In spring 1651, Sir George Hamilton, Baronet, and his family followed Ormond into French exile. They first went to Caen where they were accommodated for some time by the Marchioness of Ormond. They then moved on to Paris near where Charles II and his mother Henrietta Maria lived in exile at the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Young George Hamilton, aged about 15, became a page to Charles. His father was employed in various missions for Ormond and the King, whereas his mother found shelter in the convent of the Feuillantines in Paris, together with her sister Eleanor, Lady Muskerry. France was at that time involved in the long-going Franco-Spanish War (1635–1659). In 1654 France gained Cromwell as an ally against the Spanish resulting in the Anglo-Spanish War (1654–1660), and in consequence Charles had to leave France. He moved his court first to Cologne, then in March 1656 to Brussels, and then to Bruges. On 2 April 1656, the Treaty of Brussels was signed. On 14 June 1658 the Battle of the Dunes was fought. Charles then moved to Antwerp. On 3 Sep 1658 Cromwell died. In November Charles was allowed back to Brussels.