Background
He was created Earl Granville in 1744, and in 1751 he became lord president of the Council, an office he held until his death on Jan. 2, 1763.
He was created Earl Granville in 1744, and in 1751 he became lord president of the Council, an office he held until his death on Jan. 2, 1763.
He was a strong supporter of the accession of George I to the British throne in 1714. From 1719 to 1720 he served as ambassador extraordinary to Sweden, a post he filled with great success. In 1721 he was made secretary of state and soon found himself in opposition to Sir Robert Walpole, over whom he had the advantage of being the only minister who could speak German to the king, who knew little English. From 1724 to 1730 he held the thankless post of the lord-lieutenant of Ireland. Then followed 12 years in Opposition. In 1742, with the retirement of Walpole, he was again made secretary of state. In this position, which he retained for two years, he supported King George II's Hanoverian policy and England's participation in the War of the Austrian Succession. He was created Earl Granville in 1744, and in 1751 he became lord president of the Council, an office he held until his death on Jan. 2, 1763. Though Carteret had much knowledge of foreign affairs, he was never a popular statesman.