George II and the highwayman

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George II and the highwayman


Who mugged George II in Kensington Gardens? Hear the full story from Kensington Palace warder Chris Pawley.
Kensington Palace warder, Chris Pawley
This story occurred soon after the death of George II’s wife Queen Caroline in 1737.

Rocque plan of Kensington Gardens, 1736As was his wont, George II was out walking near the Round Pond just east of Kensington Palace.  He was startled out of his ponderings when a man stepped out of the shrubbery and pointed a pistol at him. The armed stranger graciously begged the King’s pardon and demanded all his items of value. He explained that he was a former soldier fallen on hard times and was only set on this dishonest course to provide for his family.

The king was touched by the polite stranger’s story and obligingly handed over his rings, money, brooch and even the buckles from his shoes.  He then took out his watch and started to remove the seal from the fob. The stranger courteously informed the King it was all or nothing and the watch must be handed over, seal and all. 
Now the king, we must remember, was newly widowed. The seal had been a gift from his wife Queen Caroline and bore his initials GG for George Guelph, not George II.  In essence, it was one of the few things that truly belonged to George the man, quite apart from the sentimental value.

So the stranger struck a bargain with him.  At the same hour the next day, he would return to the same place and give the king’s seal back to him. The king said he would bring a hundred guineas in exchange and promised not to summon assistance. 

They parted cordially.

The next day the king appeared alone at the appointed time. The stranger greeted him and the exchange was made.  Each wished good health to the other.For the rest of his days, the king enjoyed telling the tale to his friends in his drawing room at Kensington Palace, where he would point out the spot from the window.

This is one of several versions of this story but is the one I like and believe to be the truest!

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