Prince Rupert of the Rhine

For the city in British Columbia, see Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

Career Following the Restoration

Following the Restoration of the monarchy under Charles II, Rupert returned to the service of England, accepting an annuity and becoming a member of the privy council. He never again fought on land, but, turning admiral like Blake and Monk, he bore a brilliant part in the Second Anglo-Dutch War as actual supreme commander of the British fleet from June 1666, gaining a victory in the St James's Day Battle. His efforts in the Third Anglo-Dutch War met with humiliating failure (Battles of Schooneveld, Battle of Texel).

Related Topics:
Restoration - Charles II - Privy council - Monk - Second Anglo-Dutch War - 1666 - St James's Day Battle - Third Anglo-Dutch War - Battles of Schooneveld - Battle of Texel

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After his retirement from the active military in around 1674, he engaged in scientific research. Some have credited him with the invention of the mezzotint, which he introduced into England and developed new techniques for, as well as a form of gunpowder and an alloy named "Prince's metal" in his honour. He is also credited with the invention of Prince Rupert's Drops, glass teardrops which explode when the tail is cracked.

Related Topics:
1674 - Mezzotint - Gunpowder - Prince's metal - Prince Rupert's Drops

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Even in retirement he continued to hold important governmental posts; from 1673 to 1679 he served as England's Lord High Admiral. He did not marry but lived with a Drury Lane actress and had a daughter by her, named Ruperta.

Related Topics:
1673 - 1679 - Lord High Admiral - Drury Lane

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Rupert became the first Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company, which traded furs in Canada, and the territory of its immense trading monopoly gained the name Rupert's Land for him. Prince Rupert, British Columbia likewise takes its name from him.

Related Topics:
Hudson's Bay Company - Monopoly - Rupert's Land - Prince Rupert, British Columbia

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Prince Rupert died at his house in Spring Gardens, Westminster, on 19 November 1682.

Related Topics:
Westminster - 19 November - 1682

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