Queen Charlotte is the diamond of all Bridgerton seasons

Queen Charlotte gets the origin story (and screen time) she deserves with a Bridgerton prequel, which we believe is better than the original.
COREY MYLECREEST of Queen Charlotte knows how you feel about him. In fact, I called him the ‘King of Hunk’ — a less catchy version of the original ‘Hot Duke’ — during our Zoom interview for the new Bridgerton prequel. While he laughed it off and described the reference as “eloquently put” (too kind), it’s a title he’s a little more apprehensive to claim than say, the King of England.

“First and foremost, we have to admit that there is only one ‘Hot Duke’ and it’s Regé,” he jokingly responded, in reference to my comparison with Bridgerton season one heart-throb and possible James Bond contender, Regé-Jean Page. Fair call.

“But seriously, it’s a very strange situation. I don’t feel like that’s me at all. I think that’s definitely George [his character, King George III]. But also it’s a testament to Shonda’s [creator, Shonda Rhimes] writing, to the work of everyone else, to the lighting and camera … And really, anyone wearing those clothes, saying those kinds of words becomes slightly sexy.”

Leading lady India Amarteifio, who portrays titular Queen Charlotte, also featured in the joint interview quipped mid-way, “He’s very humble.”

Too humble. A billowy white shirt hasn’t looked that good on a Regency-set man since, well, Page as Simon Hastings, and then Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton in season two. Let’s be honest, all the men in the Bridgerton universe are pretty dreamy. Nonetheless, Mylescreet should hopefully feel more comfortable talking up the freshly-released Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. In my most hot Queen Charlotte take, it’s the diamond of both Bridgerton seasons.ANYONE wearing those CLOTHES, saying those WORDS becomes slightly SEXY

In the land of Netflix’s hit period drama, there’s a few cardinal rules. Inclusive casting, sexy courting, witty commentary, elaborate wigs, Julie Andrews’ modulated narration and classical covers of modern bangers. In Queen Charlotte, you’re gifted with all of the above and plenty more. As while spin-offs can so often tarnish the reputation of beloved productions — think Mean Girls 2, A Cinderella Story 2 AND 3, etc. — Queen Charlotte takes the strongest supporting Bridgerton character and gives her the origin story (and screen time) she deserves. And no one is more worthy of playing Queen Charlotte, originated by the imitable Golda Rosheuvel, than 21-year-old Amarteifio.

“The only advice that I offered her [Amarteifio] was to take it and make it your own. Celebrate your ideas of who this person is,” Rosheuvel told Harper’s BAZAAR Australia/New Zealand when asked about how she mentored the young British actor. “But I’m all for sharing … It was an absolute honour and a privilege to do this with her.”

Amarteifio plays a young Queen Charlotte to an absolute tee. Her version of the fan-favourite character is wilful, rebellious and fiercely independent, much like any other teenage drama queen. While relatable, her mannerisms, quirks and values also seamlessly align with Rosheuvel’s sassy, yet duteous, Charlotte. Continuity only extends with their lavish costuming — Rosheuvel wears her “heaviest” wig yet, one which required a neck brace — and matching Pomeranians. Yet bridging the gap between Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte is made only clearer with creator Shonda Rhimes’ excellent storytelling on race and class — key themes which underpin the entire Bridgerton universe.

Not only do we learn some of the fictionalised history behind the real-life King George III and Queen Charlotte (long speculated to have African roots via her Portuguese background), but we grasp some of the foundations behind the fantasy franchise’s social politics, diversity, and female empowerment. As other than Charlotte, we’re also presented with the early aristocratic beginnings of Lady Agatha Danbury (Arsema Thomas) and Bridgerton matriarch, Violet (Connie Jenkins-Greig). “It’s great to see the journey of all these women that we know and love from Bridgerton,” Rosheuvel shared, noting viewers will be able to better understand the original series following the prequel.

Queen Charlotte begins with Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (“a tiny province in Germany” as described by her brother, Adolphus), who is forced to marry King George III of England. Having never met the mysterious monarch, nor ever set foot in England, understandably the 17-year-old is “angry and cannot breathe” when discussing the marital arrangement. She affectingly delivers an excellent monologue during the show’s opener about how “joyful” is it is to be a lady. Note the sarcasm. But when Adolphus explains to her the great protection the British empire would provide their home during war and poverty — Charlotte unhappily considers her duty.

“There are worse fates,” he assures her, “than marrying the King of England.” There’s also no Raya in Regency Europe, so that limits the royal dating pool — I concur. But ultimately, the story challenges Adolphus’ notion about the great honour Charlotte receives. Is King George too good to be true, with his dreamboat looks, charisma, open-mindedness and admiration for Charlotte? (Honestly, their meet-cute is too adorable). But George’s secret struggle, a sometimes unforgiving ‘ton, and a rapidly shifting society, make their romance tale just a little more difficult to navigate. “You get that longevity of a relationship that has been through the mill,” Rosheuvel began. “But have stuck together because they truly love each other.”

A LOT of PEOPLE will be able to RELATE to what SHE’s going THROUGH.

Fortunately, Charlotte has something of a fairy godmother in young Agatha Danbury who socially advances after her coronation. The aristocrat then guides the Black Queen through the intricacies of marriage and an openly-racist England in hopes of a more progressive future. In the series, racial integration is coined by the palace as ‘The Great Experiment.’ Thomas told BAZAAR, “As Charlotte is so new to the environment, she needed somebody who was going to be honest with her, who knew the lay of the land to help her understand what her power and agency could do to the landscape.” While the Bridgerton shows, for the most part, provide pleasurable escapism, the character of Queen Charlotte required the boldness and bravery of a fearless newcomer like Amarteifio. While not exactly a character she can totally relate to, Amarteifio did admit to having similar identity struggles as a mixed race woman in Britain.

“Finding where I sit in both those communities and what that means for me is an ongoing question,” Amarteifio began, when asked whether she brought any of her own experiences to the character. “But I don’t think it’s a personal journey. I think a lot of people go through it. So I’m excited that the show kind of brings that to light.

As for the question on most fan’s minds, how do the steamy scenes measure up to the original seasons? All I can say is, Amarteifio and Mylescreet’s chemistry is royally hot (Amarteifio said she felt really comfortable filming them with her co-star) — and no spicy topic is taboo. There’s no shying from girl talk, even amongst the older female characters. “Everyone has a garden,” Lady Danbury tells Violet, when elegantly referring to their libidos.