As King Christian’s breakdowns grew ever more serious and could no longer be hidden from Copenhagen society, it was decided that the king and his entourage should undertake a lengthy tour of England and France. Johann Friedrich Struensee, a physician from Altona known for his medical successes, was appointed to look after the king during the trip. Caroline Matilda stayed behind at court in Copenhagen.
After paying an obligatory visit to Caroline Matilda’s mother, the king spent most of his time attending festive occasions. His partying soon got out of hand, however. In Paris the trip had to be abandoned due to Christian’s condition, and in January 1769 the king and his entourage returned to Copenhagen.
In the meantime, Struensee’s empathy and understanding of Christian’s psyche had won him the king’s confidence. At the king’s request, he stayed at court and was appointed royal advisor, and later reader to the king.