Calling all Queen Charlotte fans…
Queen Charlotte and King George III’s love story was depicted in Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. And although the Netflix drama was fictional, the passion Charlotte and George had for each other was real.
“I have this instant been made very happy with Your very Affectionnate [sic] & kind letter, for which I want words to Express both my joy & happiness, but I can say with great Truth that tho my Pen cannot express my feeling my Heart most does most deeply feel,” Charlotte wrote to George in 1797, according to the Royal Collection Trust.
Now, a token of the real Queen Charlotte’s care and love for her husband King George III will be up for auction at Christie’s next month. In 1788 and 1789, George dealt with a bout of illness, leading to the Regency Bill of 1789 to be introduced in the House of Commons, declaring Charlotte and George’s eldest son Prince George, the Prince of Wales, regent. However, King George III recovered before the House of Lords could pass the bill.
To celebrate his recovery, Queen Charlotte commissioned a medallion as a gift to a close friend who remained loyal during her husband’s illness.
Per Christie’s, “Queen Charlotte’s announcement that the King had recovered was greeted with widespread celebrations, and Parliament presented addresses of congratulation to the King on 10 March, the date commemorated on the medallion. The medallion was presented by Queen Charlotte on 19 March 1789. It was later converted into a locket surmounted by an enamelled crown, set with diamonds, rubies and emeralds.” It is estimated for auction between £3,000 to £5,000.
