What Mental Illness Afflicted King George III- Unveiling the Tragic Plight of the British Monarch
What Mental Disease Did George III Have?
George III, the King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1760 to 1820, is often remembered for his role in the American Revolution and his reign’s turbulent political climate. However, one aspect of his life that has garnered significant attention is the mental disease he suffered from towards the end of his reign. The question that has intrigued historians and medical professionals alike is: what mental disease did George III have?
The illness that plagued George III is widely believed to be porphyria, a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to process heme, a substance necessary for the production of hemoglobin. Porphyria can lead to a variety of symptoms, including mood swings, delusions, and in some cases, psychosis. The diagnosis of porphyria as George III’s condition is based on historical accounts of his behavior and the symptoms he exhibited during his later years.
In the following paragraphs, we will delve into the evidence that supports the diagnosis of porphyria in George III, the impact of his illness on his reign, and the legacy it left behind.
