Maria Anne Fitzherbert

Maria Anne Fitzherbert (26 July 1756-27 March 1837), née Smythe was the eldest child of Walter Smythe of Bainbridge, Hampshire and Mary Errington.

Related Topics:
26 July - 1756 - 27 March - 1837 - Hampshire

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Her paternal grandparents were Sir John Smythe, 3rd Baronet Smythe and Constantia Blount. Her maternal grandparents were John Errington and Maria Levesy. Maria was also mother to Charles William Molyneux, 1st Earl of Sefton by another marriage.

Related Topics:
Baronet - Charles William Molyneux, 1st Earl of Sefton

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

She was educated in Paris. She was married to Edward Weld of Lulworth Castle in June, 1775. Edward was 16 years her senior. The marriage was short-lived and Maria Anne soon became a widow.

Related Topics:
Paris - 1775 - Widow

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

She was secondly married to Thomas Fitzherbert of Swynnerton, Staffordshire. She was ten years younger than him. They had a son who died young. She became a widow for a second time on 7 May, 1781, inheriting a residence in Mayfair and an annual income of £1,000.

Related Topics:
Staffordshire - 7 May - 1781 - Mayfair

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The young widow soon entered London high society. In spring, 1784, Maria was introduced to a youthful admirer: George, Prince of Wales. She became the most notable royal mistress to the future George IV of the United Kingdom by marrying him on December 15, 1785.

Related Topics:
London - 1784 - George, Prince of Wales - Royal mistress - December 15 - 1785

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The marriage was considered invalid under the Royal Marriages Act 1772 because it had not been approved by George III of the United Kingdom and the Privy Council. Had permission been asked, it would probably not have been granted, as Mrs. Fitzherbert was a Roman Catholic.

Related Topics:
Royal Marriages Act 1772 - George III of the United Kingdom - Privy Council - Roman Catholic

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

They continued to see one another after the Prince's marriage to Caroline of Brunswick, and the prince returned to live with Maria in about 1800, but their relationship had ended permanently by 1811. Following the death of George on 26 June, 1830, it was discovered that he had kept all her letters, and steps were taken to destroy them. The new king, William IV, offered to make her a royal duchess, but she declined.

Related Topics:
Caroline of Brunswick - 26 June - 1830 - William IV

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

She is buried in a Catholic church in Kemp Town, Brighton.

Related Topics:
Kemp Town - Brighton

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~