Prince of Wales - the future King George III is 21

What is our future King George III doing in June 1759? He's not King yet. He's known as the Prince of Wales right now. His father, Frederick died 31 March 1751.

His father and mother are the names of the first two counties splitting from Orange County Virginia in 1738: Frederick County and Augusta County.

Frederick's son is the future George III. Frederick would have been the next King but dies before King George II.

Frederick's son's grandfather is King George II, who will die 25 October 1760, three years before the Seven Years War is concluded by treaty Feb 1763.

So what is America's last monarch doing the year before he becomes King?

But we got to stick in a litte side detour here. Frederick's mother is reported to have said of Frederick," . . .is the greatest ass, and the greatest liar, and I most heartily wish he was out of it." And in her last illness. "At least I shall have one comfort in having my eyes eternally closed -- I shall never see that monster again." That was Frederick's mom, Queen Caroline, the wife of King George II. This is said of the name who adorns our Frederick County Virginia.

So on to Frederick's son who is destined to be our next King. What is he doing in 1759?

He turns 21.

"On 4 June 1759, the Prince celebrated his twenty-first birthday and on November 13th at the opening of the session of Parliament, took his seat in the House of Lords. He was as yet little known even in the small circle of London society. "

This is an excerpt taken from Page 66 from King George III, A Biography of America's Latest Monarch, by John Brooke, Foreword by H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES, published by McGraw-Hill Book Company 1972.

The French Invasion Threat

Later in July 1759, his younger brother writes to encourge him to have a more public appearance especially during this time of the French Invasion threat.

That encourgagement inspires the future George III to ask his grandfather if he could be more involved in the military.

.

This request does not go well. Lots of repercussions for how the French and Indian War ends. But he's not King yet.

The following is also an exceprt from pages 66-67 from that same book:

Apart from formal appearances at Court and visits to the theatre and opera, he did not go out in London, but lived in private at Kew. His younger brothers dine out and attended balls, and Prince Edward in particular became very popular. He was attractive to women and liked to flirt, and they felt flattered when a prince of the blood showed his attentions. But Prince Edward was no mere Ladies' man. He had spirit and courage, and in the summer of 1758 obtained permission to serve on the expedition to St Malo. The following year, when the French invasion was expected, he made a long tour through the west of England; and on 13 July 1759 wrote to Prince of Wales from Exeter:

I am led to lament very much that it is not convenient to your at present to take a tour, as it is impossible for you to imagine the effect it would have on all ranks of people, not one person in the country but would proud of being first shew he zeal and attachment to your person.

The Future George III wants something important

After that letter from his younger brother, George is inspired to ask for something big.

A week later, on 20 July 1759, the Prince [ of Wales, the future King George III ] wrote to offer his services to the King:

I beg leave to lay myself at Your Majesty's feet,

humbly to offer up a petition

in the success of which

I feel extremely interested.

While the country remain in tranquility

I thought my time best employed

in acquiring a thorough knowledge

of all matters peculiarly suited to my situation;

but now that every part of the nation is arming for its defence,

I cannot bear the thoughts of continuing in this inactive state . . .

Prince George of Wales at age 16 in 1754

Permit me, therefore,

humbly to request of Your Majesty

to give me an opportunity

of convincing the world

that I am neither unworthy of high situation

nor of the blood that fills my veins.

Your Majesty's known valour

will diffuse its influence on my head

and make the presence

of your grandson

an encouragement to your people,

a terror to the enemy,

and joined to his own resolution

may in some measure supply

his want of experience in military affairs,

and enable him to support with dignity

the post of danger,

which he esteems

the post of honour.

Grandfather King George II Response?

He and his advisors don't know what to do.

King George II in 1759 by Robert Edge Pine

King and ministers were puzzled how to deal with this letter. "The King asked me what answer he should return," wrote Newcastle, "and he wants to be rising." Both Newcastle and the King believed that this was an application for the appointment of Commander-in-Chief, and Lady Yarmouth that it was prompted by fear that in the event of invasion the King would recall the Duke of Cumberland. The King referred the letter to the cabinet and instructed them to draft a reply for his approval.

It was delicate work;

and between the

surliness of the old King

and the prickliness

of the young Prince

there was little room to manoeuvre.

When no reply came after a week, the Prince wrote to Bute [the man who was the closest advisor to this future King George III and who was the most instrumental in ending the Seven Years War] :

"The King and those he has consulted have treated [me] with less regard than they would have dared to have done any Member of Parliament. I hope you will agree with me in thinking that if this just request is refused that for my own honour, dignity, and character, I may keep no measures with these counsellors who have not prevent the King treating me with such unheard contempt."

Bute hastened to see Pitt and told him this was a matter the Prince had much at heart. Pitt was genuinely sympathetic and pleaded that the Prince had offered his services. He pleaded with the the cabinet that the King should be advised to return a kind answer. If the request met with a downright refusal 'every man in England would blame it, except those who were known to be attached to the Duke of Cumberland'.

Source:

Page 66-67

King George III, A Biography of America's Last Monarch, by John Brooke, Foreword by H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES, published by McGraw-Hill Book Company 1972

Compiled by Jim Moyer 6/6/23, 6/7/23, 6/10/23, 6/11/23