I’m being completely candid when I say that my first impression of Queen Charlotte was wildly inaccurate. I actually want to meet the person who said, “First impressions are everything,” because that’s not necessarily true. Just like it’s impossible to know everything about someone when you first meet them, viewers couldn’t have imagined the things young Charlotte endured to become the queen we know today.
After learning more about her backstory, it’s easy to see why she’s become the stoic queen we know in Bridgerton. She understands that human nature is fickle, she demands excellence, and she’s hopeful to catch glimpses of deep and true love. Because like Brimsley said towards the end of Queen Charlotte, she’s frozen in time, endlessly longing (and waiting) for the dream life she had right at her fingertips.
This deferred dream isn’t a simple characteristic that can be pinned down to one succinct moment, though. Here are the 7 key moments that add up to become the Queen Charlotte, ever-so frozen in time, we see currently.
1. Queen Charlotte was only 17 years old when her marriage to King George was arranged.
Young Charlotte has always protested against things that felt unfair to her, but she couldn’t change the fact that she’d had to leave her home in Germany behind in favor of a life in London with a man she’d never met. It’s something we learned that George also protested prior to their fateful meeting at the garden wall.
The scene where Charlotte is in the carriage with her brother Adolphus hits home because I’ve never forgotten how unsure of myself I feel at 17 years old. It’s an age where most teens are on the precipice of entering adulthood which can be really confusing. To have the burden of figuring out adulthood and placed marriage on your shoulders is something I couldn’t possible fathom for anyone.
2. Queen Charlotte was kept in the dark about King George’s condition for a while.
Soon after getting married to King George, Charlotte spent a lot of her days and nights alone because George kept himself away from her. It’s almost like no one expected this 17 year old girl — who realized she actually is attracted to the man she just married — to want to be in her husband’s presence. It was a truly lonely existence, but the staff frankly seemed to be bound by Princess Augusta’s demands for silence.
3. Queen Charlotte and King George truly fell in love.
But, learning about George’s condition and how he was treated for the sake of ‘healing him’ only affirmed Charlotte’s unwavering love for him. Her heart was with him, and she quite literally dug her heels in to let everyone know she’d remain by his side.
When I think about what it means to fully abide by one’s vows, Bridgerton’s depiction of Queen Charlotte is the embodiment of that.
4. Charlotte had to assume a ton of responsibility once she decided to embrace her role as Queen.
Of course this meant Queen Charlotte had to begin assuming the responsibilities of a Royal whether George was fully present or not. It’s like young Lady Danbury told her, “You are the first of our kind.”
Because of Charlotte’s determination, she created the inclusive Ton we’ve come to see. Charlotte’s the one who suggested opening the gates to mingle with the Ton during balls instead of creating a line of separation between the Head of the Church and the citizens being ruled over. Are things perfect? No, but she made strides and she put her feet down when she had to.
5. Queen Charlotte’s love for King George eclipsed the ways she was able to be present for their children.
As amazing as Queen Charlotte’s efforts were, it’s hard for anyone to ignore how much she was unable to give her children. I honestly don’t think she intended to be cold to them or spend all her time focused on her royal responsibilities, but her love for King George eclipsed the love she had for her own children.
6. Queen Charlotte lives vicariously through those who find love in the midst of her own form of matchmaking.
The one thing that truly brought Queen Charlotte joy is the seeing others fall in love and have their own version of what she saw with King George. I used to think finding the Diamond of the Season was pointless, but I realized she’s not trying to punish anyone. She remembers what it was like to not have a choice in love, so she allows for several suitors to be available for who she feels deserves to be courted that particular season.
It’s not the most efficient matchmaking service, but even she can admit that something good always comes from being positioned for love.
7. Queen Charlotte waits for moments when King George is lucid — which has lessened over the years.
Finally, Queen Charlotte is forever waiting for those moments when King George remembers their love. I doubt he’s ever forgotten her, but I think his condition creates confusion that keeps him frozen in time, too.
