The Series
Prince Regent is a British period television series made and transmitted by the BBC in 1979. It depicts the life of George IV from his youth, time as Prince Regent and his reign as King. It consists of eight episodes of 50 minutes.[1]
The series stars Peter Egan as George IV throughout his youth, regency, and first year of his reign, with Nigel Davenport as King George III, and Susannah York as Maria Fitzherbert. It was primarily directed by Michael Simpson, with Michael Hayes directing the fourth episode, and primarily written by Robert Muller, as well as Nemone Lethbridge, Ian Curteis, and Reg Gadney in other episodes.
This Episode
Caroline, George's new 'official' wife and Princess of Wales, is received well and doted on by the British people, unfortunately for George who is wholly unsatisfied with the marriage. Likewise, there is hostility between Caroline and Lady Jersey, one George's mistresses; on the other hand, the King is charmed by his niece, and, by virtue of Parliament, has increased George's allowance to £120,000 a year, though even with this increase, the greater mount of his debts and the ongoing war with the French will guarantee George's debt for years to come, much to the King's delight. Though he feels cheated, George becomes open to he and Caroline tolerating each other for their future comfort, however to no avail. George discovers that Maria, having left for the country, has returned to London, and is further told by Lady Jersey that Caroline is pregnant. Lady Jersey expresses to George her irritation with the impertinence of Caroline, and reveals her gossip of the private life of he and Caroline. George therefore restricts her and is open of his displeasure. Caroline later gives birth to a girl, Princess Charlotte. With a hearty desire to have Caroline away and out of the care of their daughter, George bequeaths all his possession to Maria, the "wife of his heart and soul," in his last will and testament, declaring his lasting love for her; he leaves Caroline a single shilling. Lady Jersey consults William Pitt on the prospect of a separation between George and Caroline on George's behalf. Pitt elects to try and bring the matter to the King, with George demanding separation. The King, however, rejects the prospect on the foundation that George has a duty to bear Caroline, the future queen, more children though the King does agree in turn for George and Caroline to have separate estates. Caroline agrees to this, however demands George acknowledge her as Princess of Wales and future queen, and has Lady Jersey dismissed as her Lady of the Bedchamber. Caroline is virtually given liberty to do what she pleases. George attempts to receive Maria's favour, however though her feelings are unfaltering, Maria refuses him. However, at Frederick's persuasion, Maria agrees to meet him. George subsequently dismisses his mistresses, including Lady Jersey. Maria agrees that if their marriage is validated by the Catholic Church, she will return to him.
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