Prince William, Duke of Cumberland, was the younger son of George II and a British army commander. He defeated the Jacobite army at Culloden in 1746 and directed the severe military suppression that followed, earning the lasting nickname “Butcher Cumberland” in Scotland.
He later commanded in continental warfare but suffered defeat at Hastenbeck during the Seven Years’ War. His political influence declined, though he remained an important royal figure. Prince William, Duke of Cumberland was born in Leicester House and died in London.
In G. A. Henty’s Bonnie Prince Charlie, Historical figures including Charles Edward Stuart and Prince William, Duke of Cumberland connect the fictional action directly to the documented events. Further fictional perspectives on Prince William, Duke of Cumberland can be found in Malcolm Archibald’s Blood Oath, S. G. MacLean’s The Bookseller of Inverness, Cynthia Harrod-Eagles’ The Maiden, and Diana Gabaldon’s Voyager. For broader historical treatment of Prince William, Duke of Cumberland, see Hourly History’s Seven Years’ War.