George III had become dangerously ill in late 1810, at the height of his popularity, already virtually blind with cataracts and in pain from rheumatism.

In his view the malady had been triggered by stress over the death of his youngest and favorite daughter, Princess Amelia.

He accepted the need for the Regency Act of 1811, and the Prince of Wales will act as Regent for the remainder of George III's life.

Despite signs of a recovery in May 1811, by the end of the year George will have become permanently insane and will live in seclusion at Windsor Castle until his death.