PRINCESSES

I'm currently reading a historical biography on the daughters of George III; they are also the beloved sisters of the man known in romance novels as "PRINNY," George IV, who ruled the British Empire as regent until the death of his father.

George III had several daughters and could have easily married them off to gain political alliances during an exceptionally turbulent time in European history, yet he did not. The man was affectionate and loving, but soon became affected by a hereditary metabolic disease which left him in no place to make decisions. It was only when the princesses were older, their brother having taken over as regent, that they finally were able to break free. George III's tale is told well in the film THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE. He was, by all intents and purposes, mad! Terribly sad story.

While George III rejected suitor after suitor for his daughters (no one was good enough or he wanted to wait 'til a better political time), their mother didn't allow the women to even leave the palace. She wanted them with her at all times and had a fit whenever one of them wanted to go into London. The daughters wanted to marry and have children. The Queen would not allow it because it might upset their father and make him more mad. Gosh, it was awful! Talk about selfish!

I recommend the book if one wants to get an inside look at the court of the time. The book is filled with letters written by the princesses to their confidantes, lovers and teachers. Just be prepared to be angry for most of it and sad for the happiness denied the princesses. The princesses start out very hopeful for the future; they each dream of love and a happily ever after. The letters soon change tone and they seem almost resigned to their state. Most of them eventually married, although later in life. The story will tear you to pieces. The queen is not at all depicted in a positive light. What a absolute wench!