The Creevey Papers
Thomas Creevey to Elizabeth Ord, 14 February 1829
“Brooks’s, Feb. 14.
“. . . There is nothing going forward except this
reported visit of the Duke of . . . Are
you aware that Captain Garth is the son of this Duke by
Princess ——.* General Garth, at the suit of the old King, consented to pass for the father of this
son. The latter, in every way worthy of his villainous father, has shown all
the letters upon this occasion, including one of the King’s. The poor
woman has always said that this business would be her death. Garth asks £30,000 for the letters, and, to
enhance their value, shews the worst part of them.”
King Ernest Augustus, of Hanover (1771-1851)
The fifth and last surviving son of George III; he was king of Hanover 1837-1851. Though
acquitted, he was thought to have murdered his valet, Joseph Sellis.
Thomas Garth (1744-1829)
Military officer, the son of John Garth MP; there were rumors abroad to the effect that
his son, Thomas Garth (1800–1875), had been fathered by Ernest Augustus, son of George III,
and that the mother was his sister, Princess Sophia.
Thomas Garth (1800-1875)
Military officer, the son of General Thomas Garth and Princess Sophia; he claimed to have
letters proving that his father was the Duke of Cumberland with which he tried to blackmail
the government.
Princess Sophia (1777-1848)
The fifth daughter of George III. and Queen Charlotte.
