The British monarchy has seen its fair share of scandals, but few are as bizarre and dramatic as the marriage between Prince George (later George IV) and Caroline of Brunswick. What began as a politically arranged union quickly turned into a public spectacle of disdain, infidelity, and humiliation. This is the story of how one of the most ill-fated royal marriages in history unfolded.
A Marriage of Convenience
In the late 18th century, Prince George, heir to the British throne, was deeply in debt. His extravagant lifestyle and numerous affairs had left him financially strained. To solve this, Parliament offered him a deal: marry a suitable bride, and they would clear his debts. The chosen bride was Caroline of Brunswick, his first cousin and the daughter of his father’s sister.
George was already in a controversial relationship with Maria Fitzherbert, a twice-widowed Catholic commoner. Their secret marriage was declared invalid because George, as heir to the throne, needed the King’s permission to marry—a permission he never sought. Despite his attachment to Maria, George agreed to marry Caroline, driven by financial necessity rather than affection.
The Unwelcome Welcome
Caroline’s arrival in England was anything but welcoming. Instead of sending a dignified envoy, George dispatched his mistress, Frances Villiers, Countess of Jersey, to greet Caroline at the docks. This decision was as tactless as it was insulting.
Frances, a mother of ten and grandmother, was hardly the image of a royal mistress. Yet, she held significant influence over George. Her presence at Caroline’s arrival was a clear message: she intended to remain a central figure in George’s life, even after his marriage.
When Caroline’s ship arrived at Greenwich, Frances was deliberately late, leaving the future princess waiting for an hour. This petty power play set the tone for their relationship. To add insult to injury, George had appointed Frances as Lady of the Bedchamber, ensuring she would remain close to Caroline.
A Disastrous First Meeting
The first meeting between George and Caroline was nothing short of a disaster. Caroline, eager to make a good impression, attempted to kneel before her future husband. George, however, was far from gallant. After a brief moment of courtesy, he abruptly left the room, whispering to his advisor, Lord Malmesbury, that he needed a glass of brandy.
Caroline, unimpressed by George’s appearance and behaviour, confided in Malmesbury:
“Mon Dieu! Est-ce que le Prince est toujours comme cela? Je le trouve très gros, et nullement aussi beau que son portrait.”
(“My God! Is the Prince always like this? I find him very fat and not nearly as handsome as his portrait.”)
It was clear from the start that this marriage was doomed.
The Wedding and Its Aftermath
Despite their mutual dislike, George and Caroline married on 8 April 1795. The ceremony was a sombre affair, with George reportedly drunk throughout. The couple’s only child, Princess Charlotte, was born nine months later. However, the birth of an heir did little to mend their fractured relationship.
George quickly returned to his mistresses, particularly Frances Villiers, while Caroline was left isolated and humiliated. The public, however, sympathised with Caroline, viewing her as the wronged party in this royal farce.
A Scandalous Separation
By 1796, George and Caroline had separated. Caroline moved to Montagu House in Blackheath, where she lived independently. Despite her separation from George, she remained a popular figure among the public, who admired her resilience in the face of George’s mistreatment.
George, meanwhile, continued his extravagant lifestyle, accumulating even more debt and scandal. His relationship with Frances Villiers eventually ended, but his disdain for Caroline never wavered.
The Queen Caroline Affair
When George became King George IV in 1820, he attempted to divorce Caroline, accusing her of adultery. The resulting “Queen Caroline Affair” became a national scandal. The public rallied behind Caroline, viewing George’s actions as cruel and unjust.
Despite widespread support, Caroline was barred from George’s coronation in 1821. She died just weeks later, her death widely mourned by the British public.
Legacy of a Failed Marriage
The marriage of George and Caroline is a stark reminder of the pressures and pitfalls of royal duty. It highlights the personal cost of political alliances and the human side of historical figures often seen as distant and untouchable.
For George, the marriage was a source of lifelong regret and public ridicule. For Caroline, it was a tragic tale of rejection and resilience. Together, their story remains one of the most fascinating and heartbreaking chapters in British royal history.
Final Thoughts
The marriage of Prince George and Caroline of Brunswick is a testament to the complexities of royal life. It serves as a reminder that behind the grandeur and glamour of the monarchy lie real people with real emotions. Their story, filled with drama and heartbreak, continues to captivate audiences centuries later.
Whether you view George as a selfish prince or a man trapped by duty, and Caroline as a wronged woman or a flawed individual, their tale is undeniably compelling. It’s a story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of public opinion—a story that remains relevant even today.