Rebel of the Regency Book Review

Synopsis

The dramatic, absolutely outrageous story of Caroline of Brunswick, a beloved icon of the Regency era, who uplifted the voice of the public and unabashedly defied society’s expectations, yet was shockingly robbed of her crown, from the host of the Vulgar History podcast.

Caroline Amelia Elizabeth, Princess of Brunswick, was born in the northern German town of Braunschweig. Her mother and father, the duke and duchess, instantly knew one thing: there was something irrefutably untamable about their daughter. She grew up a wild child, sequestered from others to protect her family's reputation—an 18th-century Rapunzel.

She was freed from this gilded cage by an unexpected marriage proposal from George Augustus Frederick, Prince of Wales and the eldest son of George III and Queen Charlotte. Caroline was entirely unprepared for the backstabbing mean girls of the royal court. Always staying true to herself, she stepped into her role of queen-to-be without compromising her character, showing off her affinity for fashion, her many eccentric hobbies, and ultimately, her infallible spirit, despite being ostracized as an outsider by her in-laws.

And so Caroline became the unlikely figurehead of the anti-monarchists, aided by the just-emerging tabloid press. Yet, despite her status as a revolutionary heroine, Caroline’s name faded away following her death. Until now.

For fans of Normal Women, Ann Foster brings us the riveting story of Caroline of Brunswick, Britain’s uncrowned queen, through an empowering examination of womanhood and autonomy that feels just as relevant today.

REVIEW

I have been a longtime listener of Ann’s podcast, Vulgar History, and, as a historian myself, could not have been more excited to read this book. As such, my expectations were high… and she absolutely delivered. I don’t think I’ve ever had this much fun reading a biography.

Anyone familiar with the Regency or Georgian eras probably knows about Prinny (a horrible, petty AS F*CK, detestable man), but how many know about his wife, the “Uncrowned Queen,” Caroline of Brunswick? If you find yourself wanting to know more about her, Ann has managed to turn Caroline’s life—which is wild enough on its own—into a story that’s equal parts heartbreaking, hilarious, and jaw-droppingly scandalous. I’ve read and learned plenty about the Regency period, but this was the first time I’ve seen it told through the eyes of the woman Prinny tried so hard to erase.

What I loved most about Rebel of the Regency is how readable it is. Much like her podcast, Ann’s writing feels like you’re listening to a friend spill the most unhinged 200-year-old gossip—but it’s all backed by impeccable research. The history is solid, but it’s the people, the personalities, that really bring it to life. Case in point: Caroline herself completely stole the show for me. She’s messy, bold, funny, and so much more complex than the caricature her husband tried to reduce her to. As an independent woman and mother myself, I found her story both infuriating and inspiring. The way George treated Caroline and their daughter Charlotte made my blood boil, but Ann never lets it slip into pure tragedy. There’s this constant current of resilience, stubbornness, and wit that keeps you rooting for Caroline the whole way through. Don’t get me wrong—she certainly wasn’t perfect. But who of us is?

P.S. The endnotes? Genuinely hilarious and informative. Don’t skip them.

Thanks to HTP Hive, Hanover Square Press, and NetGalley for the review copy!

Expected publication date is 10 February 2026.