Bridgerton Star Adjoa Andoh Declares Queen Charlotte Was a Woman of Colour in UK History

Adjoa Andoh, known for her role in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, has reignited a heated discussion about the real-life heritage of Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III.

The conversation centers on whether the 18th-century queen could be accurately described as a woman of color, as depicted in the Regency-era drama.

“Queen Charlotte Was a Woman of Colour”

Speaking confidently about the historical figure, Ms Andoh insisted that the portrayal in Bridgerton is not fictionalized for modern sensibilities.

“Queen Charlotte wasn’t fictionalized as a woman of colour, she was a woman of colour.

You just have to do your historical research,” she said. Fellow actress Golda Rosheuvel portrays the monarch in the series.

Ms Andoh has a history of commenting on the representation of diversity in the royal family.

In 2023, she criticized the Buckingham Palace balcony line-up during King Charles’ coronation, calling it “terribly white.”

She believes Netflix’s series provides a more nuanced and historically grounded depiction of the queen.

Tracing Queen Charlotte’s Ancestry

Historical records indicate that Charlotte, born in Germany, does have ancestry that traces back to a Moorish relative, about 500 years prior to her lifetime.

While some viewers question how much this qualifies her as a woman of color, Ms Andoh emphasized the importance of acknowledging even distant lineage.

However, critics argue that focusing on Queen Charlotte’s alleged ancestry can overshadow other actual women of color in history.

One fan commented: “The chances of me having black ancestry are way bigger than that and I’m not a woman of colour.”

Addressing Historical Context

Ms Andoh also highlighted that if television shows aim to portray history realistically, they should not shy away from uncomfortable topics.

She noted that Queen Charlotte was not an abolitionist and that historical narratives could include issues such as the transatlantic slave trade.

Reaction to Coronation Comments

During ITV’s coverage of King Charles’ coronation, Ms Andoh remarked again on the lack of visible diversity during the event, referencing the balcony scene as “terribly white.”

Her comments sparked immediate backlash, resulting in 4,165 complaints on May 6, with an additional 4,087 complaints lodged between May 9 and 15.

“I was struck looking at all those young people, seeing the rich diversity of the Abbey compared to the terribly white balcony. It left a strong impression on me,” she said.

Impact and Consequences

Ms Andoh’s remarks have fueled broader conversations about representation in both media and royal events.

Advocates for diversity see the discussion as an opportunity to highlight historical figures of color, while critics argue that overemphasizing distant ancestry may distort historical accuracy.

The controversy illustrates ongoing tensions around race, representation, and historical storytelling in the UK.

What’s Next?

The debate over Queen Charlotte’s heritage and her portrayal in media is far from over.

Streaming platforms, historians, and cultural commentators are likely to weigh in, potentially influencing how future period dramas approach historical accuracy and diversity.

Summary

Adjoa Andoh’s outspoken stance has reignited debates on race, history, and representation.

By defending the portrayal of Queen Charlotte as a woman of color, she has drawn both praise for inclusivity and criticism for historical interpretation.

The conversation highlights how modern media can shape perceptions of the past, while also raising questions about who gets represented on screen.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Adjoa Andoh insists Queen Charlotte was a woman of color, defending Bridgerton’s portrayal.
• Historical ancestry traces back to one Moorish relative 500 years prior.
• Critics argue distant lineage does not define Queen Charlotte as a woman of color.
• Ms Andoh criticized the “terribly white” Buckingham Palace balcony during King Charles’ coronation.
• Public reaction included over 8,000 formal complaints about her comments.
• The debate highlights the ongoing tension between historical accuracy and representation in media.