He was the son of Karl August, Prince of Waldeck and Pyrmont and Countess Palatine Christiane Henriette of Zweibrücken-Birkenfeld.

Like his brother Friedrich, he was also educated in Switzerland, became a colonel in the Austrian service in 1778 and a major general in the infantry in 1783.

After he got married in 1784, he lived in Switzerland, but later moved to Rhoden, whereupon his brother ceded the county of Pyrmont to him on October 25, 1805, which he ruled independently since then as Prince of Pyrmont, being there at the same time in 1806 resided until he became Prince of Waldeck after his brother Friedrich died on September 24, 1812.

[1] The principality was divided 1805, Pyrmont was given to George, and his brother Friedrich Karl August stayed with Waldeck.

[2] They had nine sons and four daughters: Augusta survived her husband by 36 years, living as a widow in Arolsen Castle.