George II, King of Great Britain

George, the son of George I of Great Britain and Sophia of Celle, was born November 9 1683 at Herrenhausen Castle.
He married Caroline, daughter of Johann Friedrich, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, and Eleonor of Saxe-Eisenarch, September 2 1705 at Herrenhausen.

George II

George Augustus  learned to speak English and in 1705 became a naturalised British Subject. In September 1705 he and Caroline, Princess of Ansbach, were married at Herrenhausen. Though the marriage was arranged, it proved to be very happy. Caroline also learned to speak English and in September 1714 they arrived in London. George was invested Prince of Wales and together they attended the Coronation of George I.

George II succeeded to the British throne on 22 June 1727 on the death of his father. His coronation took place in October in Westminster Abbey. His reign lasted more the 33 years in which time Britain prospered at home and overseas. George II was skilled in military matters and in 1743 commanded British troops when the French were defeated at Dettingen - the last British King to lead an army into battle.

In 1745 the Stuart Prince Charles Edward, left France for Scotland to challenge the Hanoverian succession. He was well received and gathered support as he made his way to Edinburgh. George II put his trust in his 24 year old son, William, Duke of Cumberland, who led the troops who fought the Scots in the Battle of Culloden.

The French suffered heavily in the Seven Years' War which broke out in 1756. The victory helped increase British influence abroad  with the inclusion of the French East Indies and Canada into the Empire.

Queen Caroline died in 1737 from gangrene that set in after an operation. George II died from a heart attack suffered after he ate breakfast on October 25, 1760. In accordance with his instructions, boards were removed from the sides of their coffins so that their bones could come together. He was succeeded by his grandson, George III.