in a painting showing deceased family members ascending to heaven.

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Recent questions

  • How many children did King George III and Queen Charlotte have?

    15

  • What caused a succession crisis in King George III's family?

    Sons' interest in mistresses

  • Who was Edward, and what challenges did he face?

    Governor of Gibraltar, faced mutiny

  • Why was Ernst Augustus, King of Hanover, unpopular?

    Conservative views and rumors of murder plots

  • What tragic events affected King George III's mental health?

    Deaths of youngest sons, Alfred and Octavius

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Summary

00:00

"Royal Family Drama: King George's Legacy"

  • King George III and Queen Charlotte had 15 children, preferring a quiet family life over court socializing.
  • Their sons were more interested in mistresses than legitimate marriages, causing a succession crisis.
  • Edward, one of the sons, had a long-term relationship with Julie Saint Laurent in Canada.
  • Edward was appointed Governor of Gibraltar but faced mutiny due to his harsh discipline.
  • The British line of succession followed male primogeniture, leading to a crisis when Princess Charlotte died.
  • Edward left Julie to marry Princess Victoria of Saks Koberg Saulfeld, racing to have their child born in Britain.
  • Ernst Augustus, another son, became King of Hanover but was unpopular due to his conservative views.
  • Ernst faced rumors of murder plots against Queen Victoria and was disliked by the British people.
  • Augustus, Duke of Sussex, married twice without royal permission, becoming a patron of charitable organizations.
  • Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge, played a key role in arranging marriages for his brothers and married Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel.

17:36

Tragic Losses and Mental Decline of King George

  • William IV died in 1837, and Ernest succeeded as King of Hanover, taking over the principality and sending Adolphus home. Octavius was named the eighth son of the king and queen. George, dealing with rebellious teenage sons, doted on his youngest children, attending their birthday parties and playing with them every evening.
  • Prince Octavius, a docile and good-natured child, was inoculated against smallpox at nearly two years old, a risky procedure involving infecting with cowpox. Unfortunately, the virus overwhelmed him, leading to his death at just under two years old. His parents, King George and Queen Charlotte, were devastated but considered themselves fortunate as childhood mortality was high.
  • After the tragic deaths of their youngest sons, Alfred and Octavius, King George's mental health declined. He mourned deeply for Octavius, even conversing with his deceased sons in moments of madness. A painting was created in 1829 depicting the deceased royal family members ascending to heaven, including Alfred and Octavius.
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