Prince George William Of Great Britain

Prince George William of Great Britain was born on 13 November 1717 at St James's Palace in London. His birth date was recorded according to the Julian calendar, which was in use at that time, corresponding to 2 November 1717 in the Gregorian calendar. He was the second son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, who later became King George II and Queen Caroline.

His father was the son of King George I, and his mother was Caroline of Ansbach, the daughter of Johann Friedrich, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach. Prince George William was baptised at St James's Palace approximately 26 days after his birth. The bishop who officiated the ceremony was John Robinson, Bishop of London. The regents at the baptism included the infant's grandfather, King George I; the Duke of Newcastle, serving as Lord Chamberlain of the King's Household; and the Duchess of St Albans, First Lady of the Bedchamber to his mother.

The baptism was marked by familial disagreements over the child's name. Initially, the child's parents preferred the name Louis and suggested that the Queen in Prussia and the Duke of York serve as sponsors. However, the King decided on the name George William and appointed the Duke of Newcastle as one of the sponsors, following customary practice. The event allegedly incited a dispute between the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Newcastle: during the ceremony, the Prince of Wales, who reportedly disliked Newcastle, insulted him verbally. The Duke interpreted the insult as a challenge to a duel; accordingly, the Prince of Wales reportedly shook his fist and issued a threat, which was misunderstood as a declaration of intent to fight. This altercation resulted in the Prince of Wales being banished from court, and he and Princess Caroline moved to Leicester House. Their children, including Prince George William, remained under the care of the King at this time.

During a secret visit to his children without the King's approval, Caroline of Ansbach became ill and fainted, causing concern. By January of 1718, the King relented and permitted the Princess of Wales unrestricted access to her children. In February, Prince George William fell ill, and the King authorized both his parents to visit him at Kensington Palace without restrictions. The young prince died on 17 February 1718 at the age of three months and four days. Following his death, a post-mortem examination was conducted to determine the cause, which was identified as a polyp on the heart. The purpose of the autopsy was also to confirm that his death was due to illness rather than separation from his mother.

Prince George William was interred at Westminster Abbey. There are surviving portraits of him housed at the National Portrait Gallery in London.