A forgotten Prince of Wales

In February 1707 a quiet birth took place in Hanover’s Leine Palace, only a few court officials aware that the son of the future George II had arrived. His mother, Caroline of Ansbach, was renowned for her gentle nature, while his father’s later harsh judgment hinted at the challenges the boy would face. The newborn was kept hidden even from English envoys, underscoring the delicate politics surrounding a potential heir to the English throne.

As he grew, the prince was drawn into a rigorous schedule of military drills and court ceremonies in 1720s London, a contrast to the garden‑filled childhood his mother cherished. His sharp wit earned both admiration and occasional scandal among siblings and tutors, revealing a lively spirit beneath the royal expectations. Listeners will find the early years a mix of tender family moments and the looming weight of a possible future crown.