George II has been reigning since his eighteenth birtdhay, on 262, following the abdication of his father, George I Amadeus, in 252, and the regency of his mother, Marie Rose Blanche of Estgorth. In 272, the king announced his intention never to marry and to return the kingdom, upon his demise, to its ancient custom of electing its monarch from among the ranking members of its several ancient provincial ruling houses. His reign has only been interrupted by the so-called Neonesian ursupation of 297-299. George II lived in exile during this period.