#Onthisday in 1817 Princess Charlotte of Wales died, she was just 21 years old. Her sudden death in child birth caused a crisis as two generations of the British monarchy were lost. 🖼️ Assistant Curator Myles Campbell tells us more about this portrait of Princess Charlotte from the @royalcollectiontrust, now on display in the room were Queen Victoria was born at Kensington Palace 🏰 © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust | Kensington Palace

Princess Charlotte of Wales was the only legitimate grandchild of King George III and the hope of Britain’s future. At just 21, she was pregnant with the heir the nation had waited for years to see. Her labor lasted more than 50 hours. Doctors refused to intervene, believing nature must take its course. Charlotte died shortly after childbirth. Her baby did not survive. Her death devastated the royal family, plunged the nation into mourning, and triggered a frantic race to produce new heirs. #Pri