Acontece que no es poco | 8 de abril de 1795: Boda real en Inglaterra: 26 años de escándalos en la corte británica

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What defines a royal scandal that lasts decades, and why are monarchical misadventures so perversely entertaining?

The episode opens by defining 'scandal' and introducing the category of 'real scandals'—monarchical misbehavior that provides public entertainment. It focuses on the marriage of Prince George of Wales and Caroline of Brunswick on April 8, 1795, which is described as the biggest European royal scandal of the 19th century. The host contrasts it with other British royal scandals, like those involving Prince Andrew and Charles III. George is characterized using the Oxford National Biography Dictionary's harsh description: a dissolute, drunken, cowardly liar. The marriage was arranged by the state to address George's massive debts of 600,000 pounds. The couple met for the first time just before the wedding; George arrived drunk and promptly left. He installed his mistress, Lady Jersey, as Caroline's lady-in-waiting. Their honeymoon quickly devolved into parties with George's friends and other women. Caroline gave birth to a daughter, Charlotte, nine months later. George soon demanded a separation, citing 'different natures.' He ignored his daughter until she was eight, then sought custody because she was the heir. Caroline, living apart, adopted nine orphans, leading to false accusations of illegitimacy that George investigated. When George became regent due to his father's illness, Caroline was gradually excluded from court. After their daughter Charlotte died in childbirth at 21, Caroline left England. She was monitored abroad, with reports sent to George about her 'extravagances.' When George became king, Caroline automatically became queen and returned to England for his coronation. She received a triumphant welcome from the public but was barred from entering Westminster Abbey. She fell ill and died days later, with suspicions of foul play. The episode ends with an anecdote: when informed his 'greatest enemy' had died, George celebrated, only to learn it was Napoleon, not Caroline.

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