George III of the United Kingdom

George III, known affectionately as “Mad King George,” was the King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1760 until 1820. Despite his long reign, he is perhaps best known for his role in the hit musical “Hamilton,” where he was often portrayed as the villainous antagonist.

Born in 1738, George III ascended to the throne at the tender age of 22. Early in his reign, he attempted to assert his authority over the American colonies, inevitably leading to the American Revolution. Oops.

Despite his political missteps, George III was quite the character. He was infamous for his bouts of “madness,” which many attribute to a genetic disorder called porphyria. He famously had recurring bouts of illness where he would do things like attack trees in his garden or insist on shaking hands with imaginary dignitaries.

Despite his quirks, George III was a family man at heart. He married Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and they had 15 children. Yes, 15. That’s a lot of little royals running around.

In his later years, George III became blind and increasingly ill. He lived out his final years in seclusion, cared for by his son, the future King George IV.

Today, George III is remembered as a colorful and sometimes bumbling character in British history. He may have made some questionable decisions, but at least he made us laugh with his tree-punching antics.