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Rebel of the Regency: The Scandalous Saga of Caroline of Brunswick, Britain’s Queen Without a Crown
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The dramatic, absolutely outrageous story of Caroline of Brunswick, a beloved icon of the Regency era, who uplifted the voice of the public and unabashedly defied society’s expectations, yet was shockingly robbed of her crown, from the host of the Vulgar History podcast.
Caroline Amelia Elizabeth, Princess of Brunswick, was born in the northern German town of Braunschweig. Her mother and father, the duke and duchess, instantly knew one thing: there was something irrefutably untamable about their daughter. She grew up a wild child, sequestered from others to protect her family's reputation—a Regency-era Rapunzel.
She was freed from this gilded cage by an unexpected marriage proposal from George Augustus Frederick, Prince of Wales and the eldest son of George III and Queen Charlotte. Caroline was entirely unprepared for the backstabbing mean girls of the royal court. Always staying true to herself, she stepped into her role of queen-to-be without compromising her character, showing off her affinity for fashion, her many eccentric hobbies, and ultimately, her infallible spirit, despite being ostracized as an outsider by her in-laws.
And so Caroline became the unlikely figurehead of the anti-monarchists, aided by the just-emerging tabloid press. Yet, despite her status as a revolutionary heroine, Caroline’s name faded away following her death. Until now.
For fans of Normal Women, Ann Foster brings us the riveting story of Caroline of Brunswick, Britain’s uncrowned queen, through an empowering examination of womanhood and autonomy that feels just as relevant today.
Caroline Amelia Elizabeth, Princess of Brunswick, was born in the northern German town of Braunschweig. Her mother and father, the duke and duchess, instantly knew one thing: there was something irrefutably untamable about their daughter. She grew up a wild child, sequestered from others to protect her family's reputation—a Regency-era Rapunzel.
She was freed from this gilded cage by an unexpected marriage proposal from George Augustus Frederick, Prince of Wales and the eldest son of George III and Queen Charlotte. Caroline was entirely unprepared for the backstabbing mean girls of the royal court. Always staying true to herself, she stepped into her role of queen-to-be without compromising her character, showing off her affinity for fashion, her many eccentric hobbies, and ultimately, her infallible spirit, despite being ostracized as an outsider by her in-laws.
And so Caroline became the unlikely figurehead of the anti-monarchists, aided by the just-emerging tabloid press. Yet, despite her status as a revolutionary heroine, Caroline’s name faded away following her death. Until now.
For fans of Normal Women, Ann Foster brings us the riveting story of Caroline of Brunswick, Britain’s uncrowned queen, through an empowering examination of womanhood and autonomy that feels just as relevant today.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 27, 2025
History can be serious business. However, there are some books which come along which ride the fine line between telling a true story while having fun with it. I am still a stickler for accuracy, but if that is covered, why not get a little indignant, sarcastic, and, dare I say it, sassy. When your villain is nicknamed "Prinny", then how can you go wrong? In the case of Ann Foster and her book Rebel of the Regency, it goes very right.
Foster is telling the story of Caroline of Brunswick. For the uninitiated, of which I was recently one, Caroline married the future George IV of England, and I cannot even explain how badly the marriage went. In fact, for it to go any worse, someone would have needed to be murdered. I won't spoil the plot any further.
As mentioned, treating historical events with a humorous and light touch can often go wrong very fast. Foster nails this tone perfectly. She has found a subject begging for its absurdity to be highlighted. The author is clearly in Caroline's corner (as was much of England), but you can see where even Foster recognizes she is no saint and a different author may be more explicitly unflattering. However, in comparison to Prinny....
My sole warning to readers is that Foster is irreverent and is unafraid to use contemporary comparisons and vernacular. Most importantly, she gets the history right, but I know some readers don't want anything but the facts. Fair enough, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. You might just be missing out if you don't allow for a reference to The Princess Diaries once or twice.
(This book was provided as a review copy by Hanover Square Press.)
Foster is telling the story of Caroline of Brunswick. For the uninitiated, of which I was recently one, Caroline married the future George IV of England, and I cannot even explain how badly the marriage went. In fact, for it to go any worse, someone would have needed to be murdered. I won't spoil the plot any further.
As mentioned, treating historical events with a humorous and light touch can often go wrong very fast. Foster nails this tone perfectly. She has found a subject begging for its absurdity to be highlighted. The author is clearly in Caroline's corner (as was much of England), but you can see where even Foster recognizes she is no saint and a different author may be more explicitly unflattering. However, in comparison to Prinny....
My sole warning to readers is that Foster is irreverent and is unafraid to use contemporary comparisons and vernacular. Most importantly, she gets the history right, but I know some readers don't want anything but the facts. Fair enough, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one. You might just be missing out if you don't allow for a reference to The Princess Diaries once or twice.
(This book was provided as a review copy by Hanover Square Press.)
May 26, 2025
As a long time listener to the pod, I'm so excited for this!
December 26, 2025
This book is basically: “Prinny is trash” + “Caroline is a delightfully ungovernable icon” + “Regency politics are messier than you may have ever realized.” I learned a ton about the era and the calculated cruelty Caroline faced, but it never felt like homework—Foster’s voice is fun, snarky, and packed with pop culture winks that keep everything feeling modern. And amid all the scandal and spectacle, the heartbreak sneaks up on you: her exile and Charlotte’s death are gutting. The finale—her “trial”—is both fist-pump inspiring (those rallying crowds!) and deeply sad, knowing how quickly it all curdles into the end of her life. I’m definitely going to explore the author’s podcast next, because I loved her voice here.
One practical note: the ebook format really doesn’t do the footnotes any favors. It’s a pain to bounce between text and notes, and you lose some of the fun. If you can, grab this one in print—actual paper for the win.
One practical note: the ebook format really doesn’t do the footnotes any favors. It’s a pain to bounce between text and notes, and you lose some of the fun. If you can, grab this one in print—actual paper for the win.
December 19, 2025
Quick, engaging read that makes Caroline of Brunswick feel vivid and unexpectedly contemporary. Foster’s approach is smart and distinctive, with a conversational tone that often feels like listening to the best episodes of Vulgar History. A great pick if you like feminist history that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers the substance. I tore through it.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance readers copy!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance readers copy!
October 5, 2025
This is the first book I've read that is entirely focused on Queen Caroline of Brunswick, and I want to thank the author for writing such a captivating and whimsical book that I am now desperate to learn more about Queen Caroline.
In addition to the level of research clearly being extensive, the writing felt conversational. It was like you were out to lunch with Foster and she was detailing her dissertation project, drawing parallels between Queen Caroline's life and popular culture events you know more about (e.g., the Free Britney movement). I was captivated from start to finish and immediately Googled further reading material, which to me is always an excellent sign that the author has immersed me in a topic and piqued my interest.
I also appreciated how Foster was able to format the book in such a way that Queen Caroline was entirely the focus, but relevant cultural and political information from the period in which Caroline lived was peppered in. For example, Napoleon was touched upon, but Foster did not spend several tangential chapters on that topic. This is a refreshing approach to historical biographies that I rarely see.
My favorite part of this book was how Foster made Queen Caroline come alive. You could feel Queen Caroline's personality oozing from the pages, warts and all. It made Queen Caroline relatable, even as hundreds of years separated me from her. I've always heard that Prinny (George IV's nickname) was awful, but when you see the pettiness and vindictiveness of his behavior toward Caroline and their daughter Charlotte, it puts him in an entirely different light. However, Queen Caroline's ability to rise above or sink to Prinny's level just made her all the more relatable. The way that life presented Queen Caroline with such a steep learning curve in which to learn about herself and the world was incredibly emotional to read.
If you love Georgian history or just want to read a biography focused on a woman that history tends to overlook, this is the book for you. It's incredibly well-researched and fantastically written. You almost forget that you're learning something. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
CONTENT WARNINGS
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Medical content, Grief, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Classism
Moderate: Death of parent, Colonisation, War, Pregnancy
Minor: Sexual content
In addition to the level of research clearly being extensive, the writing felt conversational. It was like you were out to lunch with Foster and she was detailing her dissertation project, drawing parallels between Queen Caroline's life and popular culture events you know more about (e.g., the Free Britney movement). I was captivated from start to finish and immediately Googled further reading material, which to me is always an excellent sign that the author has immersed me in a topic and piqued my interest.
I also appreciated how Foster was able to format the book in such a way that Queen Caroline was entirely the focus, but relevant cultural and political information from the period in which Caroline lived was peppered in. For example, Napoleon was touched upon, but Foster did not spend several tangential chapters on that topic. This is a refreshing approach to historical biographies that I rarely see.
My favorite part of this book was how Foster made Queen Caroline come alive. You could feel Queen Caroline's personality oozing from the pages, warts and all. It made Queen Caroline relatable, even as hundreds of years separated me from her. I've always heard that Prinny (George IV's nickname) was awful, but when you see the pettiness and vindictiveness of his behavior toward Caroline and their daughter Charlotte, it puts him in an entirely different light. However, Queen Caroline's ability to rise above or sink to Prinny's level just made her all the more relatable. The way that life presented Queen Caroline with such a steep learning curve in which to learn about herself and the world was incredibly emotional to read.
If you love Georgian history or just want to read a biography focused on a woman that history tends to overlook, this is the book for you. It's incredibly well-researched and fantastically written. You almost forget that you're learning something. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
CONTENT WARNINGS
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Medical content, Grief, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Classism
Moderate: Death of parent, Colonisation, War, Pregnancy
Minor: Sexual content
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Royal Rebel
Ann Foster’s Rebel of the Regency crackles with energy from the first page, dusting off the legend of Caroline of Brunswick and giving her the vivid treatment she’s long deserved. From the disastrous arranged marriage to George IV, nothing romantic, all scheming and cold calculation, through the endless parade of court intrigue and betrayal, Foster shows Caroline as anything but the passive royal of history’s margins. Instead, she emerges as a stubborn, dazzling disruptor who refuses to bow to the world’s expectations of her.
What makes this biography jump off the page isn’t just Caroline’s jaw-dropping scandals, but the way Foster captures her spirit: brash but lovable, scorned but never silent, always scheming to turn public opinion into a weapon when the palace would have preferred she simply disappear. This book is full of sharp humour and modern relevance, channelling Foster’s podcasting style into something that feels more like a conversation than a typical biography. There’s no stuffy detachment, just clear-eyed research, plenty of juicy asides, and a sympathetic eye on a woman whose real crime was refusing to blend in.
This book is a breath of fresh air, and it’s easy to see why. Foster’s approach is bold and informal but never careless with the facts, moving briskly through intricate court drama while never losing sight of the themes at stake: the cost of resisting patriarchal power, the blurred line between public scandal and private pain, and the stubborn endurance of someone labelled too much for her time.
If there’s a drawback, it’s that the breezy tone might put off fans of weightier, old-school biographies, but that’s also exactly what gives the story its punch. For those tired of gray portraits that bury real women under footnotes, Foster’s work is a rallying cry.
Ann Foster, with her background in history, libraries, and podcasting, has a knack for rescuing lost stories and spinning them into something urgent and alive. Rebel of the Regency is essential for anyone fond of royal drama or drawn to biographies that don’t flinch from the messier truths of history. Foster finally gives Caroline the freedom and the voice that she was always denied.
Ann Foster’s Rebel of the Regency crackles with energy from the first page, dusting off the legend of Caroline of Brunswick and giving her the vivid treatment she’s long deserved. From the disastrous arranged marriage to George IV, nothing romantic, all scheming and cold calculation, through the endless parade of court intrigue and betrayal, Foster shows Caroline as anything but the passive royal of history’s margins. Instead, she emerges as a stubborn, dazzling disruptor who refuses to bow to the world’s expectations of her.
What makes this biography jump off the page isn’t just Caroline’s jaw-dropping scandals, but the way Foster captures her spirit: brash but lovable, scorned but never silent, always scheming to turn public opinion into a weapon when the palace would have preferred she simply disappear. This book is full of sharp humour and modern relevance, channelling Foster’s podcasting style into something that feels more like a conversation than a typical biography. There’s no stuffy detachment, just clear-eyed research, plenty of juicy asides, and a sympathetic eye on a woman whose real crime was refusing to blend in.
This book is a breath of fresh air, and it’s easy to see why. Foster’s approach is bold and informal but never careless with the facts, moving briskly through intricate court drama while never losing sight of the themes at stake: the cost of resisting patriarchal power, the blurred line between public scandal and private pain, and the stubborn endurance of someone labelled too much for her time.
If there’s a drawback, it’s that the breezy tone might put off fans of weightier, old-school biographies, but that’s also exactly what gives the story its punch. For those tired of gray portraits that bury real women under footnotes, Foster’s work is a rallying cry.
Ann Foster, with her background in history, libraries, and podcasting, has a knack for rescuing lost stories and spinning them into something urgent and alive. Rebel of the Regency is essential for anyone fond of royal drama or drawn to biographies that don’t flinch from the messier truths of history. Foster finally gives Caroline the freedom and the voice that she was always denied.
November 9, 2025
I have been a longtime listener of Ann's podcast, Vulgar History, and, as a historian myself, could not have been more excited to read this book. As such, my expectations were high... and she absolutely delivered. I don't think I've ever had this much fun reading a biography.
Anyone familiar with the Regency or Georgian eras probably knows about Prinny (a horrible, petty AS F*CK, detestable man), but how many know about his wife, the "Uncrowned Queen," Caroline of Brunswick? If you find yourself wanting to know more about her, Ann has managed to turn Caroline's life—which is wild enough on its own—into a story that's equal parts heartbreaking, hilarious, and jaw-droppingly scandalous. I've read and learned plenty about the Regency period, but this was the first time I've seen it told through the eyes of the woman Prinny tried so hard to erase.
What I loved most about Rebel of the Regency is how readable it is. Much like her podcast, Ann's writing feels like you're listening to a friend spill the most unhinged 200-year-old gossip—but it's all backed by impeccable research. The history is solid, but it's the people, the personalities, that really bring it to life. Case in point: Caroline herself completely stole the show for me. She's messy, bold, funny, and so much more complex than the caricature her husband tried to reduce her to. As an independent woman and mother myself, I found her story both infuriating and inspiring. The way George treated Caroline and their daughter Charlotte made my blood boil, but Ann never lets it slip into pure tragedy. There's this constant current of resilience, stubbornness, and wit that keeps you rooting for Caroline the whole way through. Don't get me wrong—she certainly wasn't perfect. But who of us is?
P.S. The endnotes? Genuinely hilarious and informative. Don't skip them.
Thanks to HTP Hive, Hanover Square Press, and NetGalley for the review copy!
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
Anyone familiar with the Regency or Georgian eras probably knows about Prinny (a horrible, petty AS F*CK, detestable man), but how many know about his wife, the "Uncrowned Queen," Caroline of Brunswick? If you find yourself wanting to know more about her, Ann has managed to turn Caroline's life—which is wild enough on its own—into a story that's equal parts heartbreaking, hilarious, and jaw-droppingly scandalous. I've read and learned plenty about the Regency period, but this was the first time I've seen it told through the eyes of the woman Prinny tried so hard to erase.
What I loved most about Rebel of the Regency is how readable it is. Much like her podcast, Ann's writing feels like you're listening to a friend spill the most unhinged 200-year-old gossip—but it's all backed by impeccable research. The history is solid, but it's the people, the personalities, that really bring it to life. Case in point: Caroline herself completely stole the show for me. She's messy, bold, funny, and so much more complex than the caricature her husband tried to reduce her to. As an independent woman and mother myself, I found her story both infuriating and inspiring. The way George treated Caroline and their daughter Charlotte made my blood boil, but Ann never lets it slip into pure tragedy. There's this constant current of resilience, stubbornness, and wit that keeps you rooting for Caroline the whole way through. Don't get me wrong—she certainly wasn't perfect. But who of us is?
P.S. The endnotes? Genuinely hilarious and informative. Don't skip them.
Thanks to HTP Hive, Hanover Square Press, and NetGalley for the review copy!
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I requested and received an eARC of
Rebel of the Regency: The Scandalous Saga of Caroline of Brunswick, Britain’s Queen Without a Crown
by Ann Foster via NetGalley. Caroline of Brunswick was the wife of George IV. Born in a northern German town, her mother and father knew early on there was something untamable about their daughter. She was an exuberant and willful youth who was largely kept sequestered from society to protect her reputation. She had a habit of saying anything that entered her mind. She was freed from her sheltered existence when she received an unexpected proposal from her cousin, George, Prince of Wales, the eldest son of George III. The marriage would prove to be anything but a success.
I absolutely adored Rebel of the Regency. Caroline was definitely a fascinating woman! It's quite easy to draw parallels between here and Princess Diana. Foster's biography cuts through all of the nonsense and shines a light on the injustices faced by Caroline by "Prinny" (George IV), Queen Charlotte, and her brood of sisters-in-law. She was the frequent subject of xenophobia and misogyny, both culturally and politically, and was kept separated from her daughter. Foster's biography does a fantastic job of highlighting serious matters like the Delicate Investigation and the Milan Investigation in tension with the public's perception of these events. Like Diana, Caroline largely was favored by the public and was a major press sensation.
My favorite part of Foster's biography is that it is simply brimming with humor. There are many works where this tone wouldn't work, but golly does Foster knock it out of the park in Rebel of the Regency! The comedic voice does a real service to Caroline of Brunswick. It perfectly reflects the spirit of a woman who loved a good laugh and had a history of pulling practical jokes. There were several pop culture references and comparisons that made me giggle, but they also showed how stories like Caroline's are still so shockingly relevant. This book is an instant nonfiction favorite, and I will be purchasing a physical copy for my collection. The author is a master at making learning fun!
I absolutely adored Rebel of the Regency. Caroline was definitely a fascinating woman! It's quite easy to draw parallels between here and Princess Diana. Foster's biography cuts through all of the nonsense and shines a light on the injustices faced by Caroline by "Prinny" (George IV), Queen Charlotte, and her brood of sisters-in-law. She was the frequent subject of xenophobia and misogyny, both culturally and politically, and was kept separated from her daughter. Foster's biography does a fantastic job of highlighting serious matters like the Delicate Investigation and the Milan Investigation in tension with the public's perception of these events. Like Diana, Caroline largely was favored by the public and was a major press sensation.
My favorite part of Foster's biography is that it is simply brimming with humor. There are many works where this tone wouldn't work, but golly does Foster knock it out of the park in Rebel of the Regency! The comedic voice does a real service to Caroline of Brunswick. It perfectly reflects the spirit of a woman who loved a good laugh and had a history of pulling practical jokes. There were several pop culture references and comparisons that made me giggle, but they also showed how stories like Caroline's are still so shockingly relevant. This book is an instant nonfiction favorite, and I will be purchasing a physical copy for my collection. The author is a master at making learning fun!
November 18, 2025
Rebel of the Regency by Ann Foster is such a breezy, gossipy, fun read. Caroline of Brunswick’s story contains easy parallels to the saga of Princess Diana. This nineteenth-century Princess of Wales paved her own way, despite the crappy marriage she found herself in and the restraints put on her by the British royal family. Caroline’s life wasn’t easy, but she wasn’t about to be bossed around by anyone.
The pop culture references throughout were fun and gave context to the story without becoming too cringe-worthy. I also appreciated that the author didn’t dive into whole chapters detailing battles and wars that are so ubiquitous in every historical royal biography, even when they’re only tangentially related to the subject.
I found some of the naming conventions annoying, like only referring to George IV as Prinny (though I get it, he was an awful person and that’s a terrible nickname). I would have also appreciated some more detail in general about people around Caroline, or just background information on some aspects of the story that were skimmed over. Not battles, though. Anything but battles.
This would be a great read for someone who’s historical nonfiction-curious and wants a biography that’s anything but dry. I read this in about three days, and I’m generally a slow reader. It kept me engaged, and I couldn’t wait to curl up with my e-reader and dive into this book.
I received a digital advanced readers’ copy from NetGalley, and this review solely reflects my views on this book.
The pop culture references throughout were fun and gave context to the story without becoming too cringe-worthy. I also appreciated that the author didn’t dive into whole chapters detailing battles and wars that are so ubiquitous in every historical royal biography, even when they’re only tangentially related to the subject.
I found some of the naming conventions annoying, like only referring to George IV as Prinny (though I get it, he was an awful person and that’s a terrible nickname). I would have also appreciated some more detail in general about people around Caroline, or just background information on some aspects of the story that were skimmed over. Not battles, though. Anything but battles.
This would be a great read for someone who’s historical nonfiction-curious and wants a biography that’s anything but dry. I read this in about three days, and I’m generally a slow reader. It kept me engaged, and I couldn’t wait to curl up with my e-reader and dive into this book.
I received a digital advanced readers’ copy from NetGalley, and this review solely reflects my views on this book.
November 22, 2025
As someone who loves history, historical fiction and anything that has to do with British history in particular, I must admit I had never heard of Caroline of Brunswick. Until now, I had no idea how many parallels and similarities there are between her story and of course the one that everyone else talks about is the late Princess Diana of Wales. I found this read to be incredibly fascinating and heartbreaking. I don't know what it is about the royal family and their history of treating people badly but this seems to be a running theme throughout the course of history. I guess in this case, history does tend to repeat itself time and time again.
Caroline's story was absolutely without a doubt amazing and I felt like I got to know her through the telling of this book. I love learning about the Regency Era and this tackles every thing I look for in a historical novel. I was thoroughly pleased and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something meaningful, a story of resilience and determination, and about royal family history.
I would love to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
Caroline's story was absolutely without a doubt amazing and I felt like I got to know her through the telling of this book. I love learning about the Regency Era and this tackles every thing I look for in a historical novel. I was thoroughly pleased and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something meaningful, a story of resilience and determination, and about royal family history.
I would love to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC of Rebel of the Regency.
This is the second book I’ve read that features Princess Caroline—the queen who never was. This take on her life was quite different from the last and far more in depth.
Caroline truly was a rebel of the Regency in her time, and she would still be considered one today. She was the original people’s princess, and I would have liked to see more comparisons and contrasts with Princess Diana, rather than with American pop culture celebrities.
Overall, this book was enjoyable, but it felt too long. I think some of the information could have been omitted while still presenting Caroline in full. I also felt there were too many footnotes—many seemed unnecessary, either because the information wasn’t important or some of the humor didn’t land. My final con is the inconsistency in tone. The book frequently moved from historical and serious to funny, snarky, and modern, which disrupted the pacing and made it feel somewhat disconnected and choppy.
Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy history, particularly British royal history. It was informative and enjoyable, though I do think the author could have pared it down.
This is the second book I’ve read that features Princess Caroline—the queen who never was. This take on her life was quite different from the last and far more in depth.
Caroline truly was a rebel of the Regency in her time, and she would still be considered one today. She was the original people’s princess, and I would have liked to see more comparisons and contrasts with Princess Diana, rather than with American pop culture celebrities.
Overall, this book was enjoyable, but it felt too long. I think some of the information could have been omitted while still presenting Caroline in full. I also felt there were too many footnotes—many seemed unnecessary, either because the information wasn’t important or some of the humor didn’t land. My final con is the inconsistency in tone. The book frequently moved from historical and serious to funny, snarky, and modern, which disrupted the pacing and made it feel somewhat disconnected and choppy.
Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy history, particularly British royal history. It was informative and enjoyable, though I do think the author could have pared it down.
December 7, 2025
This was a fantastic read. I have spent many years reading a plethora of books on British history and the royals, and Queen Caroline is usually only mentioned in passing with sometimes a bit of condescension or derision.
Ann Foster did a fantastic job bringing Caroline to life.
At first I was a little iffy about the pop culture references in this book but they ended up really growing on me.
While the tone is at times conversational and modern, the research is impeccable and the writing is so engaging. I read this at night after work and found myself really looking forward to it.
Caroline’s story is fascinating and heartbreaking but she had so much gumption. Prinny was an utterly abhorrent, spiteful, wretched excuse for a man but somehow Caroline continued to live life on her terms, fight for what she deserved, and be an absolute icon. She was bold and fierce and a force of nature and more need to know her story!
I will definitely be checking out Ann Foster’s podcast after this.
Ann Foster did a fantastic job bringing Caroline to life.
At first I was a little iffy about the pop culture references in this book but they ended up really growing on me.
While the tone is at times conversational and modern, the research is impeccable and the writing is so engaging. I read this at night after work and found myself really looking forward to it.
Caroline’s story is fascinating and heartbreaking but she had so much gumption. Prinny was an utterly abhorrent, spiteful, wretched excuse for a man but somehow Caroline continued to live life on her terms, fight for what she deserved, and be an absolute icon. She was bold and fierce and a force of nature and more need to know her story!
I will definitely be checking out Ann Foster’s podcast after this.
October 29, 2025
"As the ruler of our nation, i BANNED my wife from my coronation....."
Admittedly, I'm more familiar with Prinny than I am Caroline, and like most people I wasn't super familiar with her beyond the usual rumours and jokes about her. I was wary of any book that starts out talking about or making comparisons to Diana, because that has been DONE TO DEATH.
But I really ended up enjoying this book a lot. It was informative, but informal and funny at the same time. Comparing Prinny to early 2000's emo culture was just CHEF'S KISS. I learned a lot about Caroline's ridiculous and scandal filled life, and while I still don't think she or Prinny were great people, I have a lot more sympathy for her now. I'm excited to read it again in print, I've already got it on hold at my local library!
Admittedly, I'm more familiar with Prinny than I am Caroline, and like most people I wasn't super familiar with her beyond the usual rumours and jokes about her. I was wary of any book that starts out talking about or making comparisons to Diana, because that has been DONE TO DEATH.
But I really ended up enjoying this book a lot. It was informative, but informal and funny at the same time. Comparing Prinny to early 2000's emo culture was just CHEF'S KISS. I learned a lot about Caroline's ridiculous and scandal filled life, and while I still don't think she or Prinny were great people, I have a lot more sympathy for her now. I'm excited to read it again in print, I've already got it on hold at my local library!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
At first I thought this was a fictionalized account of Caroline of Bushwick's life but was pleasantly surprised to find it actually was nonfiction. As mentioned in the prologue, it seems like her story has been erased from the history books and I wasn't aware that she was this big pot stirrer in the best way.
This is what I love about nonfictions. The entire time reading this book I felt like I was across the table from my girlfriend at a Chilis, sipping margs and eating a triple dipper while I'm being told the entire history of this woman. Ann Foster has a wonderful way of stating facts while also painting a beautiful backdrop. I need immediately look more into accounts of Caroline and she is one of my favorite monarchs to date (besides Princess Di ofc)
This is what I love about nonfictions. The entire time reading this book I felt like I was across the table from my girlfriend at a Chilis, sipping margs and eating a triple dipper while I'm being told the entire history of this woman. Ann Foster has a wonderful way of stating facts while also painting a beautiful backdrop. I need immediately look more into accounts of Caroline and she is one of my favorite monarchs to date (besides Princess Di ofc)
November 22, 2025
First off, starting the book with an epigraph quote from RuPaul's Drag Race is golden. 👌
In this work, Foster tackles historical events with a humorous air, often referencing our modern day pop culture.
Prior to this, all I knew of Caroline was that she was the mother of Princess Charlotte and that she and ole "Prinny" as he is referred to in this book, didn't get along so much so that he locked her out of the coronation ceremony.
Now, I can honestly say I am a fan. Her portraits may not be inspiring but her spite and personality definitely make Caroline a true Rebel of the Regency.
Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC.
In this work, Foster tackles historical events with a humorous air, often referencing our modern day pop culture.
Prior to this, all I knew of Caroline was that she was the mother of Princess Charlotte and that she and ole "Prinny" as he is referred to in this book, didn't get along so much so that he locked her out of the coronation ceremony.
Now, I can honestly say I am a fan. Her portraits may not be inspiring but her spite and personality definitely make Caroline a true Rebel of the Regency.
Thanks to Netgalley for the eARC.
January 12, 2026
I don’t read nonfiction history books on the reg but this one is just the sort of kind I do!
1) It’s about a woman in history, which is much more my speed than a boring old white dude or a battle or something.
2) It compares historical events to modern day events. (If you don’t love the idea of a history book bringing up Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Britney’s conservatorship, or Mean Girls, then this is not the book for you. But it’s definitely the book for me.)
I hope Ann writes more books like this about various other women in history!
Thanks to Harlequin through NetGalley for the ARC!
1) It’s about a woman in history, which is much more my speed than a boring old white dude or a battle or something.
2) It compares historical events to modern day events. (If you don’t love the idea of a history book bringing up Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Britney’s conservatorship, or Mean Girls, then this is not the book for you. But it’s definitely the book for me.)
I hope Ann writes more books like this about various other women in history!
Thanks to Harlequin through NetGalley for the ARC!
August 27, 2025
I am a longtime fan of Ann’s podcast Vulgar History and could absolutely see her voice shining through here. And the book painted a picture of Caroline I hadn’t really gotten from the podcast. While Caroline is certainly “scandalicious” by Ann standards, she was also a complete person with a tragically awful husband and I really felt for her.
Where I think the book could improve is in the storytelling elements. The book is written much like Ann’s podcast scripts sound. While that works really well in audio format, it doesn’t translate as much to the page. I wanted to be put in the scene from Caroline’s perspective a little more, rather than just reading a narrative of what happened to her.
Thanks, NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC!
Where I think the book could improve is in the storytelling elements. The book is written much like Ann’s podcast scripts sound. While that works really well in audio format, it doesn’t translate as much to the page. I wanted to be put in the scene from Caroline’s perspective a little more, rather than just reading a narrative of what happened to her.
Thanks, NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
This was an awesome read! I am usually more of a reader of Tudor History, so I only had vague knowledge of the Regency era…this biography of Caroline of Brunswick has made me firmly team Caroline!
Prinny was the worst and while Caroline wasn’t perfect she refused to lie down and take his (and the Royal Family’s) crap without fighting!
I would definitely read more by Ann Foster and will look up her history podcast.
This was an awesome read! I am usually more of a reader of Tudor History, so I only had vague knowledge of the Regency era…this biography of Caroline of Brunswick has made me firmly team Caroline!
Prinny was the worst and while Caroline wasn’t perfect she refused to lie down and take his (and the Royal Family’s) crap without fighting!
I would definitely read more by Ann Foster and will look up her history podcast.
August 15, 2025
Many thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this one…
I love that she inspired working class women to speak out against the establishment. She had one hell of a backbone and lived life on her own terms despite everyone who was actively working against her.
Accessibly scholarly with snarky comments brought on by eye-watering levels of misogyny and melodrama.
I love that she inspired working class women to speak out against the establishment. She had one hell of a backbone and lived life on her own terms despite everyone who was actively working against her.
Accessibly scholarly with snarky comments brought on by eye-watering levels of misogyny and melodrama.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“Caroline was a symbol of radicalism, of feminism, of a new find of monarchy, of a new world order.”
I binged this book in one day. I don’t read nonfiction books often, and I am not a podcast listener, but his book has me tempted to start. Foster made the content interesting, and I even found myself chucking at times. I highly recommend!
I binged this book in one day. I don’t read nonfiction books often, and I am not a podcast listener, but his book has me tempted to start. Foster made the content interesting, and I even found myself chucking at times. I highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An entertaining read about Caroline of Brunswick who became wife to King George IV, one of the bigger idiots to rule England. Foster did a remarkable job of creating an accurate depiction of Caroline’s life, while tying in humor and present day pop culture.
May 30, 2025
I wrote this book and have read it several times. It’s really good!! 10/10 recommended
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