Bridgerton
Liam Daniel / Netflix
Bridgerton has proved one of the runaway hits of the New Year, quickly soaring to success after its Christmas Day debut. Masterminded by US producer Shonda Rhimes, the Netflix period drama series has won praise for its gripping plot, lavish aesthetic and the refreshing racial diversity of its talented cast. Yet while most of those in the
Bridgerton world are fictional, taken from Julia Quinn’s historical romance novels, Queen Charlotte was a real-life figure (and in fact doesn’t feature in the
Bridgerton books).
Born on 19 May 1744, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz was the youngest daughter of Duke Charles Louis Frederick of Mecklenburg, styled as the Prince of Mirow, and Princess Elisabeth Albertine of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The family ruled over Mecklenburg-Strelitz, a small north-German duchy situated in what was then the Holy Roman Empire. And while the ubiquity of varied racial representation in
The appraising eye of the beehive-adorned Queen Charlotte in Netflix’s
Bridgerton is not to be questioned; it is perhaps one of the series’ most simultaneously charming and chilling traits. I would never dare question her. Queen Charlotte’s word is gospel, so when gossip writer Lady Whistledown threatens to undermine her authority with a gospel of her own, the queen responds with a determination that would force even her precious Pomeranians to tuck their tails and run. Yet, at home, we see a gentler, less assured version of the English queen. As her King George descends further into something akin to madness, her ruthless facade wavers. There’s something gentler, even pained, behind all the pomp and circumstance.
‘Bridgerton’ Stirs Up Debate With Having A Black Queen Charlotte
12/30/20 AT 6:19 PM
Netflix’s original series created by Shonda Rhimes, “Bridgerton,” is the hottest show at the moment, and it’s been giving a few history lessons, too.
The show follows the lives of those in the highest socialite class in Britain, which includes white and black members. The lives of eight siblings are shown throughout the series as they search to find love in this romantic period piece. Some have called it the modern-day Gossip Girl.
It’s based on the novels created by Julia Quinn.
Queen Charlotte is a large part of the show, and she’s played by a black actress, which is more diverse than who these types of shows usually cast. She’s caused some debate, with some wondering why she is played by Golda Rosheuvel.
Bridgerton s Big Question: Was Queen Charlotte Really Our First Black Royal? amren.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from amren.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.