Page "Maria Fitzherbert" Paragraph 10

During the first few years of his reign as George IV, he turned violently against Maria and several of his former associates.

Whenever he mentioned her name it was “ with feelings of disgust and horror ,” claiming that their union “ was an artificial marriage … just to satisfy her ; that it was no marriage – for there could be none without a licence or some written document .” Maria was in possession of documents and after their final break Maria ’ s demands for her annuity payments were often accompanied by veiled threats to go public with her papers if she did not receive the funds.

In June 1830, when the King was dying, he eagerly seized her “ get well soon ” letter and, after reading it, placed it under his pillow.

On 26 June at 3. 15am, Maria – who had no idea just how ill he was, was deeply hurt that he had never replied to her final letter.

However, before George died, he asked to be buried with Maria's eye miniature around his neck, which was done.