How to
Propose to a Prince
Though I never intended it, How
to Propose to a Prince is
more deeply steeped in actual history than any of my other
books. Before I start writing, I collect as many research
books on the anticipated subject or period as possible. This
time, I knew the book would feature, in the background at least,
Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold. During my research, I ended
up stumbling upon a collection of letters from Princess Charlotte
herself. Her letters made her very real to me, in way history
books never had. Suddenly, a number of historical figures
in her life became flesh and blood to me as well. Without thinking
further about it, their roles in the book expanded.
Charlotte, daughter of the
Prince of Wales (Prinny)
was an ill-behaved, childish princess in every way. It was
no wonder, really. Her mother. Princess Caroline,
forced into an arranged marriage with Prinny, eventually
had enough of the rotund, cheating prince and departed
for the continent, leaving young Charlotte behind.
Prinny did not pay her much heed over the years and
when her antics to gain his attention became too
much for him, he sent her off to Cranbourne
Lodge which
sat in the shadows of Windsor Castle, where his mother,
the queen, resided. Much of How to Propose
to a Prince is
set at Cranbourne Lodge.
Cranbourne Lodge
Prince Leopold very
likely courted and eventually married Princess Charlotte with little
thought of love. Much of his family’s holdings and lands
were taken by Napoleon, though some was eventually reclaimed, and
a strategic marriage became very important to him to prevent such
a thing from ever happening again. He had visited London and met
the princess, secretly once, but she did not seem interested in
his attentions. She was taken with another at the time. Then one
day Leopold received a missive from Margaret Mercer Elphinstone,
advising him that the princess’s favor had turned and should
he be interested in courting her, he should come to London. Evidently
his suit was accepted, and condoned by Prinny, because they were
indeed married. His influence seemed to calm and shape Charlotte
into a woman he eventually at least grew fond of for when she died
in childbirth, it is said he mourned deeply.
Mercer Elphinstone.
Beautiful and charming Margaret “Mercer” Elphinstone
was Princess Charlotte’s only intimate friend and confidante.
She is credited with bringing Leopold and Charlotte together.
Sir Henry Halford was
an influential surgeon and physician extraordinary to Mad King
George III and the royal family—including Charlotte. As in
the book, he did oversee the autopsy of skeletal remains found
in a vault to confirm the identities of King Henry VII and Charles
I. Macabre as it might sound, reports exist that he actually did
steal the severed cervical bone from Charles I beheaded remains
and used it as a salt cellar at his dining table to either delight
or horrify his dinner guests.
It always amazes me how true it
is that history is often stranger than fiction could ever be. How
could I help but include such fascinating crown jewels in the stories
of the Royle sisters?
(posted 2.26.08)
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Charlotte and Leopold at Covent
Garden, by George Dawes
Mercer Elphinstone
Sir Henry Halford
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