Fox and Pitt, in the reconvened Parliament, had wrangled over the terms of a regency during the King's incapacity.

While both had agreed that it would be most reasonable for George III's eldest son and heir apparent, the Prince of Wales, to act as regent, to Pitt’s consternation Fox had suggested that it is the Prince of Wales's absolute right to act on his ill father's behalf with full powers.

Pitt, fearing he would be removed from office if the Prince of Wales were empowered, had argued that it is for Parliament to nominate a regent, and had wanted to restrict the regent's authority.

In February 1789, the Regency Bill, authorizing the Prince of Wales to act as regent, is introduced and passed in the House of Commons, but before the House of Lords can pass the bill, George III recovers.