Netflix period drama Bridgerton, which has just released season 2, has delighted audiences across the globe with its gripping plot, lavish aesthetic and diverse cast.
Yet, while swathes of Bridgerton’s characters are fictional, taken from Julia Quinn’s historical romance novels, many are aware that there is more history behind the monarch of the show, Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel).
From her icy stare and commanding presence, to her over-the-top wigs and opulent gowns, she’s truly caught viewers’ imaginations.
Aside from keeping a close eye on the newcomers being introduced to society – with this season’s roster including Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) and Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran) – she is also fixated on discovering the identity of secretive wordsmith Lady Whistledown.
So in addition to the original source material, what else is there to know about Queen Charlotte?
Is Queen Charlotte from Bridgerton a real queen?
Queen Charlotte was in fact real, born Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz as the youngest daughter of Duke Charles Louis Frederick of Mecklenburg in northern Germany.
There are theories that she was mixed-race, with the future Queen moving to England in 1761 when she was just 17 years old to marry King George, who is portrayed by James Fleet in Bridgerton.
A prequel of the series is currently in the works, which will focus on the younger years of Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton, whose friendship is a highlight of season two.
The true story of England’s Queen Charlotte
In real life, Queen Charlotte learnt English fast when she arrived in the country, despite not speaking the language when she first arrived.
As much as George may have wanted his young wife to take a back seat, she quickly produced a male heir, and her influence began to grow.
George and Charlotte’s eldest son, George, Prince of Wales, ruled as Prince Regent from 1811 until his father’s eventual death in 1820.
In her life, she became an accomplished interior decorator, as well as founding a number of orphanages.
Despite her husband’s warnings, she also took a keen interest in governance, and kept abreast of all political developments.
In Bridgerton, Charlotte is represented as something of a social butterfly, but in reality the Queen became increasingly distant and depressed as her husband’s mental state deteriorated.
King George suffered from mental illness as he grew older, with suggestions that he may have had bipolar disorder or a blood disease.
Queen Charlotte died in 1818, with George passing away two years later.
Charlotte died at one of the family’s country estates, Dutch House in Surrey, and was buried at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
Bridgerton is available to watch on Netflix.
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