Charlotte Sophia of Mecklenburg-Strelitz

Sitterback to top

• Charlotte Sophia of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818), Queen of George III. Sitter associated with 82 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Allan Ramsay (1713-1784), Portrait painter. Artist associated with 118 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The youngest daughter of Charles Louis of Mecklenberg-Strelitz, Charlotte first met George III on 8 September 1761 and was married to him that evening. Unable to speak English, for the first part of her marriage she felt alienated from her husband's court but eventually forged a strong and affectionate bond with the King which lasted until his second bout of 'madness' in 1804. She took no part in politics, lived a life of unimpeachable domesticity, and had fifteen children.

Related worksback to top

• NPG 223: King George III (companion portrait)

Linked publicationsback to top

• Bennett, Sue, Five Centuries of Women and Gardens, 2000 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 5 October 2000 to 21 January 2001), p. 75
• Ingamells, John, National Portrait Gallery: Mid-Georgian Portraits 1760-1790, 2004, p. 102
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 118
• Williamson, David, The National Portrait Gallery: History of the Kings and Queens of England, 1998, p. 138
• Williamson, David, Kings and Queens, 2010, p. 137

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• Escape to Eden (5 October 2000 - 21 January 2001)

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Crowns and tiaras
• Fashion tour
• On display at the Gallery