The Tragic Life of Sophia Dorothea of Celle

Sophia Dorothea of Celle was the wife of Prince George Louis of Hanover, later George I of Great Britain, and the mother of George II of Great Britain and Sophia Dorothea of Hanover, Queen in Prussia. Her unhappy marriage made Princess Sophia Dorothea think that she could try and get away from it. When she fell in love with a Swedish count, the Princess felt that her chance to find happiness and freedom had come. Unfortunately, it was only a dream. What she gained instead was heartbreak and bitter disappointment.

The images used are in the Public Domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Music – YT Audio Library.

Sources / Further reading
The Love of An Uncrowned Queen, Sophie Dorothea, Consort of George I, and her correspondence with Philip Christopher Count Königsmarck by W.H. Wilkins, Herbert S. Stone & Co, Chicago and New York, 1901

[Tekirai]

Such a tragic story, like it’s cruel her parents married for love but she was denied that

[thaomay]

How sad and unfair her life was. All she wanted was happiness, her husband was allowed to have mistresses and yet she was imprison and her kids kept from her . Regardless of status in life back then ( in some countries still is currently) women had always been treated unfairly

[paranoidpeace]

Their paintings make them look regal and perfect. Their stories remind us people have been people forever. I love watching these

[ambreeniram]

Tragic love story of a princess. Her only crime was falling in love. Being imprisoned for 32 years is barbaric, even her paramour was murdered. Husbands were extremely cruel. May her soul rest in peace.
I love your channel, thank you for letting us know about historical figures and their personal lives.

[amaracrow]

That was one of the most depressing, heart breaking, royal story I've ever heard...

[robertdudley]

Such a sad life story of this lovely princess, the only happiness she knew was with her children and her mother and the man she truly loved, thank you superb as always L&H.

[maryh]

So sad. I recommend Jean Plaidy's novel about Sophia Dorothea. Actually, all Jean Plaidy's books are good

[ayliea]

Sophia Dorothea, the original Golden Girl. I hope we can use this story as inspiration to be kinder to each other. Much kinder.

[i.p.]

Such a shame. Her husband could have at least tried to be friends with her. The husband clearly had the mindset of "I can have mistresses but you are not allowed to touch anyone else" that's why he kept his wife a prisoner.

[Piperdogloveshats]

Such a heartbreaking life! It was a rollercoaster, first I'm routing for her when she decides to run off with the man she loves and then.. just when it can't get it worse it does. I knew she was very close to being queen of England but not the extent of tragedy that was her life.
Great job on this video! Ty!

[emma-bhdu]

I can't believe her father, who had married for love, refused to allow his daughter the same!

[beth]

OMG, I had no idea Sophia's story was SO horrible!! Them straight-up murdering her lover, & the lengths George went to to be cruel to her from then on beggar belief... & ofc, all this cruelty was from men who had mistresses themselves. I have to say tho, the alternate history potential of the future George I marrying an English princess is mind-boggling! At the very least, the man might've learnt some English! Excellent & very interesting, thanks!

[kaloarepo]

Largely because of its association with British royalty the city of Celle was relatively left unscathed by Allied bombing during World War Two -though about 67 houses were destroyed during one raid most of the historic buildings including the Renaissance palace were left untouched.

[sarah]

Wow I’m so angry for her! Such pain and injustice

[calliecraft]

Wow this story really broke my heart. So tragic :(

[NoName-sdqc]

Thank you for pouring so much time & effort into your videos.

[annecinturati]

Poor Princes Sophia Dorothia, indeed 😢 suffered a life of jealously and hate by her husband. As in those days only men and jealous husbands, fathers, and brothers, including any male involved with ruling over women made sure she pay for so called sins. Many women were denied searching for true love because men in power ruled.
The Princesses's husband had a long mardiable affair, it didn't hurt his reputation in any way, his wife's. Many women in history were offered little sympathy or understanding in arranged or forced marrage. She was right not to want marry her cousin in of possibly being mistreated her husband and family in years to come. Surely this poor abused Princess didn't deserve to suffer the lost of her children and forced to live as a prisoner. As a woman I strongly feel a double standerd played mostly played her father who had the power to spare his daughter of shame and cruelity by those closest to her, May innocent young Princesses's like Sophia Dorothia fell into traps when forced into loveless marriages. For men it was different, they had affairs except society was kinder to then. Hope that Sophia Dorethia and Sweedish Count meant in Heaven and shared ❤ the love stolen from them.

[ludovicleprinceroyal]

Wow, so detailed and informative. Rather scholarly. Thank You!

[annfisher]

What a sad story of love lost. 😢 Your interesting videos are wonderful. Thank you!

[cab_law]

I was so excited to see another video from you! I have watched similar channels, but your commentary is my favorite!