The first son of George VII of Imereti, George IX of Imereti, was married to Mzekhatun and previously went into exile to his father-in-law George Lipartiani in Mingrelia.
The eldest son of George VII of Imereti and Princess Rodam of Kartli, Alexander was brought up at the court of Vakhtang VI of Kartli and enjoyed his support in the power struggle in Imereti. 
The third son of George VII of Imereti by his wife Tamar (daughter of Mamia III Gurieli), he was enthroned after his brother Alexander V was ousted in the Ottoman-sponsored coup. 
