Caroline Matilda Of Great Britain

Caroline Matilda of Great Britain (Danish: Caroline Mathilde), born on 22 July 1751 (O.S. 11 July 1751) and died on 10 May 1775, was Queen consort of Denmark and Norway from 1766 to 1772 through her marriage to King Christian VII. She was the youngest and posthumously born daughter of Frederick, Prince of Wales, and Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha. Her birth occurred at Leicester House in Westminster, London, shortly after her father's death on 31 March 1751. She was christened ten days later at Leicester House, with her godparents including her brother George, her aunt Caroline, and her sister Augusta.

Raised in a secluded family environment away from the English court, Caroline Matilda's upbringing was characterized by limited social exposure, as her mother Princess Augusta chose to keep her children away from court life. The family resided primarily in Leicester House and Kew Palace during holidays. She was described as temperamental, natural, and informal, with interests in outdoor activities, riding, music, and reading. She was an accomplished singer, played the harpsichord, and spoke fluent Italian, French, and German besides English.

In 1764, negotiations commenced for a marriage alliance between the Danish House of Oldenburg and the British House of Hanover. It was decided that Caroline Matilda, then 13 years old, would marry her first cousin, Crown Prince Christian of Denmark, later King Christian VII. The marriage was officially announced on 10 January 1765. Following the death of King Frederick V on 14 January 1766, Christian ascended to the throne at age 17. Caroline Matilda departed from Harwich for Rotterdam and subsequently arrived in Altona in the Duchy of Holstein, where she left her British entourage and was introduced to her future husband in Roskilde. Her official entry into Copenhagen occurred on 8 November 1766, and her marriage ceremony was held shortly thereafter, with her coronation taking place on 1 May 1767.

As Queen of Denmark and Norway, Caroline Matilda was known for her lively and charming personality. Her marriage to King Christian VII was marked by emotional distance, with the King suffering from a mental illness and displaying little interest in her. Her relationship with the King was strained, and he was known to have relationships outside of marriage, including with courtesans such as Anna Katrina Bentgagen.

In 1769, Johann Friedrich Struensee, a German physician and reform advocate, entered the King’s service. Initially met with coldness, Struensee soon gained the King's trust, especially as Christian VII’s mental health declined. He and Caroline Matilda developed a close relationship, culminating in a love affair by 1770. Struensee became a prominent political figure, exercising significant power during what is known as the "Time of Struensee," between March 1771 and January 1772. He issued numerous reform decrees and was granted the Order of Mathilde, an honor founded by Caroline Matilda in 1771.

Public opinion turned against Struensee and the Queen due to his reforms and her openly visible relationship with him, which challenged traditional Danish court customs. Rumors of their affair spread, leading to increased suspicion and political intrigue. In January 1772, a conspiracy led to Struensee’s arrest and execution, and Caroline Matilda was divorced from Christian VII. She was subsequently exiled to Celle in the Electorate of Hanover, where she lived under close surveillance until her death.

In Celle, Caroline Matilda lived a more subdued life, engaging in charitable activities and maintaining correspondence with her family. She retained influence as the mother of Crown Prince Friedrich, the future Frederick VI of Denmark. Efforts by Danish nobles and her brother, King George III of Great Britain, to restore her to power remained unsuccessful. She died of scarlet fever at the age of 23 and was buried in the Stadtkirche St. Marien near her maternal ancestors.

Her life has been depicted in various cultural works including literature, stage productions, films, and operas, often highlighting her marriage, her affair with Struensee, and her exile.