Wikipedia:Today's featured article/June 15, 2012



Caroline of Ansbach (1683–1737) was the queen consort of King George II of Great Britain. Her father, John Frederick, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, was the ruler of a small German state. As a young woman, Caroline was much sought-after as a bride. After rejecting the suit of the nominal King of Spain, Archduke Charles of Austria, she married George Augustus, the third-in-line to the British throne and heir apparent to the Electorate of Hanover. Caroline moved permanently to Britain in 1714 when her husband became Prince of Wales. Caroline succeeded as queen and electress consort in 1727, when her husband became King George II. Her eldest son, Frederick, became Prince of Wales. He was a focus for the opposition, like his father before him, and Caroline's relationship with him was strained. As princess and as queen, Caroline was known for her political influence. Her tenure included four regencies during her husband's stays in Hanover, and she is credited with strengthening the Hanoverian dynasty's place in Britain during a period of political instability. Her death in 1737 left Caroline widely mourned not only by the public, but also by the King, who refused to remarry. (more...)

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