Princess Charlotte was now totally dependent upon her father: as Regent he was virtually Sovereign, and her future was in his hands. She was aware of this, but she knew too that she was Heiress Presumptive to the Throne, and backed by this knowledge she tried to assert herself, writing with a rather touching anxiety to please but an uncertainty of her reception.
‘My dearest father is always so kind and indulgent to me that I feel emboldened in troubling him with a few lines. (I must preface this by saying that I have written you this note without Ly. de Clifford’s knowledge.) It would be a very high gratification to me (if you should see no impropriety) to hear your Speech in the House of Lords, for it is a subject very interesting to all, particularly so to me, & therefore I feel extremely anxious. If however you should, my dear father, find any objection to it or should disapprove, I shall give up all thoughts of it, perfectly satisfied that you have good reasons for denying me…’
The Regent had strong reasons for denying her, though they may not have been good. He wished to keep her as a child, tucked away safely at Warwick House or the Lower Lodge, Windsor; he did not, at present, relish the idea of his daughter appearing in public and stealing his thunder. As Regent, he desired to build up his popularity and establish himself as a charming, cultured and dignified figure. He could not see that the presence of his daughter – a constant reminder of his wretched marriage – would enhance that image.
[an extract from ‘Prinny’s Daughter: A Biography of Princess Charlotte of Wales’ by Thea Home]
Princess Charlotte of Wales 