British Regency Established (1811)

On 5 February 1811, George, Prince of Wales, became Prince Regent following the permanent mental illness of his father, King George III. The Regency Act 1811 formalized this transition, restricting the Prince's powers while allowing him to govern during the King's incapacity. Carlton House served as the Prince's primary residence during this period.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. King George III suffered a final relapse in late 1810, becoming dangerously ill with cataracts and rheumatism. Although a Regency Bill had been introduced in 1789, it failed to pass the House of Lords before the King recovered. The 1810 illness led to the passage of the Regency Act 1811, which authorized the Prince of Wales to act as regent.

Establishment of the Regency. The Prince of Wales became Prince Regent on 5 February 1811. Parliament restricted some of his powers, despite earlier political disagreements between Pitt and Fox regarding the extent of these limitations. The Lords Commissioners granted Royal Assent to the bill, formalizing the Prince's role as regent for the remainder of the King's life.

Carlton House. Carlton House, granted to the Prince in 1783, was altered and redecorated after he became Prince Regent to suit its use as a palace. It served as his town residence during the regency era. On 19 June 1811, the Regent hosted a grand reception there to celebrate the establishment of his own regency.

People involved

Sources

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