The growth of caricatures during the turn of the century was aided by the contemporary British monarchy, whose actions were ripe for satirical comedy.
During George III’s reign there was a shift in the locus of political power. With an increasing middle class, monarchs became accountable public figures. The monarch’s virtue was seen as an indication of the nation’s integrity.
Unfortunately, many of George III’s family members fell short of the public’s expectations. Famously, the actions of the future King George IV (known as ‘Prinny’) did not meet the public’s expectations of a respectable monarch.
Perhaps due to the uncivilised behaviour of Prinny and his brothers, the royal family was openly mocked in caricatures published daily to a wide audience.
The princess in print
After a secluded childhood, Charlotte's romantic relationships attracted great attention from the media.
The press were engrossed in the future Queen of England’s hunt for a suitor. Once Charlotte had found a suitable partner in Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, the newlyweds were not omitted from political discussions.
A caricature of Charlotte and her family published in 1816 by S. W Fores, titled ‘Leap Year, or John Bull's peace establishment’ is an interesting example of the Princess as seen through the eyes of a Regency satirist.