‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’ review
About the Authors
Julia Quinn is a #1 New York Times bestselling author who loves to dispel the myth that smart women don’t read (or write) romance. Before she became such an acclaimed author, she was on the game show, The Weakest Link. She may not have known much about sports or country music, but she aced all things British and literary. It wasn’t until Shonda Rhimes read her series of Bridgerton novels that she believed audiences would be captivated by these stories. Rhimes took the reigns for Queen Charlotte and wrote the story with Quinn.
What is Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story About?
Shonda Rhimes wanted to give Queen Charlotte her own prequel series because of beloved the character is in the series. Charlotte who is betrothed against her will to King George, arrives in London on her wedding day and faces scrutiny from the monarch’s cunning mother. As Charlotte gets to know George, there are some secrets that are uncovered that change their relationship indefinitely.
Who is in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story?
India Amarteifio
Adjoa Andoh
Michelle Fairley
Ruth Gemmell
Corey Mylchreest
Golda Rosheuvel
Arsema Thomas
Sam Clemmett
Freddie Dennis
Hugh Sachs
Julie Andrews
Which came first? The book or the series?
To clarify for all you Bridgerton fans out there, the character of Queen Charlotte was developed for the television series. Charlotte was added to the television production and fans seemed to love the gossip-bound Queen with Lady Danbury by her side. Shonda Rhimes saw how successful the character was and she wanted to create a prequel series with Julia Quinn. Together, Quinn and Rhimes wrote the novel inspired by the events in the television series.
Why did Shonda Rhimes want a prequel for Queen Charlotte?
The reason why Rhimes wanted a prequel for Queen Charlotte is because of two things. One, the character has become a favourite for audiences. Two, Rhimes wanted to revise the history of Queen Charlotte and King George lll. The prequel series explores race during a period of segregation in England. The monarchy called the union of Charlotte and George “The Great Experiment”, meaning the integration of Black people into court and high society. Charlotte navigates her new role and her marriage simultaneously, hoping to unite the entire country and help her community with her new status. She has Lady Agatha Danbury by her side to aid her on this new path because she has had her fair share of obstacles as a Black woman with status.
Why you will instantly be connected with Queen Charlotte and King George
Charlotte and George’s love story is heartbreaking because of King George’s condition. Rhimes and Quinn explore the racial issues at the time by rewriting history. They also address mental health and the improper tactics used to treat those who were suffering. For this alone, this prequel series is worth the watch because they dive into important issues that were barely addressed during the period.
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is much different than the other seasons of Bridgerton because it doesn’t show that lighthearted romance. This series explores the treatment of Queen Charlotte and everything she had to endure. She had to face the public scrutiny of the court and her mother-in-law. She was against the marriage from the start because she didn’t know him, and once she finds out about his struggles, she felt trapped.
(left) India Amarteifio and Corey Mylchreest
Who else makes an appearance in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story?
The series is only six episodes and draws focus on other Bridgerton characters. We see how Lady Danbury ended up in court with Charlotte as her best friend. Lady Danbury had an unfair life, as she was groomed to be the wife of Lord Danbury. The older she got, the more she realized that she was being shaped by his interests, and his love for her. Lady Danbury believed in fighting for love, even though she had a difficult time with her romantic partners. Lady Danbury was too afraid to risk her independence because she never had any. Rhimes made the choice to create a parallel between Charlotte and Lady Danbury. One woman is forced into something and finds a powerful love, while the other is forced into a partnership with no love.
We also find out how Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton have known each other for so long. The flashbacks are utilized well and the information that is uncovered will lean into season three. The chemistry between these two women has carried seasons before, but now the focus is on Violet’s sexuality. The one thing that Rhimes does well is explore the sexuality of older women in Bridgerton.
Is Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story worth watching?
George and Charlotte’s love story is devastating. Towards the beginning, there is a spark between them, but the show does get darker. The episodes are assembled to show how she lives presently and has become like that. She had to become the matriarch of England, even though she was seen as an experiment. She was determined to protect the Crown, ultimately protecting her husband and his lineage. This prequel softened Queen Charlotte for many viewers because she genuinely believes in true love. Out of his passion for Queen Charlotte, King George went through trials to heal himself so he could give her the life she deserved, and she fought for the truth because she accepted him no matter what.
What did you think about Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story? Let me know in the comments below, and join us for a nice discussion in the discord!
