A new book set to be published on 30 January 2025 sheds light on the remarkable life of Frederick Blomberg, believed to be the secret son of 'mad' King George III, and his strong connections to Somerset.

Prince George and Master Frederick, written by Rosalind Freeborn, is a work of historical fiction rooted in the true story of Blomberg, an orphan adopted by King George III and Queen Charlotte in 1765 and raised within the royal household.

Blomberg maintained a lifelong friendship with Prince George, the future King George IV, and played a significant role in Georgian royal history. Sent to Cambridge to study divinity, he later became a parish priest with postings in Shepton Mallet, Bradford on Avon, and Banwell, along with a role at Bristol Cathedral.

He became known locally for his eccentricities, including playing the violin instead of giving sermons at St Peter & St Paul's Church in Shepton Mallet and transforming his carriage into a mobile music room, delighting residents as he played across the countryside.

Blomberg married Maria Floyer of Bath in 1787 and remained closely connected to the royal family, frequently being summoned to Windsor and Buckingham House during crises, including the episodes of King George III's mental health struggles.

Freeborn was inspired to write the book after researching her grandmother's claims of a family link to Georgian royalty. Her investigation revealed that Blomberg had gifted the family a property in Yorkshire in 1811, which was later purchased by her great-grandfather.

A portrait of Blomberg, once displayed in her grandmother's home, was drawn by court artist Hugh Douglas Hamilton and recently acquired by King Charles III for the Royal Collection, now housed in the Print Room at Windsor.

Prince George and Master Frederick will be published by Alliance Publishing Press on 30 January 2025. More details can be found at www.rosalind-freeborn.com and www.alliancepublishingpress.com.

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