This painting, The Allied Sovereigns at Petworth, 24 June, 1814 by Thomas Phillips shows the 3rd Earl of Egremont (1751-1837) being presented by George, Prince Regent and father of Princess Charlotte, to the Tsar of Russia in the Marble Hall at Petworth.
Though Leopold and Charlotte aren't pictured in this oil painting, this event was certainly part of the same occassion that saw the two lovers meet for the first time at Pulteney Hotel in London that same summer.
The Apotheosis of Princess Charlotte Augusta, Princess of Wales
Following several miscarriages, Charlotte fell pregnant in April 1817. The nation was overjoyed at the prospect of another healthy heir to the throne but sadly their hopes were dashed.
Her contractions began on the evening of 3 November and the Princess' 50 hours of labour began. She gave birth to a stillborn son on 5 November and the early hours of the following morning Charlotte became suddenly ill and died.
The nation were heartbroken having pinned their hopes on her for stability following the troublesome reign of George III and the unwelcome prospect of George IV's reign. Shops ran out of black cloth and commemrative cups, saucers, medals and trinkets of all kinds were bought and sold.
It's apt then considering how treasured she was by the nation that her death in this painting is depected as an apotheosis, the elevation of someone to divine status.
