The new Bridgerton is a work of fiction, but the four characters are based on real-life royals. Here, see how the historical royals compare to their Netflix depictions.
From the very beginning of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, it’s clear that this is fictional. Lady Whistledown, voiced by Julie Andrews, reminds viewers: “Dearest Gentle Reader, This is the story of Queen Charlotte from Bridgerton. It is not a history lesson. It is fiction inspired by fact. All liberties taken by the author are quite intentional. “
So while much of the show is fictional, it does use four very real figures from history: Queen Charlotte, King George III, Princess Augusta, and Adolphus, Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Here, see how the real-life royals compare to the actors and actresses who portray them on Netflix:
Queen Charlotte
She was born Sophia Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, but at 17, she married King George III and became Queen Charlotte. They will go on to have fifteen children together, two of whom will become king, and their granddaughter, Queen Victoria, will become the “grandmother of Europe.” India Amarteifio plays Charlotte in the Netflix series.
King George III
King George III, who really was known as “Farmer George” for his interest in agriculture, reigned for nearly 60 years (though in the last ten years of his reign, his son, George IV, served as Prince Regent). Fans of Bridgerton as less familiar with the fictional version of George, as he does not appear much in seasons one and two, but Corey Mychlreest’s young King George is a main character in Queen Charlotte.
Adolphus, Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz
Queen Charlotte’s eldest brother, Adolphus Frederick IV, Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, did in fact arrange her marriage to King George III. He succeeded his uncle as duke of the North German duchy when he was just 14 years old, and held the title until his death in 1794 at age 56. He never married. In the Netflix drama, he is played by Tunji Kasim.
Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha
Princess Augusta, the mother of King George III, was never Queen Consort. Her husband, Frederick, Prince of Wales, predeceased his father King George II, so the line of succession skipped right to her son. That said, she was thought to have much political influence over her son until her death in 1772. In Queen Charlotte, she is played by Michelle Fairley.
