Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story Recap and Ending Explained

Table Of Content

• Life
• The Real History Behind ‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’
• She did embed herself in London’s social scene.
• ‘Queen Charlotte’s Corey Mylchreest Breaks Down Why George Fell In Love With Charlotte When He Did (Exclusive)
• A Palace Full of Children and a Musical Bond
• What happened in the final episode of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story?

As Historic Royal Palaces writes, "They shared a happy life together, producing 15 children until their lives were changed and saddened by the King’s devastating mental illness. Nonetheless Charlotte remained steadfast and loyal to her husband." Amarteifio said it was important for her and creator Shonda Rhimes to shine a light on several different experiences. "There were so many reasons to create it. In Bridgerton, Golda created this iconic character, this mixed-race woman who people saw as a queen, and that’s not something we really see," she added. While Lady Whistledown already informs us at the start of the series that the show is “not a history lesson”, but is “fiction inspired by fact”, in real life, there are still many theories debated about what his illness really was. The couple did meet for the first time on their wedding day, as in the series.

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He continued to suffer from periodic bouts of mental illness, and in 1811, his son officially took control of the kingdom, serving as regent for the next nine years. During this Regency period, Charlotte presided over court in place of her son’s estranged wife, Caroline of Brunswick. She cared for the king faithfully but took care to never be alone with him.

The Real History Behind ‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’

“Bridgerton” takes place at a time when “diversity as we know what the word means did not exist,” historian Marlene Koenig tells Insider’s Mikhaila Friel and Ayomikun Adekaiyero. "Going into Blenheim Palace felt like the biggest thing ever, but then the costumes were just gorgeous, and the jewelry, and all the sets were huge. I was like, 'Oh my God!' and that was perfect because Charlotte’s entering this new world too," she continued. Upon the death of his father, King George III became heir to the throne at 13 years old in 1751, but officially succeeded his grandfather, George II, in 1760. What happened to Reynolds remains a mystery, but since we see Brimsley all alone in present-day Bridgerton, it’s clear that Brimsley and Reynolds don’t end up together. Ultimately, she refuses to marry him because she “cannot marry anyone” and she never wants to be married again.

She did embed herself in London’s social scene.

What Is Wrong With George From 'Queen Charlotte'? What To Know - Women's Health

What Is Wrong With George From 'Queen Charlotte'? What To Know.

Posted: Wed, 31 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

She bred the dogs and kept them as near-constant companions, traveling with them and relying on them for comfort after the death of Prince Albert. As for Dr. John Monro of Bethlem Hospital, that person did indeed exist! He and his son were asked in later decades to advise on the king’s condition, but there is no evidence they privately treated him.

Upon the pair’s arrival in England, Victoria agreed to take the girl “under her protection,” paying for her education and looking out for her throughout her life, wrote historian Caroline Bressey in a 2005 journal article. In the later years, Queen Charlotte asks Brimsley if he ever married or had a family. In the final scene of the series, present-day Queen Charlotte visits King George with the news that their son, Edward, has married and is expecting a baby aka an heir to the throne. In episode one, viewers see that Charlotte has 13 surviving children. The show's number is pretty accurate as the real-life queen and king had many children together – 15 in total. One of the lighter moments in the Netflix series has to be the interactions Golda Rosheuvel's version of Queen Charlotte has with her adult children, encouraging them to marry to ensure the continuation of their family line.

Brace yourself for a bleaker 'Bridgerton' in the new 'Queen Charlotte' spin-off - NPR

Brace yourself for a bleaker 'Bridgerton' in the new 'Queen Charlotte' spin-off.

Posted: Mon, 08 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The queen was, in fact, deeply involved with gossip around the “ton,” and the first known debutante ball was hosted in her honor. The tradition lasted for decades afterward, up until Queen Elizabeth II canceled the balls in the 1950s. Sam is an assistant news editor at Cosmo, covering all things pop culture, entertainment, and celebrity news. She previously covered those same topics along with health, lifestyle, and beauty at Seventeen. When she isn't draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting awards shows or making SwiftToks.

It's no secret that the King's eldest grandchildren are fans of dinosaurs. Prince William previously revealed that Prince George's love for all things prehistoric was inspired by his exchange with David Attenborough. When marking this big milestone, the King appeared to pay a subtle nod to his grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis by wearing his favourite pink silk tie. The royal couple visited University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre where they spoke to medical specialists and patients.

A Palace Full of Children and a Musical Bond

Throughout the series, we learn more about the health of King George as his sporadic fits can’t be contained any longer as Queen Charlotte finds out. His work with the doctor and his questionable methods don’t make a difference and Charlotte deals with loneliness at a result. At the same time, Lady Danbury is now dealing with the death of her husband, Lord Danbury, and what will now happen to her, her family and other members of the ton as he leaves them almost penniless. In the Bridgerton spin-off series, we meet a young Queen Charlotte who is betrothed to King George under mysterious circumstances.

What happened in the final episode of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story?

On one occasion, George even physically assaulted his oldest son, George, Prince of Wales. Just a few hours later, the German princess married George, becoming England’s newest queen. Scenes from present day meanwhile, confirmed that George (James Fleet) was no longer fit to run the nation. The show, which is set between season 2 and 3 of Bridgerton, focused on Charlotte's (Golda Rosheuvel) plans to expand their linage with a royal heir. She convinced her sons to settle down in order to give her grandchildren, who would later take over the throne. Viewers of Queen Charlotte saw the couple fall in love while coming to terms with George's declining mental health.

The series also explores King George III’s struggle with a mental illness disorder. The real King George III suffered from a mental illness and was dubbed the “Mad King” throughout history. HollywoodLife asked Corey what was important for the show to get right in this portrayal of the monarch. Elsewhere, Lady Danbury and Lord Ledger AKA Violet Bridgerton’s father end their relationship that started after the death of Lord Danbury. Whilst she courts Queen Charlotte’s brother, Adolphus, she ultimately rejects his marriage proposal and opts to stay single.

She then shares that she spent her entire life breathing someone’s air and that she has to breathe all on her own now. She tells George that she will be by his side, but George pushes her away by telling her that he never wants to see her again. But Charlotte fights back and tells him that perhaps he stays away from her because he cares for her and loves her. Because of George’s illness, Charlotte starts doubting everything. She then plans to leave, but later on decides to fight for her love with George. Brimsley’s allegiance to Queen Charlotte is depicted beautifully in episode 5 when the Queen nearly breaks down.

And then George being her best friend, the person that understands her the most. Eight-year-old Mozart gave his first performance in England at Buckingham House in 1764 when Charlotte was 20. During George’s later years, the queen felt threatened by his more aggressive state and increasingly kept her distance. She also likely harbored frustration with her husband’s doctors, who used ineffective techniques like leeching, cold baths, and powders laced with arsenic, as well as torturous items like chains and straitjackets to treat him. According to Historic Royal Places, Charlotte was trained by the son of Johann Sebastian Bach and became proficient with the harpsichord.

Having the “I love you scene” to return to throughout their moments in the final installment, and the repetition of "it's you and me," really hammers the point that they will always be there for each other home. Netflix's "Bridgerton" spinoff "Queen Charlotte" (now streaming) has captured our hearts and binge-watching hours since its May 4 premiere on the streaming service. And while it's a great romance and soap opera, it's not a very good history lesson. The series' narrator, Lady Whistledown (Julie Andrews), says as much herself in the opening moments, calling it "fiction inspired by fact."

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. That marginalizes her from the rest of of society, which maybe people think she wants, but actually is quite a lonely position to be in when no one considers you an equal. Lady Danbury is probably the only person who sees her along those lines, but even then she has to curtsy to her and there are certain things that they wouldn't discuss.