The People's Princess (radio play) facts for kids
The People's Princess is a fascinating radio play written by Shelagh Stephenson. It was first heard on BBC Radio 4 on December 11, 2008. The play tells a story that compares two famous royal marriages and divorces: that of King George IV and Caroline of Brunswick, and more recently, Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
The play explores how both Caroline and Diana became very popular with ordinary people in Britain, earning the title "People's Princess." It also looks at how both Prince Charles and King George IV became unpopular during their divorce times. The story shows how public opinion can change quickly and how the media (like newspapers) can be very powerful. It also touches on how some people used the popularity of Caroline and Diana for their own political reasons.
Contents
Understanding the Play's Main Idea
This radio play helps us understand how history can repeat itself, especially when it comes to royal families and public opinion. It shows how the lives of Caroline of Brunswick and Diana, Princess of Wales had some surprising similarities.
The "People's Princess" Title
Both Caroline and Diana were seen as "People's Princesses" because they were very well-liked by the public, especially the working class. People felt they understood and connected with these princesses more than with other members of the royal family.
Royal Divorces and Public Opinion
The play highlights how both King George IV and Prince Charles faced public disapproval during their divorces. In contrast, their wives, Caroline and Diana, gained a lot of public sympathy. This shows how public feelings can shift and how people often side with those they see as being treated unfairly.
The Power of the Press
Newspapers and other media played a huge role in both historical events. The play explores how the press could influence what people thought about the royals. It shows how stories in the news could make someone popular or unpopular very quickly.
Politics and Popularity
The play also suggests that some people who were against the monarchy (the system of having a king or queen) tried to use Caroline's and Diana's popularity to support their own goals. This shows how even personal royal matters can sometimes become part of bigger political discussions.
Meet the Cast
The actors in a radio play bring the characters to life just with their voices! Here are some of the main actors and the characters they played in The People's Princess:
- George IV - Alex Jennings
- Caroline of Brunswick - Rebecca Saire
- Henry Brougham - Julian Rhind Tutt
- Lord Sidmouth - Chris McHallem
- Lord Liverpool - Richard Howard
- Sir Robert Gifford - Mark Lambert
- Lady Jersey - Jill Cardo
- Mr Majoucci - Nial Cusack
Some other characters who were mentioned but not heard directly in the play include the Duke of Wellington, Caroline's daughter Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales, William Wood, William Cobbett, and Caroline's friend Mr Pergami.
