The WRETCHED LIFE Of Princess Augusta

The WRETCHED LIFE Of Princess Augusta
Princess Augusta Sophia was born at Buckingham House in the City and Liberty of Westminster as the sixth child and second daughter of George III (1738-1820) and Queen Charlotte. George III was particularly eager for a daughter, prompting the attending doctor to remark that "whoever sees those lovely Princes above stairs must be glad to have another." The King, displeased with this sentiment, responded, "whoever sees that lovely child the Princess Royal above stairs must wish to have the fellow to her." To the delight of both parents, Augusta was born a small and pretty girl.
Augusta was christened on December 6, 1768, by Frederick Cornwallis, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in the Great Council Chamber at St. James's Palace. Her godparents included her maternal uncle Prince Charles of Mecklenburg, the Queen-consort of Denmark (represented by the Duchess of Ancaster and Kesteven), and the Hereditary Duchess of Brunswick-Lüneburg (represented by the Duchess of Northumberland). Lady Mary Coke declared the month-old Augusta "the most beautiful infant I ever saw."
Princess Augusta was the middle child among the elder trio of princesses, flanked by her older sister Charlotte (born 1766) and her younger sister Elizabeth (born 1770). In 1771, the two elder princesses began traveling to Kew for lessons under the supervision of Lady Charlotte Finch and Miss Frederica Planta. The princesses, who had previously been very close to their brothers, now saw little of them except during their daily walks. In 1774, Martha Goldsworthy, affectionately known as "Gouly," became their new head governess. The princesses learned traditionally feminine pursuits such as deportment, music, dancing, and the arts, but their mother also ensured they studied English, French, German, geography, and had well-educated governesses.
At thirteen, Augusta was a favorite of Miss Planta, who considered her "the handsomest of all the Princesses," though she was deemed "childish" compared to her older sister. Despite her charm, Augusta was painfully shy and stammered when speaking to unfamiliar people. From an early age, she was determined to be good and was often distressed when she failed. Her behavior fluctuated between troublesome and well-mannered, occasionally throwing tantrums and hitting her governesses, but she also exhibited a calm disposition and family-oriented nature. She disliked the political tensions that arose between her elder brothers and their parents by 1780 and preferred to focus on her coin collection. Sheltered from the outside world, Augusta's only friends were her attendants, with whom she corresponded frequently.
In 1782, Augusta made her societal debut at the King's birthday celebrations. Still terrified of crowds, her mother only informed her of the debut two days in advance. Later that year, her youngest brother, Alfred, died, followed eight months later by Octavius. During a visit to the summer exhibition at the Royal Academy in 1783, the princesses were so distressed by the portraits of their late brothers that they broke down in tears. In August 1783, Augusta's youngest sibling, Amelia, was born. Augusta stood as a godmother alongside Charlotte and George. Though the birth of Amelia did not erase the pain of losing her brothers, Augusta did not dwell on their deaths as her father did.
By their teenage years, the three eldest princesses spent much time with their parents, attending the theatre, opera, and court functions. Their academic lessons diminished, with a greater emphasis on music and the arts. They listened to famous actresses like Sarah Siddons and met John Adams when he was presented to the Queen. The three girls were always dressed alike in public, with only the color of their dresses differing. Despite frequent public appearances, Augusta was happiest at home, where she adored her younger brothers Ernest, Augustus, and Adolphus. She was also extremely close to her sister Elizabeth, as Charlotte was often haughty and overly conscious of her position as Princess Royal.

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Fascinating 👑