George Augustus Frederick, the future George IV, was born on 12 August 1762, the first child of George III and Queen Charlotte. His parents had married less than a year earlier, on 8 September 1761.

As the king’s eldest son, George was heir to the throne from birth. One week later, on 19 August, he was created Prince of Wales. George III and Charlotte had 15 children, 13 of whom reached adulthood.

The prince developed very differently from his father. George III cultivated an image of domestic family life and personal restraint. His eldest son became known for expensive tastes and accumulated substantial debts. He also formed political friendships with opponents of his father’s ministers.

In 1785, George married Maria Fitzherbert, a Roman Catholic widow, in a secret ceremony. The marriage was not legally valid under the laws governing the royal family. Ten years later, he married Caroline of Brunswick, partly because settling his debts depended on making an approved marriage. The relationship quickly failed, although the couple had one daughter, Princess Charlotte.

George assumed royal duties before he became king. George III suffered repeated periods of illness and eventually became permanently unable to govern. In 1811, his eldest son became Prince Regent.

The Regency lasted until George III died on 29 January 1820. George then succeeded to the throne as George IV.