3. The Prince Regent had little interest in the government of his realm
George Augustus cared little for politics and government, except for that which worked to his personal advantage. He allowed his ministers in the cabinet to take charge. Until and including King George III the prime minister was usually selected after receiving the support of the King. From the Regency onward, the Parliament elected the prime minister, regardless of the preference of the monarchy. When affairs of state forced him to make appointments he proved politically inept. The two major parties, Whigs and Tories, held opposing views regarding the war with Napoleon, relations with the United States, and control of the colonies of the East India Company in India.
The Prince Regent turned his attention to subjects which held his interest, architecture and fashion. His close friendship with the fashionable celebrity Beau Brummel soon soured, but the pattern of fashion for the Regency Era had by then been established. In 1810 the Prince Regent bestowed his patronage on John Nash, an architect largely responsible for creating the Regency style in that discipline. Among Nash’s projects begun or completed during the Regency was St. James Park, which he redesigned into the appearance it presents today. He also redesigned and completed the Marine Pavilion in Brighton, transforming it into the Royal Pavilion. The Prince Regent took a deep personal interest in these and other projects, rather than in the welfare of his subjects.