Stuart, John, 3rd Earl of Bute
- CA QUA00051
- Person
- 25 May 1713-10 March 1792
British statesman, succeeded his father in 1723, and about 1737 was made one of his lords of the bedchamber by Frederick, Prince of Wales. On the prince's death in 1751 Bute became groom of the stole to his son, afterwards George III, who he strongly influenced. In 1761 he was appointed one of the principal secretaries of state; was prime minister. His government was one of the most unpopular that ever held office, its fundamental principle being the supremacy of the royal prerogative. From 1768 his life was chiefly spent in the country, where he engaged in botany and science study.