Biography

George's grandfather, King George II, disliked George's father, the Prince of Wales, and took little interest in his grandchildren. However, in 1751, the Prince of Wales died unexpectedly from a lung injury at the age of 44, and George inherited his father's dukedoms and became his grandfather's heir apparent. Now more interested in his grandson, three weeks later the king bestowed on him the title Prince of Wales. George became king at age 22 upon the death of his grandfather.

He was the last British monarch to reign over British America before it declared its independence in 1776 as the United States of America.

His health declined significantly during the last ten years of his life, and he is believed to have suffered from severe dementia. He was kept in seclusion at Windsor Castle, out of the public eye. In 1811, his son and heir, George, the Prince of Wales (later King George IV), was named Prince Regent and reigned in his place.

When he died in 1820, he was the longest reigning British or English monarch in history, having reigned for 59 years and 96 days. He was also the longest lived British or English monarch ever, at 81 years and 239 days. His granddaughter, Queen Victoria, surpassed him on both, and was herself later surpassed on both by Queen Elizabeth II.

He met his wife Charlotte for the first time on their wedding day. By all accounts, they enjoyed a happy marriage and George never took a mistress, which was somewhat unusual for royals at the time.