Life and Times of Her Majesty Caroline Matilda, Vol. 1 (of 3): Queen of Denmark and Norway, and Sister of H. M. George III. of England — John Shaqi
Life and Times of Her Majesty Caroline Matilda, Vol. 1 (of 3): Queen of Denmark and Norway, and Sister of H. M. George III. of EnglandWraxall, Lascelles, Sir
History
Life and Times of Her Majesty Caroline Matilda, Vol. 1 (of 3): Queen of Denmark and Norway, and Sister of H. M. George III. of England
Wraxall, Lascelles, Sir
Caroline Mathilde, Queen, consort of Christian VII, King of Denmark, 1751-1775; Denmark -- History -- Christian VII, 1766-1808
Of the results of her mother's careful training, we fortunately
possess fuller evidence, in an unpretending work called "Memoirs of an
Unfortunate Queen." The authenticity of this book has been contested,
because it was published anonymously;[16] but after careful examination
and comparison, I am disposed to accept it in evidence. The details
connected with the palace revolution, reveal an intimate knowledge of
the facts, which only a constant attendant on the Queen could possess.
At first, I was inclined to believe that my grandfather was the author,
but I find no proof to that effect among his papers. That the book should
be published anonymously, adds, in this instance, to its authenticity.
George III. had a horror of the facts connected with his sister being
published, and would have visited with his severest displeasure any
courtier guilty of such an offence. Hence, though the author thought
it his duty to vindicate the honour of a beloved mistress, he did not
consider that her cause would be served by a self-sacrifice.
From her tenderest years, Caroline Matilda displayed the most endearing
vivaciousness, and a sweetness of temper that could not fail to
engage the affections of her attendants. When she attained the age
of discernment, her heart and her mind became susceptible of the most
generous sentiments. Her person was graceful; her manners elegant; her
voice sweet and melodious, and her countenance most prepossessing. The
author of "Northern Courts," no friend of the Queen generally, cannot
refrain from expressing his admiration of her beauty when he first saw
her. "Her complexion was uncommonly fine; she might, without flattery,
have been termed the fairest of the fair. Her hair was very light flaxen,
almost as white as silver, and of luxurious growth; her eyes were light
blue, clear, large and expressive; her lips, particularly the under lip,
full and pouting; her teeth white and regular." Her disposition was
most amiable; and several indigent families at Kew, where this charming
princess was not so much restrained by the etiquette of a Court as in
London, often experienced her beneficence and liberality, and frequently
obtained considerable relief from her privy purse.
Her education was a remarkable one for the times: she spoke German,
French, and Italian, fluently; and her knowledge of English literature
was very extensive. Her diction was pure, and her elocution graceful.
She could, with facility, repeat the most admired passages of our
dramatic poets; and often rehearsed, with great judgment and propriety,
whole scenes of Shakespeare's most admired plays. She performed on
the pianoforte, and had a marked taste for music. She also danced very
gracefully.
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