Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, baptized Sophia Charlotte, became the Queen Consort of Great Britain and Ireland following her marriage to King George III. When the kingdoms of Ireland and Great Britain unified at the start of the 19th century (1801), she became the queen of the newly formed United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Queen Charlotte was a patron of music and the arts, supporting various artists and craftsmen throughout her life. She was also an amateur botanist who contributed to the development and expansion of Kew Gardens in southwest London. Charlotte and George shared a happy marriage, as George remained faithful and never took a mistress. Over 22 years, they had 15 children, though two of them, Alfred and Octavius, died in infancy. In her later years, Charlotte became increasingly depressed as her husband developed the genetic illness porphyria, which severely affected his health and ultimately led to his permanent mental decline. This strain led to temperamental shifts in Queen Charlotte, which affected her relationships with her children. Queen Charlotte passed away at age 74 in Kew Palace, holding her eldest son’s hand while seated in an armchair.