Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story opens with an episode that wastes no time diving into political intrigue, romance, and the weight of duty. As the prequel to Bridgerton, this spin-off sets the stage for a young Charlotte’s journey, offering a rich blend of history and Shondaland’s signature storytelling.
The episode begins with a crisis—King George III has no legitimate heir, and the British monarchy is at risk of losing stability. The solution? A royal marriage. Charlotte (India Amarteifio) is chosen as the perfect candidate, hailing from a noble German family. However, her journey to England is anything but smooth.
Upon arrival, Charlotte quickly realizes that she is expected to be a mere pawn in a larger game. The episode captures her resistance and her spirited nature, making it clear that she is not one to simply accept fate without question. Her first encounter with young King George (Corey Mylchreest) is both awkward and intriguing. While George appears charming and kind, there is an unmistakable sense of mystery surrounding him—he refuses to see Charlotte before the wedding, a move that raises suspicion and frustration.
The wedding itself is a grand affair, yet there’s an undeniable tension in the air. Charlotte, who had moments earlier attempted to escape by climbing a garden wall, finds herself bound by duty, stepping into an uncertain future with a husband she barely knows. Meanwhile, the episode subtly weaves in the political and social implications of their union, particularly the unspoken racial tensions that come with Charlotte, a woman of mixed race, ascending to the throne.
As the episode concludes, one thing is clear—Charlotte may have been chosen to secure the monarchy’s future, but she is determined to carve out her own path, setting the stage for a dramatic and emotional season ahead.
