Just in time for the upcoming coronation in Great Britain, Netflix released the “Bridgerton” prequel “Queen Charlotte”. A series that explores how Queen Charlotte became the confident “Bridgerton” queen she was portrayed as in the two successful first two seasons. In a total of six episodes of around 60 minutes each, viewers accompany a young woman at the head of the British Royal Palace as she slowly grows into her role and brings about social change.
The well-known “Bridgerton” scenery is all about the rise of the young Queen Charlotte (played by India Amarteifio, 21) to fame and power. With the marriage in episode one, both a great and tragic love story and social change begins. The American screenwriter and producer Shonda Rhimes (53) shows in the series how the world of British high society, in which Lady Whistledown is later up to mischief, comes into being.
In the prequel, “Bridgerton” fans can delve a little deeper into British aristocratic history through the storylines surrounding Charlotte and young King George (played by Corey Mylchreest, 25). In the series, a big secret is kept about the young king’s state of mind and health. For example, he has a great enthusiasm for astronomy and gardening, but after the wedding he lets the consummation of the marriage – expected by both his newly wed wife and the court – slide… but so much can be revealed: the royal ones that are obligatory for “Brigerton”. Nevertheless, sex scenes are not neglected in the prequel.
Little by little, the reason for the king’s strange moods becomes more and more apparent. He is tormented by the pressures of being King of Great Britain and Ireland, so he avoids public and suffers constant torment – but revealing it also brings him closer to Queen Charlotte and strengthens their love.
But the series isn’t just about the love affair of the King and Queen of England. Again and again there is talk of the “big experiment” that the palace starts with the marriage of King George and Queen Charlotte. To quote young Lady Agatha Danburry (played by Arsema Thomas, 28): “Perhaps this is the beginning of a new era.”.
“Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story” is based on these historical events: In reality, the life of King George III. (1738 – 1820) was marked by a recurring mental illness. Because, despite his reign, he preferred a rather modest lifestyle and country life, he was nicknamed “Farmer George”. In 1761 he married the German Princess Sophie Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, whom he only met on the day of their marriage. With her he fathered a total of 15 children (two of whom died in infancy).
“Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story” is available on Netflix from Thursday, May 4, 2023.
