Prince George William of Great Britain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prince George William |
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| Born | 13 November 1717 St James's Palace, London |
| Died | 17 February 1718 (aged 3 months 4 days) Kensington Palace, London |
| Burial | 23 February 1718 Westminster Abbey, London |
| House | Hanover |
| Father | George II of Great Britain |
| Mother | Caroline of Ansbach |
Prince George William of Great Britain (born 13 November 1717, died 17 February 1718) was a young member of the British royal family. He was the second son of the Prince and Princess of Wales. These parents later became King George II and Queen Caroline. Prince George William lived for only three months and four days. After he passed away, doctors performed a special examination. This was to confirm he died from an illness, not because he was separated from his mother. He was laid to rest at Westminster Abbey.
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Early Life of Prince George William
Prince George William was born in London at St James's Palace. His birthday was 13 November 1717. At that time, people used a different calendar called the Julian calendar. On that calendar, his birthday was 2 November 1717.
His father was The Prince of Wales. He was the son of King George I. His mother was Caroline of Ansbach. Her father was Johann Friedrich, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach.
Prince George William's Baptism
Twenty-six days after he was born, Prince George William was baptised. This special ceremony took place at St James's Palace. The Bishop of London, John Robinson, led the baptism.
His godparents were important people. They included his grandfather, King George I. Another godparent was the Duke of Newcastle. He was the King's Lord Chamberlain, a high-ranking official. The Duchess of St Albans was also a godparent. She was a close attendant to his mother.
A Royal Family Disagreement
The baptism of Prince George William caused a big argument in the royal family. The baby's parents wanted to name him Louis. They also suggested different godparents. They wanted the Queen in Prussia and the Duke of York to be the sponsors.
However, King George I chose the names George William instead. He also chose the Duke of Newcastle as a godparent. This was supposedly a royal custom.
The Argument at the Christening
The Prince of Wales did not like the Duke of Newcastle. At the christening, the Prince of Wales insulted the Duke. He shook his fist and said, "You are a rascal, but I shall find you out!" The Duke thought the Prince was challenging him to a fight.
Because of this argument, the King sent the Prince and Princess of Wales away from court. They moved to Leicester House. Their children, however, stayed with the King.
Prince George William's Illness and Passing
The Princess of Wales, Caroline, became very worried. She even fainted during a secret visit to her children. The King had not approved this visit. By January, the King allowed Caroline to visit her children freely.
In February, Prince George William became ill. The King allowed both the Prince and Princess of Wales to visit him. They saw him at Kensington Palace without any rules. Prince George William passed away at three months old.
Doctors performed a special examination called a post-mortem. This was to prove he died from an illness. He had a polyp on his heart. This examination showed his death was not caused by being separated from his mother.
Titles and Styles
- 13 November 1717 – 17 February 1718: His Royal Highness Prince George William
