A new exhibit at Kensington Palace sheds light on the lives of royal servants from the Georgian era, inspiring the hit Netflix series Bridgerton. The exhibit, titled 'Untold Lives: A Palace at Work,' showcases the stories of the loyal servants who played a crucial role in raising the royal children of King George III and Queen Charlotte.
The exhibit features artifacts and rare servants' uniforms, offering a glimpse into the lives of these often overlooked individuals. One such figure is Anne Percy, the wet nurse who cared for the royal children and meticulously recorded their progress on a cloth tape measure.
Queen Charlotte's only known surviving dress, along with a linen apron worn by her dresser, Ann Elizabeth Thielcke, are among the highlights of the exhibit. Additionally, the display includes the tiny royal cookbook of Patrick Lamb, a hot-headed chef who rose to prominence in the 17th century.
The exhibit also explores the diversity of roles within the palace, from rat-killers to the mythical-sounding Keeper of Ice and Snow. Frances Talbot, who managed the royal icehouse at Hampton Court Palace, is highlighted for her physically demanding job of sawing ice for the kitchens.
Furthermore, the exhibit delves into the presence of Black and Asian royal servants at court, including Mehmet von Könsigstreu, Keeper of the Privy Purse for King George I. Mehmet and his wife, Marie Hedwig, are believed to be one of the first interracial married couples at the Hanoverian Court.
Through 'Untold Lives: A Palace at Work,' Kensington Palace aims to celebrate the contributions of these often overlooked individuals and provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the palace's history. The exhibit opens to the public this week, inviting guests to explore the untold stories of the royal servants who helped shape the monarchy's legacy.
