“I cannot bear the thoughts of continuing in this inactive state”

As the Seven Years’ War raged on, George, Prince of Wales, asked his grandfather, King George II, for his permission to join the fight. To his great frustration, the king refused. As the oldest son and heir to the British throne, it was safest to keep him at home.

“Now that every part of the Nation is arming for its defence, I cannot bear the thoughts of continuing in this inactive State. . . . Give me an opportunity of convincing the World that I am neither unworthy of My high Situation, nor of the blood that fills My Veins.”

—George, Prince of Wales, to King George II, July 20, 1759