With the couple hardly knowing one another before to the royal wedding, "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" traces the sad love story of King George III and Queen Charlotte, whose union resulted from a commercial agreement.
It's Bridgerton season once more, the time of year when one may completely lose themselves in a Regency love story. Of course, enjoy all the extravagance, including the stunning outfits, exquisite hairstyles, and priceless jewellery. But this time, it's a six-part limited series that acts as the main show's prelude.
'Queen Charlotte' was written by the show's creator, Shonda Rhimes, and was not originally a part of Julia Quinn's collection of novels, on which Bridgerton is based. We are given a disclaimer at the beginning in Lady Whistledown's (Julie Andrews) voice that states that this is a work of fiction that was inspired by true events and that any artistic licence taken was done so completely on purpose.
And if one is still thinking back on the sizzling chemistry that the lead couple, Lord Anthony Bridgerton (Johnathan Bailey) and Lady Kate (Simone Ashley), had in Season two, know that Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio) and King George III (Corey Mylchreest) are also involved in some very steamy situations.
The story alternates between two historical periods: the present, Bridgerton (1817), and one from a number of years earlier, when Charlotte, then 17, was put up for marriage to George III, the King of England, by her brother Adolphus (Tunji Kasim). Charlotte is dubious about this match and believes that there must be a purpose why they travelled across the continent to locate a bride for the king as she makes the lengthy journey from a minor province in Germany to England. She says, "And the reason cannot be good." Adolphus is anxious that Charlotte upholds his half of the bargain he made with the British crown. "There are worse fates than marrying the King of England," he informs her.
The king's mother, Dowager Princess Augusta (Michelle Fairley), preside over a conference back in the palace when it is decided to issue out wedding invitations and bestow titles to some significant Black families, referring to this marriage arrangement as "The Great Experiment." One of them is freshly appointed Lady Danbury (Arsema Thomas), who eventually rises to the position of being one of Queen Charlotte's most dependable advisors. When Charlotte arrives at the Palace, an icy Princess Augusta assesses her, telling her that her hips are good for having children and that producing the future heir to the throne will be her main duty.
Prior to the wedding, Charlotte leaves, believing she has been betrothed to someone so horrible that no one at the palace wants to talk about him. Just as she is about to storm the Palace walls, King George III has a genuine "meet-cute" with her. Charlotte consents to the marriage after being immediately swept off her feet by an extremely charming and dishonest King George, or 'simply George,' as he insists she refer to him. But what at first seemed like a scene from a fairy tale quickly becomes a surprise for Queen Charlotte. Due to King George's decision to live at a different palace, she is left alone at her home on the night of her wedding and for a number of nights later.With only her devoted assistant Brimsley (Sam Clemmett) by her side at all times, the Queen wallows in loneliness, not understanding why the King is so distant and unpredictable.
The main focus of Queen Charlotte's (Golda Rosheuvel's) attention in the present-day Bridgerton is the fact that none of her thirteen grown children—all of whom are now well into adulthood—have found suitable partners or given birth to any heirs to the kingdom. She speaks with Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) and Lady Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) about this issue with the utmost concern.
The main love story between Queen Charlotte and King George receives the most of the series' attention, but there are also some intriguing supporting stories woven in. Young Lady Danbury is shown challenging Princess Augusta and demanding equality in wealth and estates rather than only hollow titles that have no value without the latter. Even though she despises Lord Danbury (Cyril Nri), she persists on letting him visit the Whites and inviting him on hunting expeditions. But this social change doesn't happen overnight. Not just for the royals, but also for their aides, a passionate relationship develops in the palace halls. 'Queen Charlotte' pursues a same-sex relationship, something that 'Bridgerton' did not.
Furthermore, it shows how unprepared society and the medical community were to deal with mental health difficulties at the time. As Lady Danbury and Lady Violet develop a newfound relationship in the present-day Bridgerton, some secrets start to come to light because "we are the untold stories," as the former informs the latter. It's endearing to see the backstory of Brimsley and Reynolds (Freddie Dennis), the queen's and the king's faithful butlers. There are also plenty of royal spectacles, Queen Charlotte's towering hairstyles, and splendour to take in when the narrative is not holding one's attention. The production design, cinematography, and background score are also excellent.
However, what comes through in the end is the passionate, moving love story that King George and Queen Charlotte endured in spite of all the challenges. It would be difficult to not be moved by this beautiful romance and how it turns out in the end, even with a constant threat of disaster. India Amarteifio as the young Queen Charlotte impresses with an outstanding performance and commanding presence on screen, while Corey Rosheuvel (with a heart-stopping smile that is impossible to ignore) brings out the complexity of his role with equal intensity and sensitivity.
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