George William Frederick Charles was born on March 26, 1819 at Cambridge House in Hanover, Germany. He was a conservative officer who was the only son of Adolphus Frederick, the youngest son of King George III. After brief service in the Hanoverian army, George William became a colonel in the British army in 1837 and in September 1938 went to Gibraltar to learn garrison duties. He was attached to the 33^rd Regiment Foot for drill. After six months there, he traveled for six months in Europe and then came home. He was then attached to the 12^th Lancers serving for two years in England and Ireland. On April 15, 1842 he was gazetted to the 8^th Light Dragoons as lieutenant colonel, but ten days later was transferred to 17^th Lancers as colonel. He commanded his regiment at Leeds, and helped the magistrates to preserve the peace of the town during the industrial disturbances in August.

He inherited his father's dukedom on July 8, 1850 when his father passed away. At the beginning of the Crimean War, he commanded the 1^st Division and by the end of the war had taken part in all the major battles, although his leadership was not particularly distinguished. After the war, Cambridge was promoted to General in 1856, Field marshal in 1862 and Commander in Chief in 1887. He exercised considerable independence in discipline, appointments, promotions in all of which he favored social standing and seniority over ability.

Reforms were introduced during his tenure over his objections and the Commander in Chief was made subordinate to the war minister, and he was unable to adjust to the changing conditions and resigned in 1895. Cambridge died in London on March 17, 1904.