Expert: Mark Smith - 12/8/2005

Question
Hi There- --my question is - has anyone ever
conclusively proven, true or false, the riddle of Queen Charlotte's
ethnic background? Was she descended from Moors as has been
rumoured? Could she be described as being 'Black'?

And, is there anyway this could be proven today - for example
with DNA tests etc?

Answer
Hello Julian.
I don't think that Queen Charlotte was black in the sense that she was descended from the Moors. She is described as being rather plain and with a dark complexion, but certainly not black or half-caste. If she was King George would not have married her.
DNA tests only work if there is something to compare it with, so it's doubtful if they would be of any use in determining her parentage.
Mark