The Tories and the Whigs Pulling for a Crown

The Prince of Wales, son of George III, sits with his arms folded awaiting the outcome of the tug-of-war over the English crown in this political cartoon, published in London in 1789. The Tories at left, represented by the figures of Edward Thurlow and William Pitt, are struggling against Whig party members Edmund Burke and Charles Fox. In 1788 and 1789 George IIIs mental condition and health were so unstable that the parties fought over whether the kings son should become regent; the monarchs recovery put an end to the crisis.