Rebel of the Regency: The Scandalous Saga of Caroline of Brunswick, Britain’s Uncrowned Queen

Though virtually forgotten today, during her lifetime Caroline of Brunswick (1768–1821) was as well-loved by Britain’s commoners as the 20th century’s own Princess of the People, Lady Diana, according to this remarkable debut biography from Vulgar History podcaster Foster. In 1794, George III set about finding a bride for his spendthrift, womanizing son, George Augustus Frederick, for whom “one damn frau was as good as another.” George chose his 26-year-old niece, Caroline of Brunswick. The royals, however, were “unprepared for the ferocity of this woman, how much she loved to make a scene and refused to be ignored.” By the time Caroline gave birth to the heir to the throne, Charlotte, only nine months into the marriage, “she was already living separately from her husband, and the monarchy-hating public had begun cheering her on at public appearances specifically because they knew the royals hated her.” Caroline also had the support of popular writers and artists like Mary Shelley, Lord Byron, and Jane Austen, who wrote, “I shall support her as long as I can, because she is a Woman and because I hate her Husband.” Foster’s narrative is chock-full of (uncannily Diana-esque) intrigue and scandal, including Caroline’s liaisons abroad, household spies, nasty divorce tactics, and the rise of tabloid journalism. It’s an entertaining and revelatory resurfacing of a figure whose life seems to echo through history. (Feb.)