Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story revives romance in the Bridgerton universe with a love story that bridges the two shows and time itself. The six-episode prequel series successfully details a fictionalized version of Charlotte and George’s love story spanning the past and present. It utilizes all the best romance tropes while exploring some heavy subject matter in the Georgian Regency era. Because of how daunting combining those narrative threads seems, it may surprise fans how delicately and successfully Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story tells this chapter of Charlotte and George’s lives.
The prequel faces the ambitious wall of reintroducing Charlotte and George, as played by India Amarteifio and Corey Mylchreest, and the show cleverly and sparingly uses Golda Rosheuvel and James Fleet’s iterations of the Bridgerton characters, respectively. However, instead of going over it, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story accepts the challenge and paints an intimate portrait representing Charlotte and George as well-rounded characters. By pinpointing critical moments throughout the early days of their marriage and expanding them, this show encapsulates the characters’ complexities while telling a beautiful and emotionally resonant love story.
Charlotte and George’s Meet-Cute is for the Ages
The first and one of the most relevant points of their romance is their meet-cute in Season 1, Episode 1, “Queen to Be,” which establishes their dynamic and showcases their chemistry in seconds. Charlotte and George’s banter is as engaging and electric as when their hands touch for the first time. Their clever dialogue gradually shifts from a defensive sharpness, especially on Charlotte’s behalf, to a softer curiosity. The sun-lit garden setting doubles as an element of foreshadowing (as well as a motif) and the perfect public sphere for Charlotte and George to meet. The limited societal boundaries within a garden (as opposed to the church they’re both avoiding) pair nicely with George’s efforts for Charlotte to know him as “Just George.”
Then, Season 1, Episode 4, “Holding the King,” reframes this meet-cute from George’s perspective, adding harrowing context to George’s concerns that Charlotte may view him as a beast or troll before they ever meet. Their first interaction is undoubtedly the beginning of their love story, but it’s the start of something new, too. It’s Charlotte’s chance to find a spark of hope in this life that her brother decides for her because George encourages her to choose her marital fate. It’s telling that George’s chance to escape from the abuse the doctor inflicts (that will only escalate) and get fresh air in a space where he feels safe is when he meets Charlotte. The set-up speaks to George and Charlotte’s relationship for decades to come.
Charlotte and George Set the Scene at the Danbury Ball
Even without the knowledge of the history that these characters are inspired by, or their appearances in Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story showcases the totality of the early days of Charlotte and George’s marriage — for better and worse. Season 1, Episode 3, “Even Days,” is a fine example of those highs and lows before Charlotte learns about George’s health. It turns up the enemies-to-lovers angst but settles into emotional intimacy that is not new for the Bridgerton universe to explore; Season 2 does an excellent job with Anthony and Kate. The couple starts to see each other for who they are rather than what society wants them to be. That introspective work does wonders for their relationship and the Danbury ball.
George’s words, “I’ve always been this. An exhibit instead of a person,” retrospectively ring all the more devastating after “Holding the King.” But, on the other hand, it’s sweet that Charlotte sympathizes with George and is encouraging that she sees a more fulfilling future for him with her. Thus, it’s a sweeping gesture of their love and the future they envision for England that they take to the dance floor at Danbury’s ball to the tune of a Vitamin String Quartet cover of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You.” Beyond the significant sociopolitical impacts of such an appearance by the King and Queen that do not go understated within the series, this ball marks a turning point for the couple. One that everyone can see, including Princess Augusta.
Charlotte and George’s Romance Isn’t Frozen – It’s Timeless
George’s mother mentions that she has never seen George as happy as he is at that ball with Charlotte; the light is in his eyes once more. Charlotte pulls that brightness out of him. George even tells Charlotte, “You bring the light,” in Season 1, Episode 6, “Crown Jewels,” when she vows to stay by his side when so few others have. Charlotte continues to do so even in the present when rumors swirl the ton about how dire the King’s condition is and how lively the relationship between him and Charlotte can be during such a time. Charlotte’s love for her husband knows no bounds. So much so that Charlotte struggles to see her children’s needs beyond the need to continue George’s line, which he repeatedly renames “Our line.”
