Description
Princess Charlotte of Wales, Death, 1817, AE gilt medal (50.5mm.) in original box by Thomas Wyon Sr., after Peter Turnerelli. Bust l, her hair in chignon, HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS CHARLOTTE AUGUSTA &c, rev. legend in centre and two lines around, …AS THE MORNING CLOUD, AS THE EARLY DEW, SHE PASSETH AWAY. (BHM.943), in contemporary maroon leather case. Choice Extremely Fine and box in near perfect condition.
Bt. R. Gladdle, April 2014.
George IV’s daughter, Princess Charlotte died during childbirth to a stillborn baby in November of 1817, aged just 21. She never ascended to the throne. Popular with the public due to the unpopularity of her grandfather and father, she was held up as ‘The Hope’ for future generations, with her death prompting mass grieving to an extent not seen again until the death of Princess Diana. This prompted a crisis amongst her uncles, who all attempted to marry to gain an heir to continue the family line – with her father’s youngest brother, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn, eventually having a child – who would go on to become Queen Victoria. Peter Turnerelli (1771-1839) was an Irish born sculptor of Italian origin who studied under Peter Francis Chenu and joined the Royal Academy schools. His name is acknowledged on the medal. From 1797 to 1800 Turnerelli taught modelling
to the daughters of George III and was subsequently Sculptor-in-Ordinary to the Royal Family.
