The Dukes of Brunswick-Lüneburg became the Electors of Hanover (Hannover is the German spelling) in 1692.

Electors of Hanover, 1692-1814

• Ernest Augustus 1692-1698
• George I Louis 1698-1727
  • became King George I of Great Britain in 1714
• George II Augustus 1727-1760
  • also King George II of Great Britain
• George III 1760-1814
  • also King George III of Great Britain (the United Kingdom from 1801)

In 1803, Hanover was occupied by France, and did not return to the control of its Elector until 1814. In the meanwhile, however, Hanoverian ministers continued to operate out of London, and maintained their own separate diplomatic service (which maintained links to countries like Austria and Prussia, with whom the United Kingdom itself was technically at war). In 1814, Hanover became a Kingdom.

Kings of Hanover, 1814-1866

• George III of the United Kingdom 1814-1820
• George IV of the United Kingdom 1820-1830
• William IV of the United Kingdom 1830-1837

The thrones of the United Kingdom and Hanover diverged in 1837 as Hanover, unlike the U.K., was under the Salic law, and so did not pass to Queen Victoria. Her uncle, the Duke of Cumberland, succeeded as

• Ernest I of Hanover (or Ernst August I) 1837-1851
• George V of Hanover 1851-1866

Hanover was annexed by Prussia in 1866 as a result of Hanover's participation on Austria's side in the Austro-Prussian (or Seven Weeks') War.

Heads of the Royal House of Hanover since 1866

• George V of Hanover 1866-1878
• Prince Ernst August (II), 3rd Duke of Cumberland 1878-1923
  • suspended as Duke of Cumberland, 1919
• Prince Ernst August III of Hanover 1923-1953
  • Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg 1913-1918
• Prince Ernest August IV of Hanover 1953-1987
• Prince Ernst August V of Hanover 1987-present
  • Husband of Princess Caroline of Monaco

See also: House of Hanover