George II of Great Britain

George was born in the city of Hanover in Germany, on 30th October 1683 as the son of George Louis, Hereditary Prince of Brunswick-Luneburg, and Sophia Dorothea of Celle. He had a sister named Sophia Dorothea, who was born when he was three years old.

The marriage of his parents was dissolved in 1694 after they both committed adultery. His mother was then confined at Ahlden House and her children never saw her again.

He was brought up in northern Germany. He initially spoke French and later was taught German as well by one of his tutors. He also learnt English and Italian, and was trained in military history and battle tactics.

He became a naturalized British citizen through the Sophia Naturalization Act in 1705 and was created a Knight of the Garter the next year, Duke and Marquess of Cambridge, Earl of Milford Haven, Viscount Northallerton, and Baron Tewkesbury in the Peerage of England.

George’s father didn’t wish for his son to have a loveless arranged marriage and wanted him to meet his bride before they made any arrangements. In 1705, in order to investigate a marriage prospect, he visited the Ansbach court anonymously at their summer residence of Triesdorf, to meet a potential bride named ‘Caroline of Ansbach’. George was very impressed by her good character and the two got married very soon.

Although George had a few mistresses, which Caroline knew about, their marriage was very happy and successful. They had a total of eight children, and through their children’s marriages, George and Caroline would eventually become the ancestors of many European royal families.

Their children were Frederick, Prince of Wales; Anne, Princess Royal; Princess Amelia; Princess Caroline; Prince George William (died in infancy); Prince William, Duke of Cumberland; Princess Mary; and Princess Louisa.

George was very eager to take part in the war against France in Flanders. However, his father didn’t allow him to join the army until he had a son and an heir. Caroline gave birth to a son in 1707. However, she fell ill with smallpox, and her illness was transmitted to George as well. Both recovered eventually.

In 1708, George took part in the Battle of Oudenarde. During the battle, he fought as a part of the Hanoverian cavalry. Though his horse and a colonel beside him were killed in the fierce battle, George survived unharmed. He played an important role in the war, according to the British commander Marlborough.

In 1714, Queen Anne—the reigning monarch of England, Scotland, and Ireland—began experiencing serious health issues and passed away. Following this, George’s father, who had a claim to the throne, became the king and being the king’s son, George was named the Prince of Wales.

When George returned to Hanover for six months, he was given some power as the ‘Guardian and Lieutenant of the Realm’, in order to govern in the absence of his father. As George’s popularity grew, a sense of distrust and jealousy developed between him and his father. This led to a poor relationship between them. Several other issues also contributed to their increasingly troubled relations.

Displeased with his son, the king banished George and Caroline from the court. The couple then went to Leicester Square where they remained for a few years. Their children were kept in the custody of their grandfather.