The royal family | Alice Loxton on the world of the Georgians

In episode one of her HistoryExtra Academy series The world of the Georgians, historian Alice Loxton explores how satirical artist James Gillray took aim at the Georgian royal family, exposing excess, virtue and scandal at the very top of society.

Published: February 2, 2026 at 9:01 AM

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Alice Loxton introduces the Georgian era and examines how satirical artists such as James Gillray mocked the royal family, from the frugal George III to his flamboyant and extravagant son, the Prince Regent. Through caricature, the monarchy was transformed from untouchable authority into something recognisably human – flawed, fallible and ripe for ridicule.

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Want more from Alice? Find more episodes of the World of the Georgians.

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Alice Loxton is a historian, presenter and Sunday Times bestselling author with over three million followers on social media.

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