Augusta of Saxe-Gotha (1719-1772) - Find a Grave Memorial

British and German Royalty. Born Auguste, Prinzessin von Sachsen-Gotha-Altenbur, the daughter of Friedrich II Herzog von Sachen-Gotha-Altenburg and Magdalena Augusta von Anhalt-Zerbst. In April 1736, at the age of 16, she married Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales, who was a dozen years her senior, at St James Palace in London. As a result of her marriage she was styled Princess Augusta of Wales. The couple produced nine children, including their eldest son, the future George III. Throughout her married life she indulged her husband in his perpetual feud with his parents whom he despised. Upon his premature death at 44, she was styled Princess Dowager of Wales. In her role as mother of the heir to the throne she became a more important figure, and was named prospective regent, causing a political uproar, especially after unsubstantiated rumours were circulated that she was having an affair with her son's tutor, the Earl of Bute. She greatly extended Kew Gardens, one of her comissions, the Chinese Pagoda, built in 1761, is still extant. She fell to cancer at the age of 54, one of only three women to have held the title of Princess of Wales not to become queen.

Bio by: Iola