Rebel of the Regency

The Scandalous Saga of Caroline of Brunswick, Britain’s Queen Without a Crown

De: Ann Foster

Narrado por: Ann Foster, Caroline Hewitt

The dramatic, absolutely outrageous story of Caroline of Brunswick, a beloved icon of the Regency era, who uplifted the voice of the public and unabashedly defied society’s expectations, yet was shockingly robbed of her crown, from the host of the Vulgar History podcast.

Caroline Amelia Elizabeth, Princess of Brunswick, was born in the northern German town of Braunschweig. Her mother and father, the duke and duchess, instantly knew one thing: there was something irrefutably untamable about their daughter. She grew up a wild child, sequestered from others to protect her family's reputation—a Regency-era Rapunzel.

She was freed from this gilded cage by an unexpected marriage proposal from George Augustus Frederick, Prince of Wales and the eldest son of George III and Queen Charlotte. Caroline was entirely unprepared for the backstabbing mean girls of the royal court. Always staying true to herself, she stepped into her role of queen-to-be without compromising her character, showing off her affinity for fashion, her many eccentric hobbies, and ultimately, her infallible spirit, despite being ostracized as an outsider by her in-laws.

And so Caroline became the unlikely figurehead of the anti-monarchists, aided by the just-emerging tabloid press. Yet, despite her status as a revolutionary heroine, Caroline’s name faded away following her death. Until now.

For fans of Normal Women, Ann Foster brings us the riveting story of Caroline of Brunswick, Britain’s uncrowned queen, through an empowering examination of womanhood and autonomy that feels just as relevant today.

Disappointing for True Historians

I pre-purchased because I was excited to see a book devoted to Caroline of Brunswick, one of the most overlooked royal consorts in British history. So I’m pretty disappointed in “Rebel of the Regency” because it could have been so much better. But if you prefer your history on the light side, then “Rebel of the Regency” is your cup of tea. There was clearly some research put into the book, but there is an overall lack of analysis or depth. I was particularly disappointed by the lack of detail about Caroline’s childhood and upbringing. All we hear about is that she had an inappropriate sense of humor so her mother kept her locked up until her marriage to her cousin, Prince George. Next thing we know, she’s married to the Prince of Wales, pregnant and then—boom—separated from him and being kept from her daughter. The most effort was focused on the showdown between Caroline and the then King George IV at the end of the book. Indeed, a good third of the book is devoted to this single incident. Yes, it was pivotal but because so much of Caroline’s life had been glossed over by this point, it was hard to understand the importance of it all.

Ultimately, “Rebel of the Regency” reads like a podcaster wrote it, which is the case here as the author, Ann Foster, is the host of the podcast “Vulgar History”. I appreciate all efforts to make history accessible for the modern public. But this can be achieved without compromising on context and detail, both of which are key to a successful narrative non-fiction effort.

If “Rebel of the Regency” left you with more questions than answers, I suggest Anne Stott’s “The Lost Queen, the Life and Tragedy of the Prince Regent’s Daughter”. While the book is about Caroline’s daughter, Princess Charlotte, there is significant information about Caroline and George’s tumultuous relationship, as well as Caroline’s relationship with her daughter.

Long-time Ann fan, not surprised by how perfect this biography was.

I have been following Vulgar History for years and have been anticipating this book for a long time. Ann provides Caroline the justice she deserved then, now in an honest and loving way. Could not be more proud of someone who feels like a friend on truly an amazing debut book.