In mid-February news of the death reached her, and Caroline planned to return to claim her station. She was now the Queen of England. However, upon her return, Caroline discovered that her husband had plans to keep her out of power. George demanded that her name be omitted from the Anglican prayer book, and had (albeit unsuccessfully) requested a divorce. Minutes from the cabinet meeting read: .
It appears to be quite clear that a divorce between your Highness and the Princess of Wales never could be accomplished by arrangement, nor obtained except upon proof of adultery, to be substantiated by evidence before some tribunal in this country .
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This "evidence" would be delivered to the House of Lords sealed in a green bag. Yet, neither its contents nor a Bill of Pains and Penalties against Caroline would strip her of her titles. Perhaps this is because of the great public outcry in her favour, especially from those among the lower classes. On 6 November 1820 the House abandoned the Bill, and all accusations against the Queen were withdrawn. .
The details of the "Affair", however, are not as important as what the scandal reveals about nineteenth century British society. Through a closer analysis of the time period, it is evident that the Queen Caroline "Affair" magnified the existing duality in British society.
The aristocracy of Caroline's time subscribed to traditional moral beliefs, including conservative views of sexuality and respectability. In contrast, the "lower orders" in Britain supported an alternative (or more liberal) morality. Issues such as premarital sex, illegitimate children, and separation were more widely accepted by the working and middle classes than in higher circles. To the latter, chastity was the most important virtue an unmarried woman could possess. To the lower classes, respectability was defined in more flexible terms. The loss of chastity did not always deny a woman friendship or compassion; instead, she was judged on other qualities.
