A brand new prequel spin-off series is on its way, ready to shine a spotlight on one of the show’s most beloved characters.
The release date for arrives this week, with the cast led by returning star and newcomer in the titular role.
The royal figure has been a focal point of the TV series since its beginning, picking out the Diamond of each social season before months of matchmaking ensue.
Her own show will allow viewers to uncover what Charlotte was like before and just after she became the queen, how she and her husband King George III (Corey Mylchreest) bonded with one another and went on to forge a strong and enduring partnership.
What happened to Queen Charlotte the last time that we met her? Here’s what you need to know.
What happened to Queen Charlotte at the end of Bridgerton season 2?
Throughout the second season of Bridgerton, one of the Queen’s primary aims has remained her ambition to uncover the true identity of Lady Whistledown, who steers the gossip dominating the Ton with her regular newsletters.
After naming Edwina Sharma (Charithra Chandran) the Queen enthusiastically supports the news of the debutante’s engagement to Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), offering to sponsor the nuptials herself as a sign of her heartfelt approval.
However, the wedding plans are left in disarray when Edwina realises that Anthony and her sister Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) have feelings for each other, and she runs away at the altar.
While the Queen is initially irate over the wedding not going to plan, later on, she steps in to lend a helping hand to Kate and Anthony.
The pair are seen dancing at a ball, unable to hide their feelings for each other… and rather than let the Ton gossip and (rightfully) believe that the wedding was called off because of Kate and Anthony, Queen Charlotte insists that it was her idea all along.
Meanwhile, in season two, the royal also ends up accusing Eloise Bridgerton (Claudia Jessie) of being Lady Whistledown, which of course has her barking up the completely wrong tree.
Following Edwina and Anthony’s non-wedding, Queen Charlotte is caught unawares in one scene when her husband King George III (James Fleet) bursts into the room in a confused state, during which Edwina steps forward to comfort him.
Is Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story a prequel?
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is a prequel – but in actual fact, it’s a little bit more complicated than that.
The story is told in two different time periods – the present day, with the Queen Charlotte that we already know and love played by Golda, and the past, with India starring as the royal in her younger years.
The show flits between past and present, shedding further light on how Queen Charlotte and her peers, including Lady Danbury and Violet, Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton, came to become the pillars of sophistication that they grew to be.
Adjoa Andoh and Ruth Gemmell return as Lady Danbury and Violet respectively, while Arsema Thomas and Connie Jenkins-Greig star as the younger versions of the characters.
Hugh Sachs also reprises his role as Brimsley, the Queen’s trusted secretary, with Sam Clemmett stepping into the footman’s shoes in his younger years.
Corey Mylchreest stars as the young King George III, while Michelle Fairley portrays his domineering mother, Princess Augusta.
When could Bridgerton season 3 come out?
While there is no release date as of yet for Bridgerton season three, it’s expected to drop on Netflix at some point this year.
The first season of the show premiered on Christmas Day in 2020, followed by season two on March 25 2022.
The third outing, which will focus on the love story between Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) has wrapped filming, so it’s only a matter of time before viewers are able to watch the latest instalments.
With a fourth season also already confirmed, there’s plenty of tales from the world of Bridgerton still yet to be explored.
Bridgerton is available to watch on Netflix. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story premieres on Thursday May 4 on Netflix.
