Profile of the Day: George III of the United Kingdom

George III of the United Kingdom

On this day in 1761, George III was crowned King of the Kingdom of Great Britain at the age of 22. He succeeded to the throne after the death of his grandfather, George II.

Just a couple of weeks before his coronation, he married Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, whom he did not meet until their wedding day. Together they were crowned King and Queen at Westminster Abbey on September 22, 1761. In his accession speech, George declared, “Born and educated in this country, I glory in the name of Britain.”

George III’s reign was marked by a series of conflicts, including the American Revolutionary War, which resulted in the loss of the British colonies in America. During the last years of his life, George’s health deteriorated and he experienced bouts of insanity. He died on January 29, 1820 at the age of 81. At the time of his death, he had reigned for 59 years and 96 days. He was the longest living and reigning monarch in British history, until his granddaughter Queen Victoria surpassed him in 1896.

How are you related to the British monarch? Explore the family tree to discover how you’re connected to the British royal family.
 

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Image: Wikimedia Commons