In course of replying to an enquiry about the dental health of King George III, Rufus Ross came across an anecdote on a family history web-site about the Boultbee family, including the twins John and Thomas who were noted late 18th Century artists. They painted landscapes, and portraits of the Nobility and Gentry and of their favourite animals, and both exhibited at the Royal Academy. John was employed by the King George III at one time and this had unexpected consequences!

One day during the time of Mr Boultbee's residence in Windsor Park the King [George III] told him that he was suffering from toothache and that he feared he would have to have the tooth removed. Mr. Boultbee sympathised with the King, saying that he could well understand his suffering as he himself had lately been troubled in the same way. About a fortnight afterwards the King decided that he must undergo the operation and the Royal dentist was sent for. The King took his place in the chair and all was in readiness. Suddenly he seized the dentist's hand and shouted, "Stop! Mr. Boultbee has a bad tooth, he shall have his out first!" Messengers were sent to find Mr. Boultbee and after some delay he arrived hot and flurried at the Castle when the King explained that he was to have his tooth out first.. It was in vain for Mr. Boultbee to explain that he was in no pain and had not been for some time, that in fact he did not require a dentist at all. All was useless, the King became very excited, and in the end the unlucky artist had to sit down and have a perfectly good tooth removed. He vowed afterwards that he would never condole with anyone in pain again.

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