Prince George and Master Frederick: Royal Friends and Secret Brothers
Freeborn brings to light the intriguing story of Frederick Blomberg. As a four-year-old orphan, Frederick was taken into the royal household of George III to be a playmate for the prince, the future George IV. It’s highly likely that Frederick was the natural son of George III and that the King had persuaded his equerry and friend, Frederick Blomberg senior, to marry the girl in question to prevent a scandal and give the child an inheritance. Young Frederick’s mother had died in childbirth and Frederick senior died on active service in the West Indies. The author has done meticulous research, and it seems that Master Frederick was frequently at the heart of royal events with Prince George, and there are accounts of them performing violin or cello duets at royal residences.
Prince George’s character is well fleshed out, displaying his petulance, insecurity, and self-indulgence from an early age, yet with moments of true generosity particularly towards Frederick. Freeborn portrays Frederick as the sensible, studious boy who often took the blame for George’s extravagant ways, was grateful for his excellent education, both academic and musical, but always a bit on edge, feeling his position never truly secure within the royal household.
In real life, Frederick became a clergyman, studying divinity at Cambridge, and, once ordained in 1787, he returned to his royal family as chaplain at Windsor and also private secretary to Prince George.
There’s no doubt that Frederick was a support to Prince George throughout his life, but so little is known of him. Freeborn has created a backstory for him which is perfectly credible and also gives the reader some welcome insights into Georgian society. My only criticism is that Frederick’s character is saintly in his forbearance. I should like him to have had a few flaws!
