| Collection | Caroline, Queen Consort to George II |
| Admin History | Born 1683 in Ansbach, Wilhlemina Charlotte Caroline (better known as Caroline) was orphaned while still a teenager. Under the care of her guardians Frederick, Elector of Brandenburg and his wife, Sophia Charlotte, Caroline was introduced to a lively intellectual environment and developed interests in a wide range of subjects. After having refused Archduke Charles of Austria (later Charles VI), Caroline married George Augustus in 1705 and produced 8 children, seven of whom lived to adulthood: Frederick, Prince of Wales; Anne, Princess Royal; Princess Amelia; Princess Caroline; Prince William, Duke of Cumberland; Princess Mary; and Princess Louisa. These latter 3 children were born in England after Caroline followed her husband, now Prince of Wales, there - albeit leaving behind their son Frederick as a representative of the Hanoverian dynasty. The Court in England - both from the time of Caroline as Princess of Wales and later as Queen Consort from 1727 - was strongly influenced by Caroline who was perceived to be the power behind her husband's throne and indeed Caroline was appointed regent for domestic matters while George II was away in Hanover. Caroline died after a painful illness on 20 November 1737. |