The DISASTROUS Funeral Of King George iii

King George III's death on January 29, 1820, marked the beginning of an elaborate funeral process that culminated on February 16, 1820. The meticulous planning for this grand event was overseen by France and Beckwith, renowned organizers who had previously managed the funeral arrangements for Queen Charlotte just two years earlier.

Despite King George III's expressed wish not to be embalmed, the duty fell to Robert Baliscombe, the apothecary of Windsor, to ensure the preservation of the late monarch's body. The decision to embalm was deemed necessary despite the king's preference.

The scale of the funeral was unprecedented, drawing comparisons to previous monumental occasions such as the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 1809 and the funeral of Queen Charlotte in 1818. The announcement of the funeral date sparked a rush for accommodations in Windsor, with many people having to settle for makeshift lodgings due to the overwhelming demand.

The day of the funeral began with a solemn salute from artillery stationed along the Long Walk, continuing with tolling bells from Windsor and Eton. Thousands of mourners converged on Windsor, creating scenes of disorder at the gates despite efforts by police to maintain order.

Early in the morning, private friends of the late king's household were granted access to pay their respects, followed by the Duke of York's inspection of the preparations. Subsequently, gates were opened to the general public, leading to a chaotic influx of people eager to bid farewell to their monarch. The sheer number of mourners posed a challenge for the authorities, with reports of overcrowding and incidents of fainting among the attendees.

The funeral procession proceeded with solemnity into St. George's Chapel, where a meticulously arranged ceremony awaited. The chapel had been adorned in a manner more splendid than ever before, featuring soldiers of the foot guards holding wax lights and Eton scholars specially admitted by order of the new King George IV. The Duke of York, as chief mourner, played a central role in the proceedings, seated near the coffin throughout the service.

Following the ceremony, King George III was laid to rest in the royal mausoleum beneath St. George’s Chapel, joining other members of the royal family. The chapel remained open for public viewing, its somber atmosphere and elaborate decorations leaving a lasting impression on those who came to pay their respects.

The funeral of King George III was not only a solemn occasion but also a testament to the respect and mourning felt across the nation for a monarch who had reigned for over six decades.