Karni Singh of Bikaner vs William IV of the United Kingdom

Karni Singh became the Maharaja of Bikaner at age 19, succeeding his father. His reign covered the final years of British rule and the integration of princely states into independent India, requiring him to manage political transition.

Karni Singh served as an officer in the Indian Army, seeing action in World War II and later in the 1947 Indo-Pakistani War. He was awarded the Military Cross for his service, demonstrating his commitment to military duty.

Karni Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, merging Bikaner into the Dominion of India. He later served as a member of the Lok Sabha (1952-1977) and Rajya Sabha (1977-1982), representing the Bikaner constituency in the Indian Parliament.

Karni Singh advocated in Parliament for the rights and privileges of former princely rulers, including the preservation of their titles and privy purses. His efforts reflected the ongoing debate about the integration of princely states into the Indian republic.

William, Duke of Clarence, served in the Royal Navy from age 13, seeing action in the American Revolutionary War. He was stationed in New York and later served in the West Indies, earning the nickname 'Sailor King'.

Upon George IV's death, William became king at age 64. His accession was welcomed as a contrast to his brother's extravagance, and he quickly established a more informal, popular style of monarchy.

William IV reluctantly agreed to create enough Whig peers to pass the Reform Act 1832 in the House of Lords. The act reformed parliamentary representation, abolishing rotten boroughs and expanding the electorate.

William IV gave royal assent to the Slavery Abolition Act 1833, which abolished slavery throughout the British Empire. The act provided for a transition period and compensation for slave owners.

William IV dismissed the Whig government of Lord Melbourne, the last British monarch to remove a prime minister. He appointed Sir Robert Peel as prime minister, but Peel's minority government fell within months.