The death of Queen Charlotte’s parents is a formative moment in the Bridgerton prequel, but Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story actually changed some important aspects of history. Neither Bridgerton nor its first spin-off are noted for their historical accuracy. While some aspects of Regency life are faithfully recreated, both shows understandably prioritize storytelling over total authenticity. However, even with these caveats, it’s notable that Queen Charlotte set out to change some notable aspects of the titular monarch’s background.
Queen Charlotte takes place in two distinct timelines – one focusing on the issue of royal succession in 1817, and the other telling the story of Queen Charlotte’s courtship with her husband, King George III. According to the series, the younger Charlotte was heavily influenced by her upbringing, which was largely without parental influence. Per Queen Charlotte, the young royal was largely raised by her brother, Duke Adolphus. However, while this makes for some interesting dynamics within the narrative, this is not an accurate reflection of what happened to Queen Charlotte or her parents in real life.
When Queen Charlotte’s Parents Died Before Bridgerton’s Prequel (& How)
Unlike what is depicted in the show, Queen Charlotte was not an orphan from an early age. Although the series suggests Adolphus was a primary influence, Charlotte’s mother was actually part of her life until 1761, when she died at the age of 47. 1761 is the year the Bridgerton prequel centers on in one of its timelines, yet Charlotte’s mother is entirely absent. As such, Queen Charlotte is not an accurate representation of Charlotte’s real relationship with her parents.
Although Queen Charlotte manufactures an early maternal death, there is an element of truth to its absent parent narrative. Queen Charlotte’s father, Charles Louis Frederick of Mecklenburg, for instance, actually died in 1752 when she was just eight. This means that there is a grain of truth to Queen Charlotte’s suggestion of orphanhood, even though the life of the real Queen Charlotte’s mother proves that the plot device is largely fictional.
Why Bridgerton’s Prequel Changes Queen Charlotte’s Family Backstory
While the changes to Queen Charlotte’s backstory may seem slightly pointless, there is a very good reason for the alteration. By removing parental figures altogether, Queen Charlotte is able to make its protagonist seem especially vulnerable during her introduction to British society. This plays into the show’s central themes of isolation and self-doubt, explored primarily through plotlines such as George’s initial wish to live separately from his new wife. The fact that Charlotte doesn’t have a maternal or paternal figure to turn to for guidance makes her situation seem even more perilous and ultimately makes her even more admirable for overcoming such adversity.
Of course, had Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story stuck with the true story of her parents’ deaths, they would still have been absent during her marriage. However, the fact that they have no presence at all highlights the character’s resilience and independence. Even in the face of adversity, with comparatively little support around her, Charlotte is ultimately able to thrive – despite the tragedy of her childhood.
