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Extra! Extra! Read all about it (literally). Feast your eyes upon the latest news abuzz: Bridgerton, our favorite Netflix period drama is getting its very own epilogue and book to match.
The regency show inspired by Julia Quinn’s novels entranced viewers with the glamorous London social scene and the esteemed members within, including the show’s namesake family. Now, the Bridgerton-verse is ready to expand in a different way. Though there’s still much unknown swirling around, here’s everything we can confirm about the new Bridgerton prequel show Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story thus far:
What will the Bridgerton prequel Queen Charlotte be about?
Riding on Bridgerton’s successful coattail, a new Shondaland show will regale the origin tale of Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel). Pulling the strings in the hallmark series was the reigning monarch — a fictional character inspired by the real-life royal who ruled the U.K. and may have been the first Black member of the royal family.
Titled Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, the eight-episode prequel centers on a young Queen Charlotte in the 1760s as she forges her path to becoming the powerful Crown we know and worship. It also pulls the curtains back for a look inside her marriage to King George, which sparked both “a great love story and a societal shift,” according to Netflix’s news site Tudum.
Fans who’ve read the Bridgerton book series may know that author Julia didn’t write about Queen Charlotte but the character was added in the show adaption. Her impact has been so great that her past will be explored and further set the scene for the present Bridgerton family.
Should I read the Bridgerton prequel first?
Julia wrote four Bridgerton prequels, but none of them were actually based on Queen Charlotte’s origin. In fact, Queen Charlotte was not written into the original series either — she’s the mind child of Bridgerton creator Chris Van Dusen. Until now. Deadline reported that Shonda and the author are teaming up on a Bridgerton prequel novel based on the upcoming Netflix spinoff series, set to coincide with the show’s premiere.
“Queen Charlotte has been such a moving character to write and now having the opportunity to work with Julia to adapt this story into a book is such an exciting opportunity,” Shonda told the outlet. “I can’t wait for fans of this universe to read the story of a character that has resonated so deeply with our audience.”
When is the release date for the Bridgerton prequel Queen Charlotte?
News of the prequel came in May 2021, with much excitement heralded from Bridgerton fans. Sadly, we must wait a bit longer for an official release day. But rest assured gentle reader, filming has run its course. A tweet by the director Tom Verica confirmed as much, reading: “That’s a wrap. This production, this cast, this crew … just wait.”
Are there any spoilers about the Bridgerton prequel Queen Charlotte?
Betrothed to the King of England against her will, Charlotte arrives in London only to realize she was not exactly what the royals were expecting, according to The Hollywood Reporter. She must learn to navigate royalty, palace life and her unpredictable husband, young King George, who has always given in to the restraints bestowed on him by the Crown. That is, until Charlotte enters the picture.
Their love story seems to start on a funny foot, at least as evidenced by the major crumb Netflix recently dropped. A TikTok revealed a sneak peek of young Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio) meeting young King George (Corey Mylchreest). She’s seen attempting to scale a garden wall when the patriarch happens upon her.
He asks why she’s climbing, to which she responds that she’s worried about meeting the King, whom she assumes is a “beast” or a “troll.” Unbeknownst to Charlotte, she asks the King to assist her in her escape. After a bit of banter, George steps forward to say he has no intention of helping. She turns pointedly and says, “I’m in a lady in distress. You refuse to help a lady in distress?”
He replies: “I refuse when that lady in distress is trying to go over a wall so that she does not have to marry me.”
If you’re caught up on all things Bridgerton, you’re well aware of another early sneak peek from season 2 episode 6’s “The Choice,” during which a delusional King George interrupts a conversation between Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) and Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran). Thinking it’s the day of their wedding, he affectionately calls the Queen “Lottie,” describing her as radiant.
As guards escort him away, Queen Charlotte retreats into an uncharacteristically vulnerable state while Edwina plays along and calms the confused King by recounting the royal coupling’s legendary love.
