Actress. Royal Mistress. Born Sarah Fairbrother, the daughter of Mary and John Fairbrother, a servant and laborer. She first appeared on stage in her early teens. She made her mark as a beauty after appearing in 'Luke the Labourer ' in 1827. She then became part of the troupe at Covent Garden Theatre from 1830 to 1835. In 1836, her career was apparently interrupted by the birth of an illegitimate son. She returned to the stage at Covent Garden from 1837 to 1843 during which time she gave birth to an illegitimate daughter. She met Prince George of Cambridge, in February 1840 and entered into an affair with him. She gave birth to two illegitimate children by him; George in 1843 and Adolphus in 1846. After she applied for a marriage license in 1846, Prince George married her by license at St James, Clerkenwell, in January 1847. The Royal Marriage Act of 1844, however, stated that the royal family could not contract legal marriages without the consent of the Crown, and the marriage was therefore illegal in all regard. A third son, Augustus, was born the following June. Because of the illegality of the union, she could not style herself with any titles, but instead was known as Mrs FitzGeorge, the surname name adopted for her sons. Despite her efforts to keep the Prince close, however, he also maintained Louisa Beauclerk as a mistress at least from 1849 until her death in 1882. Though not always happy, the relationship with Sarah continued. By 1867, her career over, she spent the rest of her life as an invalid. She died at age 73, and was interred in the Mausoleum commissioned by the Prince at Kensal Green for them, built deliberately near Louisa Beauclerk's grave.
Actress. Royal Mistress. Born Sarah Fairbrother, the daughter of Mary and John Fairbrother, a servant and laborer. She first appeared on stage in her early teens. She made her mark as a beauty after appearing in 'Luke the Labourer ' in 1827. She then became part of the troupe at Covent Garden Theatre from 1830 to 1835. In 1836, her career was apparently interrupted by the birth of an illegitimate son. She returned to the stage at Covent Garden from 1837 to 1843 during which time she gave birth to an illegitimate daughter. She met Prince George of Cambridge, in February 1840 and entered into an affair with him. She gave birth to two illegitimate children by him; George in 1843 and Adolphus in 1846. After she applied for a marriage license in 1846, Prince George married her by license at St James, Clerkenwell, in January 1847. The Royal Marriage Act of 1844, however, stated that the royal family could not contract legal marriages without the consent of the Crown, and the marriage was therefore illegal in all regard. A third son, Augustus, was born the following June. Because of the illegality of the union, she could not style herself with any titles, but instead was known as Mrs FitzGeorge, the surname name adopted for her sons. Despite her efforts to keep the Prince close, however, he also maintained Louisa Beauclerk as a mistress at least from 1849 until her death in 1882. Though not always happy, the relationship with Sarah continued. By 1867, her career over, she spent the rest of her life as an invalid. She died at age 73, and was interred in the Mausoleum commissioned by the Prince at Kensal Green for them, built deliberately near Louisa Beauclerk's grave.
Bio by: Iola
Gravesite Details
burial 16 Jan
Family Members
Advertisement
See more Fairbrother or Fairbrother memorials in:
- Kensal Green Cemetery Fairbrother or Fairbrother
- Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Fairbrother or Fairbrother
- Greater London Fairbrother or Fairbrother
- England Fairbrother or Fairbrother
- Find a Grave Fairbrother or Fairbrother
Records on Ancestry
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
