Understanding Why King George III Was Called 'The Third' and Not 'The Third of England'

The term 'King George III' does not simply reflect a straightforward chronological order of kings named George in England. Rather, it carries with it a complex historical and political narrative, one that involves the unification of England and Scotland and the subsequent formation of the United Kingdom. This article delves into why he was known as 'King George III' and not 'King George the Third of England.'

Evolution of Monarchy Titles

Long before King George III, there were already two distinct monarchical realms: England and Scotland. The Act of Union 1707 saw these two countries united into a single political unit, effectively ending the separate kingdoms of England and Scotland. The title of 'King of England' and 'King of Scotland' was replaced with the singular title 'King of Great Britain.'

Herein lies the key point of confusion: King George III was not 'King George the Third of England' because, by 1707, there was no longer an independent English kingdom, only the United Kingdom. Therefore, the correct title to use would be 'King of the United Kingdom.'

The Pronunciation Conundrum

Furthermore, when speaking, the title 'King George III' is pronounced as 'King George the Third.' This is not a literal translation or reference to the number 'three.' Instead, it aligns with a common practice in English, where ordinal numbers in titles are represented as 'The' plus the numerical term. For instance, 'II Corinthians' is more accurately read as 'Second Corinthians' rather than 'two Corinthians.'

Historical Context and Succession

King George III was the third monarch to be named George in the united British monarchy. Prior to 1707, several monarchs were also named George, especially during the reign of the Tudors and Stuarts. However, these were still distinct titles, reflecting the separate kingdoms of England and Scotland.

After 1801, with the addition of Ireland, the title changed to 'King of the United Kingdom.' Thus, King George III was the third George to rule this consolidated state since 1707. His title reflects the historical continuity of the British monarchy through this significant period of transition.

Monarch Succession Following George III

Following the death of King Charles III, his successor will be known as King William V. King William IV's reign spanned from 1830 to 1837, making the current title of Charles III, William V, and potentially future kings distinct from the historical naming conventions related to George III.

Conclusion

The title 'King George III' is a historical and linguistic necessity that reflects the complex evolution of the British monarchy. It identifies a specific king in a unified kingdom and clarifies the chronological placing of his reign within the history of the United Kingdom. Understanding these titles and their evolution provides a deeper insight into the intricate and evolving nature of British monarchies.