King George III is undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures in British history. He ruled over the British Empire for 60 years, presiding over a period of significant transformation and upheaval.
However, his personal life and sexual orientation have long been the subject of rumors and speculation. In this article, we will delve into the historical evidence surrounding King George III’s sexuality and attempt to separate fact from fiction.
But first, let’s take a closer look at who King George III was and the major events that took place during his lengthy reign. From the American Revolution to his battle with mental illness, there is much to learn about this enigmatic monarch.
Was King George Gay?
There is evidence to imply that King George III may have been gay despite social and legal restrictions on homosexuality. For instance, there are rumors that he was close with the Earl of Hertford, who was well-known for being bisexual.
In addition, some stories from the time paint King George III as effeminate and having a high-pitched voice, characteristics that were then frequently connected to homosexuality.
The fact that not all historians concur that King George III was gay must be noted. Some contend that his close friendship with the Earl of Hertford was purely platonic and that his effeminate demeanor was just a reflection of social mores prevalent at the time.
Others point out that King George III’s involvement in same-sex relationships is not directly proven, and that accusations of homosexuality were frequently used as a political tool against one’s adversaries.
Read more: Is Eddie Munson Gay? Exploring the Truth Behind the Rumors!
An Unreported Arrest
High society was aware of George’s bisexuality, but in the 1920s, the media was aware not to publish any stories that may cast the royal family in a bad or scandalous light.
When George was purportedly detained for engaging in homosexual behavior, authorities freed him after learning that he was a royal, and the story went unnoticed at the time.
The Duke is said to have been a prolific and indiscreet letter writer who wrote love letters to all of his numerous male and female lovers.
It makes sense that the palace would keep George’s personal information locked away as it is rumored that he was previously subject to blackmail over some love letters from a male prostitute.
The Duke had a reputation for abusing cocaine and morphine, and in an effort to kick his habit, a royal (it was rumored to be his brother Edward) even placed him under house arrest. His drug abuse was only temporarily prevented by the attempted intervention.
King George III’s Death
At the age of 39, George’s colorful life came to an end when he perished in a plane crash in August 1942.
The official account of the incident states that the pilot underestimated the flight path and collided with a mountain. There are two more possible explanations. The alternative version of the event states that George, a pilot himself, was flying while intoxicated.
There were even rumors going around that the crash wasn’t an accident and that the British government had ordered George’s demise. (This has never been proven.)
Rumors After King George III’s Death
Rumors that the Duke had fathered two illegitimate children remained after his passing.
Barbara Cartland, a writer, gave birth to her first child, Raine, in 1929 while still married to Alexander McCorquodale. (Raine later became Princess Diana’s stepmother.)
Michael Temple Canfield, the other rumored love child, was the son of Kiki Preston and was born in 1926. Kiki Preston continued to be a “bad influence” on the Duke’s life and was a major factor in his drug consumption. It’s said that Edward, his brother, tried all in his power to keep George away from Kiki.
Interesting fact: Caroline Lee Bouvier, the younger sister of American first lady Jacqueline Kennedy, married Michael, a kid who Cass Canfield later adopted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the debate over King George III’s sexual orientation continues to this day, with some evidence suggesting that he may have been gay despite social and legal restrictions on homosexuality at the time.
While not all historians agree on this matter, rumors about his personal life have persisted, including reports of same-sex relationships and illegitimate children.
Regardless of the truth of these rumors, King George III remains a significant figure in British history, having ruled for 60 years during a period of great change and turmoil.