Netflix period drama Bridgerton, which has just released season 2, is all about the new diamond on the scene, as chosen by the monarch of the show, Queen Charlotte.
The season follows Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) catching the eye of the Queen’s diamond Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran), while her older, unmarried sister Kate (Simone Ashley) is set against the match.
While most of these beloved characters are fictional, adapted from Julia Quinn’s historical romance novels, Queen Charlotte with her over-the-top wigs and incredible gowns is actually loosely based on a real Queen Charlotte of Britain.
Although Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte, played by Golda Rosheuvel, may be more theatrical and at often times host a scarier demeanour, some viewers grew to love the leading lady and were impressed by her commanding presence.
Making more appearances this season than the last, Her Majesty’s approval was something all in the ton desired.
But some viewers were caught up in the powder Queen Charlotte appears to be sniffing in various scenes, taking a small spoon and snorting a substance up her nose.
What is the Queen sniffing in Bridgerton?
Although it seemed suspicious, especially considering the show is notorious for its steamy sex scenes rather than substance abuse storylines, what Queen Charlotte is sniffing isn’t that cagey at all.
In fact, it’s quite the opposite, as she’s sniffing very period-appropriate powder tobacco, also known as snuff.
Snuff is simply a smokeless form of tobacco leaves that can be inhaled, and was considered quite a luxury item for the elite during the Regency-era, when Bridgerton is set.
It really is the sort of thing fit for a Queen.
Although Her Majesty may be taking the luxury sniffing route, other characters in the show do come across bigger trouble, as viewers may remember Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) offers his older brother Benedict (Luke Thompson) something for his travels… leading to a more interesting dinner than usual in the Bridgerton manor.
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) – this season, Queen Charlotte is also fixated on discovering the identity of secretive wordsmith Lady Whistledown.
But despite her hunting for the true gossip-writer, and threats along the way, it seems Lady Whistledown’s identity is kept a secret from the ton this season, keeping us waiting for a no-doubt dramatic uncovering perhaps in season 3.
Bridgerton is available to watch on Netflix.
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