Joshua Reynolds George IV as Prince of Wales, 1785
Tate © 2005
(1762-1830)
'he was, indeed, the most extraordinary compound of talent, wit, buffoonery, obstinacy and good feeling'
The Duke of Wellington
The eldest son of George III and Queen Charlotte, George was a handsome, vain man notorious for his debauched lifestyle. His London palace, Carlton House, was a centre for the group surrounding Charles James Fox, who opposed the ruling Tory ministry. In 1785 the prince married, illegally, a twice-widowed Catholic, Mrs Fitzherbert. This marriage was kept a secret, and in 1795 the prince married, legitimately, Caroline of Brunswick, who brought much-needed wealth to pay off the prince's ever-mounting debts. He became George IV in 1820.