Ernst August, King of Hanover, was born on February 21, 1771, and ruled from 1837 until his death in 1851. He was the last king of the Kingdom of Hanover, which was a German state. His reign began when he ascended the throne after the death of his brother, King George IV of the United Kingdom, who had no legitimate heirs. During his rule, Ernst August faced political challenges, including the growing influence of Prussia and the changing landscape of German politics. He was known for his conservative views and efforts to maintain the independence of Hanover, which was eventually annexed by Prussia in 1866.