 In 1813 , with the tide of the Napoleonic Wars having turned firmly in Britain 's favour , George began to seriously consider the question of Charlotte 's marriage . The Prince Regent and his advisors decided on William , Hereditary Prince of Orange , son and heir @-@ apparent of Prince William VI of Orange . Such a marriage would increase British influence in Northwest Europe . William made a poor impression on Charlotte when she first saw him , at George 's birthday party on 12 August , when he became intoxicated , as did the Prince Regent himself and many of the guests . Although no one in authority had spoken to Charlotte about the proposed marriage , she was quite familiar with the plan through palace whispers . Dr. Henry Halford was detailed to sound Charlotte out about the match ; he found her reluctant , feeling that a future Queen of Britain should not marry a foreigner . Believing that his daughter intended to marry William , Duke of Gloucester , the Prince Regent saw his daughter and verbally abused both her and Gloucester . According to Charlotte , " He spoke as if he had the most improper ideas of my inclinations . I see that he is compleatly [ sic ] poisoned against me , and that he will never come round . " She wrote to Earl Grey for advice ; he suggested she play for time . The matter soon leaked to the papers , which wondered whether Charlotte would marry " the Orange or the Cheese " ( a reference to Gloucester cheese ) , " Slender Billy " [ of Orange ] or " Silly Billy " . The Prince Regent attempted a gentler approach , but failed to convince Charlotte who wrote that " I could not quit this country , as Queen of England still less " and that if they wed , the Prince of Orange would have to " visit his frogs solo " . However , on 12 December , the Prince Regent arranged a meeting between Charlotte and the Prince of Orange at a dinner party , and asked Charlotte for her decision . She stated that she liked what she had seen so far , which George took as an acceptance , and quickly called in the Prince of Orange to inform him . 
