Note 495 — INTRODUCTORY NOTE TO CHAPTER IX
Reading edition
Prince George, born 1819, succeeded his father on the throne of Hanover in 1851. He ultimately suffered from total blindness, caused by swinging a bunch of keys attached to a chain, that struck accidentally one of his eyes. He sided with Austria in 1866 against Prussia, and after Sadowa his kingdom was annexed to Prussia by decree. King George was a Knight of the Garter and Duke of Cumberland. He was a Prince of amiable disposition and simple manners. At his death he was succeeded in the dukedom by his eldest son, who married the younger sister of Queen Alexandra.