The story of George, Prince of Wales, and his wife, Caroline of Brunswick, is filled with intrigue and scandal. Many believe George orchestrated a plan to rid himself of Caroline. He was frustrated when Parliament refused to clear his debts, despite his marriage to Caroline. Their union was doomed from the start, as they were clearly mismatched.
Caroline was known for being headstrong and talkative. She often made poor choices, and rumors swirled about her behavior. Reports from Blackheath suggested she had many male admirers. To gather information, George encouraged the Douglases, her new neighbors, to befriend Caroline and report back to him.
Imagine if they shared scandalous tales of her supposed affairs. If rumors of an illegitimate child were true, it would provide George with the perfect grounds for divorce. The situation was messy and sordid, but it could work in his favor.
However, what if Caroline was aware of George’s schemes? Perhaps she played into the hands of the spies, giving them just enough scandal to fuel the fire. She might have let Lady Douglas believe that William Austin was her child, dropping hints and making suggestive comments about the men around her.
Lady Douglas likely thought she had struck gold with these revelations. She eagerly shared the gossip, but when the Delicate Investigation cleared Caroline of all charges, it was a blow to George’s plans. The investigation revealed that the true mother of William Austin was a poor woman from Deptford, and Caroline had simply adopted the child.
The public began to sympathize with Caroline. The King favored her, granting her apartments at Kensington Palace. She became a beloved figure, celebrated in the streets and welcomed by fashionable society. Her salon became the place to be seen, and it seemed that Caroline had triumphed.
However, her return to Brunswick was cut short when her father was killed in battle. The French took control of her homeland, and her mother sought refuge in England. King George III provided Caroline with a home at Blackheath, leading to a split in royal courts: George at Carlton House and Caroline at Kensington.
In 1811, King George III’s mental health declined, and George became Regent. With his new power, he began to shift the dynamics of the royal court. Many of Caroline’s supporters moved to Carlton House, sensing the change in power.
As George plotted against Caroline, he grew increasingly resentful. He cut off her access to their daughter, Princess Charlotte, forbidding any contact. He even instructed coachmen to ignore Caroline’s carriage if they encountered it. This public display of animosity outraged many.
Desperate, Caroline reached out to George, pleading for access to Charlotte. In a typical display of disregard, George returned her letter unopened.
Caroline found an ally in Henry Brougham, a rising politician. He may have helped her draft a letter that was leaked to the press, garnering public sympathy. In retaliation, George leaked Lady Douglas’s testimony to undermine Caroline’s reputation. Brougham countered by revealing letters that disproved Douglas’s claims.
George’s campaign to isolate Caroline intensified. He made it clear that anyone associating with her would be unwelcome at court. In 1814, after Napoleon’s defeat, Caroline was excluded from the celebrations in London. George’s frustration was evident when he exclaimed, “Damn the west! And damn the east! And damn Wellington! The question is, how am I to get rid of this damned Princess of Wales?”
This royal drama showcases the complexities of power, loyalty, and betrayal within the British monarchy. The saga of George and Caroline is a reminder of how personal grievances can intertwine with public life, leading to scandal and intrigue that captivates the imagination.
In conclusion, the story of George, Prince of Wales, and Caroline of Brunswick is a fascinating chapter in royal history. Their tumultuous relationship, filled with scandal and political maneuvering, reflects the challenges of love and duty in the world of monarchy. As we look back on their story, we see how personal ambitions can shape the course of history, leaving a lasting impact on the royal family and the public’s perception of them.
