Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha (b. 1719)

Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg (born 30 November [O.S. 19 November] 1719; died 8 February 1772) was a prominent figure in the British Royal Family during the 18th century. Born in Gotha, within the Duchy of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg in the Holy Roman Empire, she was originally christened Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg. Her life took a significant turn when she was selected to marry into the British Hanoverian dynasty, a strategic alliance aimed at securing the royal succession and strengthening dynastic ties between the German principalities and Great Britain.

On 27 April 1736, at the tender age of 16, Augusta was married to Frederick, Prince of Wales, who was the eldest son and heir apparent of King George II. This marriage immediately conferred upon her the esteemed title of Princess of Wales, marking her as the presumptive future Queen Consort of Great Britain. The couple’s household at Leicester House in London became a hub of political opposition against King George II and Queen Caroline, often fostering a tense relationship within the royal family. Over the years, Augusta and Frederick had a large family, welcoming nine children, the eldest of whom was Prince George, who would later ascend to the throne as King George III.

Augusta’s destiny to become Queen Consort was, however, never realized. Her husband, Frederick, Prince of Wales, unexpectedly predeceased his father, King George II. Frederick died on 20 March 1751 at the relatively young age of 44, often cited as due to complications from a burst abscess, though popular legend sometimes attributes it to a cricket ball injury. This pivotal event occurred nine years before King George II’s own death on 25 October 1760. Consequently, upon Frederick’s passing, the direct line of succession shifted, making Augusta’s eldest son, Prince George, the new heir apparent, and thus removing Augusta’s direct path to the throne as Queen Consort.

Following her spouse's death, Augusta's role within the monarchy transformed. She became instrumental in the upbringing and education of her children, particularly the future King George III. Recognizing the potential instability of a minor heir, the British Parliament passed the Regency Act of 1751. This crucial legislation formally designated Princess Augusta as the presumptive regent of Great Britain, empowering her to govern the kingdom should King George II die before her son, Prince George, reached his legal majority. Her son attained the age of majority in 1756, then aged 18, at which point the provisions for her regency became unnecessary. Despite never serving as regent, Augusta maintained considerable influence over her son during his formative years and into his early reign, a fact that often drew public and political criticism, particularly due to her perceived influence on her son’s close advisor, John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, who later became Prime Minister.

On 25 October 1760, King George II passed away, and Augusta’s eldest son, Prince George, successfully succeeded his grandfather, becoming King George III. Augusta remained a significant figure in the royal family until her own death on 8 February 1772. Her legacy also includes her profound influence on the development of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. After her husband’s death, she championed its transformation from a private garden into a world-renowned botanical institution, significantly contributing to its early growth and scientific endeavors by commissioning figures like William Aiton as head gardener and Sir William Chambers as architect.

Frequently Asked Questions about Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg

• Who was Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg?

  Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg was a German-born princess who became the Princess of Wales through her marriage to Frederick, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of King George II. She is historically significant as the mother of King George III.

• Why did Princess Augusta never become Queen Consort?

  She never became Queen Consort because her husband, Frederick, Prince of Wales, died in 1751, nine years before his father, King George II. Consequently, upon King George II's death in 1760, the throne passed directly to her eldest son, George, rather than to her husband, which would have made her Queen Consort.

• What was Princess Augusta's role after her husband's death?

  Following Frederick's death, Princess Augusta became a central figure in the upbringing and education of her son, the future King George III. Furthermore, the Regency Act of 1751 designated her as the presumptive regent for Great Britain, meant to govern the kingdom if King George II died while her son was still a minor, though this specific provision was not ultimately exercised as her son reached majority.

• Who was King George III's mother?

  Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg was the mother of King George III.

• What was Princess Augusta's contribution to Kew Gardens?

  Princess Augusta played a crucial role in the development of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. After her husband's passing, she actively promoted and funded its expansion and transformation from a mere private garden into a leading botanical institution, commissioning key figures like William Aiton and Sir William Chambers for its design and management.