Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton’ spinoff series is loosely based on the true story of Queen Charlotte and King George III
Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story sheds light on Queen Charlotte and King George III’s love story. Released in 2023, the Bridgerton spinoff series takes place in two different time periods as it recounts the early beginnings of the royal couple’s marriage leading into the Regency era.
While some fans eagerly await to hear if there will be a second season of Queen Charlotte, Netflix has not yet confirmed. Audiences may not want to hold their breaths, however, as the spinoff was promoted as a prequel limited series by the streamer. However, viewers can look forward to part one of Bridgerton season 3 premiering on May 16, 2024, with part two following on June 13.
Although a voice-over from narrator Julie Andrews prefaces that the story told in Queen Charlotte “is not a history lesson,” the series is inspired by real-life events.
Even though it does dramatize certain aspects of Charlotte and George’s lives, many parts of the show actually did happen.
Wondering what is fact and what is fiction? Read ahead as we break down some of the biggest historical moments from the show.
Was Queen Charlotte biracial?
Yes.
Although she was born in Germany as the daughter of a Duke, Queen Charlotte was directly descended from Margarita de Castro y Sousa, which was the Black branch of the Portuguese Royal House.
While her racial background can’t be entirely confirmed, art historians who studied portraits of Charlotte more closely following her death seem to believe she was biracial. In that era, artists were typically encouraged to downplay features considered “undesirable” — which, during that time’s largely prejudiced society, often included those that were considered more traditionally African, according to The Guardian.
However, one painter, Sir Allan Ramsay — who was staunchly against slavery (and was married the niece of Lord Mansfield, a judge who ruled in the first case that eventually led to the end of slavery in the British Empire) — painted several portraits of Charlotte, which people believe may be more reflective of her actual appearance.
Were Queen Charlotte and King George III married on the same day they met?
Yes.
In July 1761, George announced his intentions to marry Charlotte. A marriage contract was signed a month later and the two eventually wed in London on Sept. 8, just a few hours after her arrival, per The Royal Household website. At the time, Charlotte was 17 while George was 22. Their Coronation took place later that month on Sept. 22.
Did Queen Charlotte wear a white dress for her wedding?
No.
It was Charlotte’s granddaughter, Queen Victoria, who was one of the first women to wear white on her wedding day. During that time, women usually chose for a colorful wedding dress that they could wear again later, Vanity Fair notes.
“We cheated, because obviously, Queen Victoria started the white wedding gown,” costume designer Lyn Paolo told PEOPLE of putting actress India Ria Amarteifio in a white wedding gown for the series. “That was a huge cheat for us because her gown was not white. So there are decisions that we made where we thought, ‘Yeah, we should do that. We shouldn’t do this.'”
Did Queen Charlotte and King George III have 15 children?
Yes.
Less than a year after getting married, Charlotte and George welcomed their first child together in August 1762, the Prince of Wales, who would later become King George IV. In total, they had 15 children together, 13 of whom survived to adulthood.
Did King George III study science?
Yes.
George was the first British monarch to study science physics, including lessons in physics, chemistry, astronomy and mathematics, per London’s Science Museum.
He also had a deep interest in agriculture, giving him the nickname “Farmer George.” Costume designer Paolo PEOPLE told she learned so much about the royal during her research for the series.
“George was brilliant,” she explained. “[He] spoke so many languages, and was trying his hardest to change agriculture in England, which is why he was sort of demeaned, being called Farmer George, but he was actually trying to help the country. He opened the first public library so people can learn to read. He’s a fascinating guy. And it’s just so sad that all he’s known for is for losing America and being mad.”
Did Queen Charlotte have a strained relationship with Princess Augusta?
Yes.
Charlotte didn’t always see eye-to-eye with her mother-in-law, especially during the early years of her marriage to George. Similar to the series, it is said that Augusta appointed many of Charlotte’s staff, who then reported to Augusta about Charlotte’s behavior.
Did Queen Charlotte have a close friendship with one of her ladies-in-waiting?
No.
