Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz was a German princess who married King George III in 1761.
She was just 17 years old when she came to England. The couple met for the first time on their wedding day. Despite this arranged marriage, they developed real affection for each other. Charlotte became Queen of Great Britain and Ireland. She was interested in botany and helped expand Kew Gardens. The Queen Charlotte’s Hospital in London was named after her.
She supported the arts and was amateur botanist who helped develop the royal gardens. Charlotte was also interested in education for women. She lived through her husband’s periods of mental illness and helped care for him. Their marriage produced 15 children, including two future kings. Charlotte died in 1818, two years before her husband. The American city Charlotte, North Carolina was named in her honor.