The Regency period is a specific period in British history, that covers a period of incapacitation of the monarch and the presence of the Price Regent. Historically and politically, the Regency period was during the time 1811-1820.
In popular culture the Regency period is often identified through the fashion of the Empire Dress, however, this is not the defining feature of the Regency period. In the United Kingdom the Regency period forms the beginning of the period between the Georgian period and the Victorian period (which began in 1837).
This post is not designed to be an in depth history lesson, but rather a short and brief overview of the regency period, and what a regent is.
What is a Regent?
A Regent is defined as a person who is appointed to administer a state because the monarch is a minor, absent or incapacitated.
In 1811 HRH Prince George, The Prince of Wales, was appointed as the Regent via an act of Parliament due to the incapacitation of King George III. Under this act The Prince of Wales undertook all of the duties of the monarch, and was essentially the monarch in all but name.
The Regency Act:
Prior to 1937 there was no one Regency Act in the United Kingdom, and legislation was passed on an ad hoc basis as required, the Regency period came into being after one such act was passed, the Care of the King During His Illness Etc Act 1811, commonly referred to as the Regency Act 1811.
The act states that "His Royal Highness George Augustus Frederick Prince of Wales shall have full Power and Authority, in the Name and on the Behalf of His Majesty, and under the Stile and Title of "Regent of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland," to exercise and administer the Royal Power and Authority to the Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland belonging, and to use, execute and perform all Authorities, Prerogatives, Acts of Government and Administration of the same, which lawfully belong to the King of the said United Kingdom"
This legislation passed in Parliament, thus suspending the King from his duties as Head of State with The Prince of Wales assuming the Regency on 5 February 1811.
The Regency ended with the death of King George III on 29 January 1820 when The Prince of Wales ascended the throne as King George IV.
