Caroline of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel

Caroline Amelia Elizabeth, known in German as Caroline Amalie Elisabeth, was born into the House of Brunswick-Bevern. She became Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Queen of Hanover upon her husband George IV’s accession to the throne, despite being estranged from him. Her marriage to George, Prince of Wales, in 1795 was marked by separation after the birth of their only child, Princess Charlotte, in 1796. Caroline faced allegations of infidelity, but an investigation in 1806 found no evidence of such claims. However, her relationship with her daughter was restricted. In 1814, Caroline moved to Italy and formed a close companionship with her servant Bartolomeo Pergami, which was widely believed to be romantic. The death of her daughter in 1817 deeply affected Caroline, who was not informed of the tragedy by her husband. As queen consort, Caroline’s return to Britain was met with public support, opposing George IV’s attempts to divorce her. Her barred entry to the coronation and subsequent death in 1821 ended her tumultuous life.