[Born 1738. Died 1820. Aged 82.]
The grandfather of her Majesty Queen Victoria. He reigned during sixty
years, although during the last ten, he could take no part in public
affairs. A king with many good qualities of heart and head, but
obstinate, self-willed and not always sincere in his dealings with his
Ministers. He is styled “The father of his people;” and his honest
desire to secure their well-being and happiness, according to his own
ideas of government, entitled him to the enviable distinction. In
private life, George III. offered an admirable example for imitation to
his subjects. But his wilful persistence in the maintenance of what he
conceived his Royal prerogative, plunged England into war with America,
and caused the premature loss to the country of that magnificent British
colony.
[By John Bacon, R.A., when the King was 30 years old.]