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Queen Charlotte was the wife of King George III of the United Kingdom and is best known for being the queen consort from 1761 until her husband's death in 1820. Born Sophia Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz on May 19, 1744, she became queen at the age of 17 immediately following her marriage to King George III.

Charlotte and George III had 15 children, and her marriage was notably stable and happy compared to other royal unions of the time. Queen Charlotte had interests in the arts, botany, and education, which influenced British culture significantly. Kew Gardens flourished under her patronage as she helped expand and develop its exotic plant collection. She is also recognized for her support of charities and the establishment of orphanages.

Her legacy is also notable in the realm of healthcare, as The Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, founded in 1739 in London, was named in her honor, recognizing her interest in maternity care and her patronage of the arts and education.

Historically, there has been significant interest in her ancestry, with some historians and scholars suggesting that she had African ancestry through the Portuguese royal family, which could make her the first queen of mixed heritage in British history. However, this claim remains debated among scholars.