...By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Netflix has released a six-part prequel to the hit show “Bridgerton,” titled “Queen Charlotte.”
The show focuses on the story of how Charlotte became Queen consort of England and married King George III.
The show charts their relationship, Charlotte’s prominence, and her attempts to matchmake her children.
The release of “Queen Charlotte” is meant to tide fans over until the release of the third season of “Bridgerton.”
Queen Charlotte was a real member of the Royal Family and was Queen of Great Britain and Ireland from her marriage to King George III in 1761 until her death in 1818.
Charlotte was born Sophia Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz on May 19, 1744.
She was the youngest daughter of Duke Charles Louis Frederick of Mecklenburg-Strelitz and Princess Elizabeth Albertina of Saxe-Hildburghausen.
When King George III of Britain succeeded to the throne in 1760, he was 22 and unmarried.
As the then 17-year-old Charlotte was a minor German princess with no interest in politics, George considered her a suitable wife.
The couple married in 1761, six hours after Charlotte’s first arrival to the UK.
At the time, she spoke no English, and the King instructed her shortly after their wedding “not to meddle” in politics.
The marriage lasted 57 years and produced 15 children, 13 of whom survived to adulthood.
They included two future British monarchs, George IV and William IV, as well as Charlotte, Princess Royal, who became Queen of Württemberg and Prince Ernest Augustus, who became King of Hanover.
While Charlotte remained largely outside of politics, she had some discreet and indirect influence on political affairs through her husband.
She used her closeness with the King to keep herself informed, made recommendations for offices, and was particularly interested in German politics.
Charlotte was also keenly interested in the arts and botany.
She helped expand Kew Gardens and is credited with introducing the Christmas tree to Britain after decorating one for a Christmas party for children from Windsor in 1800.
Although the original “Bridgerton” series is based on the novel series by Julia Quinn, the new prequel spin-off series focusing on Queen Charlotte is not.
In the novels, Queen Charlotte does not appear, despite her key role in the first two seasons of the “Bridgerton” show.
However, Bridgerton producer Shonda Rhimes has teamed up with Quinn to write a new book that ties Queen Charlotte’s story to the rest of the book series.
When Queen Charlotte died in 1818, her oldest son George had already been the Prince Regent for almost seven years, acting for his father during the King’s mental illness.
The King died just over a year later, and her son became King George IV.
Queen Charlotte is the longest-serving female consort and second-longest-serving consort in British history.
