[Born 1762. Died 1830. Aged 68.]
In 1811, during the lifetime of his father, this prince was appointed
Regent: and in 1820, upon the death of George III., he succeeded to the
throne. The reign of this monarch is rendered memorable, by the
scandalous proceedings instituted against Queen Caroline, and by the
passing of the Act in 1829, which tolerated the Roman Catholic religion
in the United Kingdom. George IV. was considered the first gentleman in
Europe whilst he lived. Since his departure, history has pronounced him
heartless, sensual, self-absorbed, and negligent of the true interests
of his subjects, though not without some kingly qualities.