In Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Corey Mylchreest’s Young King George leaves a lasting impression not only because of his royal majesty but also because of the emotional depth and hidden wounds behind his sad eyes. As the ruler of a mighty empire, George is the embodiment of a personal tragedy: a prison in his own mind.
From the very first episodes, it becomes clear to the audience that George is not the king everyone thinks he is. He is often absent from important events, hiding in Kew House and avoiding contact with others — even his new wife, Queen Charlotte. Why would a powerful man live like an exile in his own palace?
A silent battle with mental illness
The greatest tragedy of Young King George is his mental illness, which is clearly implied to be bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. This was something that was deeply painful for George, not only because of the symptoms but also because of the shame and pressure to hide them. Mental illness was highly stigmatized in that society, especially for a king—who was seen as the perfect model, not allowed to be weak or unstable.
George not only fought his illness, but also had to pretend that he was in control, even when his psychotic episodes caused him to panic, scream, or hurt himself. The scenes of him being taken away for Dr. Monro’s brutal treatment—from restraints, cold baths, and bindings—reflected a dark period in medical history, when people were treated as guinea pigs because they were “different.”
A Tearful Love for Queen Charlotte
George and Charlotte’s love initially seemed like a fairy tale: an arranged marriage that turned out to be fateful. But the more George loved Charlotte, the more he feared hurting her. That’s why he keeps his distance, and Charlotte doesn’t understand why her husband is so cold. George wants to protect her from his own unstable ego, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness.
The moment George says “I am a madman” is the pinnacle of despair. It’s not just a confession, but the anguished cry of a man who longs to be loved but doesn’t dare to love, because he thinks he’s not worthy.
A king caught between two worlds
The tragedy of young King George is not only his illness, but also his being caught between his duty and his true self. As king of England, he is forced to be tough, wise, and stable. But as George – a human being – he is fragile, damaged, and unable to be himself. He has become a symbol, denied the right to suffer, to be weak.
That struggle makes George live two lives in one body. George in public: strong, quiet, authoritative. And George behind the scenes: lonely, struggling, longing for a moment of peace.
Charlotte – the only light in George’s darkness
No matter how painful it was, Queen Charlotte’s love was the only bright spot that kept George grounded in reality. She did not leave him, even though she knew he would never be completely normal. The scene where Charlotte crawled under the table with George in the final episode is one of the most touching images of the film – a testament to true love that transcends reason and illness.
Charlotte could not cure George, but she chose to stay by his side. And it was that love that helped George feel that he was no longer alone.
The young King George is a symbolic figure for those who suffer from mental illness but are forced to “stabilize” for social responsibilities. He represents the dark side of power, where the crown does not bring freedom but chains. But he’s also a symbol of hope, because true love can help people overcome even the most terrible things.
If Queen Charlotte gets a sequel, George’s untold story—the years that followed, his battles with the darkness within—is what audiences deserve to see.
