Upon its release in 2020,Bridgertoncaptivated the hearts of countless viewers, quickly becoming one of themost beloved series on Netflix. While recounting the captivating and appealing love story of the Bridgerton siblings, the show also offered glimpses into the strained relationship between Queen Charlotte and her ailing husband. Now, on May 4, this enchanting world will transport us back in time to explore the teenage years of this beloved monarch inQueen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Though the titular queen was known for her stern demeanor and no-nonsense attitude, it is her complexity as a person and struggles as a young queen, as well as her own love story with King George, that make this prequel series such a highly anticipated addition to this dazzling period piece.
Sometimes, there is nothing as appealing as a backstory to an already-known narrative. Many films have attempted this, and while some prequels were successful, others were, however, a disaster. However, withShonda Rhimes as writerand executive producer, there is so much to hold in hope for young Queen Charlotte’s story. A Bridgerton Universe featuring both old and new faces, the feisty Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley) fromGame of Thronesas Princess Augusta, Queen Charlotte’s “famed” love story with King George and a young Lady Danbury? These are certainly more than enough reasons why viewers are eagerly anticipating the story behind the powerful and sassy monarch, played by Golda Rosheuvel.
Her Obsession with Young Romance
Well, Queen Charlotte isn’t the only one who is obsessed with playing matchmaker or sharing in the hottest gossip about love affairs. She is, however, so invested in these pursuits that she places great importance on selecting the Diamond of the Season, and when her romance schemes fail, she throws a fit and the entire season becomes ruined for her and everyone else.
Surely, there must be a reason Queen Charlotte is this invested. Perhaps, she was at one time the Diamond of the Season or maybe these young romances remind her of her own with King George. No one knows for sure, but thetrailer released by Netflixlast March suggests Charlotte was at one time the center of love machinations.
Related:Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story: Are Fans Excited for the Series?
What Is Queen Charlotte’s Intriguing Backstory?
Queen Charlotte is loosely based on thereal-life Queen Charlotte, who is widely believed to be Britain’s first biracial monarch. If Netflix’sBridgertonstays true to this fact, then it is essential to explain her roots and how she was able to overcome the challenges of being a young princess in an unfamiliar world, eventually becoming a highly respected Queen. With this spin-off, viewers can truly understand Queen Charlotte and how she has been able to keep it all together, alone.
In the trailer, Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio) is seen trying to scale a fence when she is accosted by King George (Corey Mylchreest), marking the beginning of their famous love story. The shared clips in the trailer suggest that a young Charlotte was rebellious, shy, and naive, in stark contrast to the level-headed, meddling queen that fans have grown to love. The trailer also highlights the differences between the Georgian British era and the world of the Ton depicted inBridgerton, making it an interesting watch for fans of period dramas who would like to know more about how this change came about.
King George and Queen’s Charlotte Famed Love story
There are few occasions viewers got to see the Queen change her regal countenance to either disapproving, mischief, or anger. Her demeanor, speech, and interactions with others exude royalty, making it difficult to imagine her as anything other than a no-nonsense Queen. However,Bridgertonalso provides fleeting glimpses of moments when she lets her guard down and shows her softer side, particularly when King George and his illness are shown. It is only natural to be curious about why the king’s presence evokes tumultuous feelings from the Queen.
While the trailer has hinted at the bittersweet nature of King George’s and Queen Charlotte’s love story, there is still so much more to be revealed.Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Storymust answer several questions, such as how these two regal hearts met, fell in love, and what chemistry led to the birth of their 15 children. Their story, as an arranged marriage and enemies-lovers romance, is an exciting and well-known trope on its own and viewers are eager to see how their relationship will evolve in this new Bridgerton story.
Related:How the Bridgerton-Ripple Has Inspired Inclusiveness in Regency-Era Endeavors
A Young Lady Danbury and Her Bond with the Queen
Lady Danbury, portrayed with acerbic charm by Adjoa Andoh inBridgerton, is known for her matchmaking skills and influence in London’s high society. The upcoming spin-off will focus on ayoung Lady Danbury(Arsema Thomas) who is married to an older Lord Danbury, offering insights into how she became one of the most influential ladies in London’s high society.
As shown inBridgerton, Lady Danbury is one of the few people who can sway the queen’s decision and the only person the queen trusts enough to gossip with. But how did these formidable women become dear friends? The answer to this question among others make Lady Danbury’s story a tantalizing addition to theBridgertonuniverse. Fans are eagerly anticipating an in-depth story of their favorite characters as their younger selves.
