Lady Whistledown is the driving force of the gossip in Bridgerton, and the distribution of her letters is always an anticipated moment in the show. Every member of the Bridgerton family is very familiar with Whistledown’s publishings, although her identity is shrouded in mystery. However, at the end of season 1, audiences discover that the one and only Penelope Featherington is Lady Whistledown.
In every season of Bridgerton, Penelope takes her quill and informs the Ton about all the latest scandals and exciting matches of the season. Whistledown’s narrations and letters are rife with drama and are very opinionated, although some are more relevant than others. While Whistledown’s reports in certain episodes are because the news is simply too juicy to ignore, some of Penelope’s publications hold much more personal meaning.
24Diamond Of The First Water
Season 1, Episode 1
Lady Whistledown’s First Announcement To The Ton
Bridgerton’s first episode contains several letters from Lady Whistledown and, ironically, Penelope introducing herself to the community as the author ruffles a lot of feathers. Her breakdown of the Bridgerton and Featherington families is a great way to set up the Bridgerton characters and establish who they are to audiences, but Penelope is careful in her phrasing.
It’s hard for the residents to avoid talking about Whistledown’s mysterious letters suddenly appearing around the surrounding area.
Whistledown clutches the attention of the Ton on a day that should really be about the debutante. While they are still the main focus, it’s hard for the residents to avoid talking about Whistledown’s mysterious letters suddenly appearing around the surrounding area. However, she ensures that her first letter asserts her dominance by telling the Ton that her judgment is more important than Queen Charlotte’s.
Lady Whistledown Chooses Daphne As The Diamond Of The Season
Although Whistledown is adamant that the Ton will never know who she is, she very much knows them, establishing an aura of dominance. With Whistledown’s name on everyone’s lips, her decision to label Daphne as the season’s Incomparable is perfectly timed. Penelope sees Daphne’s debut with her own eyes, and she knows nobody can deny that the Queen’s reaction is favorable.
However, in Penelope’s home, her mother is far from pleased about Whistledown’s opinions. Portia’s youngest daughter doesn’t hesitate to pull focus from Bridgerton’s Featherington family and place it on the titular group, although it makes sense, considering that Penelope doesn’t like being perceived. Even Violet believes that Whistledown is rather harsh about the Featheringtons, unaware that Penelope is doing this to avoid suspicion.
Lady Whistledown Dwells On Lady Danbury’s Party
In the build-up to the ball hosted by Bridgerton’s Lady Danbury, Whistledown builds friction in the Ton by discussing the pressures of the first of many social events of the season. Penelope already fears being a spinster herself, but she isn’t afraid to spark the same worry into the hearts of her peers. She also happily calls out some of the male population for their “terribly rakish ways” and shames them into reevaluating their priorities over marriage.
What is surprising, albeit quite funny, is that Penelope mocks her mother’s choice of dresses. The Featherington style is undoubtedly bold and unique, but as Pen proves in later seasons, it isn’t to everybody’s taste. This letter demonstrates just how confident she is as Whistledown, especially as, at this moment, she doesn’t seem concerned about repercussions over slandering her own family.
Lady Whistledown Shifts Her Attention To Marina Thompson
Whistledown’s sudden announcement that Daphne is no longer the true diamond is a truly gossip-worthy moment. Lady Whistledown’s decision to turn on Daphne and focus on Marina is chaotic, but it is also a clever one, seeing as she had hoped to push her debut back a year, just like Eloise.
However, Penelope’s actions are more layered than this. She knows that the Queen will hate being wrong more than anything else, and she causes conflict by suggesting this. Whistledown’s report also impacts Daphne, whose many suitors start to dwindle, which causes her to panic over her prospects on the marriage market. What’s even better, though, is that Pen pokes at Portia’s ego by mentioning that the true diamond is under her roof, but she isn’t one of her daughters.
Lady Whistledown Updates The Ton On The Bridgertons, Simon, & Marina
Whistledown continues to keep the Ton’s gossip mill grinding by feeding information over Simon’s adamance in not taking a bride. Despite this, Penelope creates more chaos by planting the idea in the mothers’ heads that the Duke of Hastings’ mind can be changed. However, she also shares the news that Colin has set his sights on Marina.
Pen tries to remain as straightforward as she can with these comments, but mentioning that Colin will sweep Marina off her “pretty little slippered feet” is one of several subtle Bridgerton details that prove her jealousy. However, Whistledown also ensures that Daphne’s reputation continues to slip by making the Ton question whether Nigel, the “town idiot,” can “reverse her rather dire circumstances,” although she likely does this simply to tarnish the Bridgerton name and to put her father off agreeing to an engagement between Colin and Marina.
Lady Whistledown Announces Daphne & Simon
Whistledown’s letter about the Vauxhall Gardens party is very impactful. Of course, while it is all staged, Penelope is quick to report Daphne and Simon’s implied courting, reestablishing the eldest Bridgerton daughter as the season’s Diamond. Pen also makes sure to assert her dominance as the Ton’s most knowledgeable by stating that if anyone would share how the pair got together, it would be her.
Pen appears to be more confused by their supposed relationship than anything else, although she seemingly thrives on the new content she has to play with. While she doesn’t mention this in the letter, it’s interesting that Whistledown starts to charge for her reports from this moment. It shows that Pen isn’t to be messed with, but also that she is very aware that she has the Ton hanging on her every word.
23Shock And Delight
Season 1, Episode 2
Lady Whistledown Points Out Daphne Entertaining Others
Lady Whistledown is far quieter in season 1, episode 2, although she does start by recounting the events of the previous night and labeling Simon as a rake, a word used in Bridgerton and a term from history that refers to a liar or scoundrel. Her next publication comes later on, in which she comments on Daphne’s sudden flurry of new suitors.
While Penelope isn’t aware of Simon and Daphne’s arrangement, she does cause conflict by questioning why Daphne is bothering to entertain other men when she has the Duke. Even though her comments are minimal and direct, Penelope knows that she is creating speculation in the Ton and also getting in Daphne’s head.
These remarks also encourage other suitors to chase after Daphne, which weakens Simon and Daphne’s act even more. Pen sees the two walking together, so it’s possible that she feels frustrated that Daphne is getting so much attention when she already has the attention of the most wanted man in the Ton, but it’s more likely she is simply enjoying reporting the gossip.
Lady Whistledown Reveals Nigel Berbrooke Has A Love Child
Thanks to Violet Bridgerton and her maids, Lady Whistledown discovers that Nigel Berbrooke is a far from ideal suitor for Daphne. As the news of Nigel’s illegitimate son spreads through the Ton, Whistledown doesn’t hesitate to put it in writing for everyone to learn for themselves.
What’s so great about this moment is that Penelope shares Whistledown’s publication with her sisters over tea as if she hasn’t written it herself. Even if Pen isn’t sure whether it is true or not, she is clearly more invested in Daphne and Simon, and so she does the Bridgerton woman a favor by spreading the gossip even further.
22Art Of The Swoon
Season 1, Episode 3
Lady Whistledown Shines A Light On Daphne’s Proposals
Lady Whistledown kicks off “Art of the Swoon” by sharing with the Ton that Daphne has turned down three proposals in a week. Penelope believes Daphne is waiting on Simon, but upon closer inspection of her words, it’s apparent that she is actually voicing her own frustrations over the marriage process.
Pen highlights that Daphne is essentially being picky and that the longer she waits, the more risk she’ll miss out. However, Pen adds that she is also waiting on the perfect suitor, which is a subtle nod to Colin.
21An Affair Of Honor
Season 1, Episode 4
Whistledown doesn’t have much to share in “An Affair of Honor,” although she does comment on how easily a woman can fall from grace if she enjoys herself too much at a party. However, it’s likely that Penelope is too distracted by Marina’s unusual behavior to write anything of note.
20The Duke And I
Season 1, Episode 5
Lady Whistledown Confirms Simon & Daphne’s Engagement
While Penelope is rather distracted by Eloise’s theories to write much as Whistledown in “An Affair of Honor,” she is quick to report on Simon and Daphne’s engagement in “The Duke and I.” This is, of course, a shock to the Queen and Prince Friedrich, which is likely a good thing for Penelope, who takes every opportunity to criticize the Queen.
However, she does cause more speculation by questioning why the pair needs a special marriage license. Pen enjoys implying a possible scandal, and this is exactly what she does by making these comments, further infuriating the Queen. While these events need to be shared, it is rather risky, seeing as Penelope is close to being discovered by Eloise.
19Swish
Season 1, Episode 6
Lady Whistledown Reveals Colin & Marina’s Plans To Marry
While Whistledown’s first letter in “Swish” starts with her congratulating Simon and Daphne on their marriage, the narrative swiftly changes when Penelope grows jealous of Colin and Marina. Despite caring about Marina, her heart is really with Colin.
Regardless, Pen shares the news, which upsets Violet, who fears that Colin’s relationship is progressing too fast. Interestingly, Pen’s announcement isn’t part of the episode’s voice-over, but her sudden change in attitude toward Marina encapsulates everything she is feeling perfectly.
Lady Whistledown Spills On Marina’s Pregnancy
Later in the episode, however, Penelope’s jealousy gets the better of her. Knowing that Marina has been hiding a pregnancy since her arrival, it isn’t long before Whistledown shares this news with the Ton. Much to Colin’s surprise, he learns that his soon-to-be wife is carrying a child at the same time as his neighbors.
| IMDB’s Highest Rated Episodes of Bridgerton | ||
| Episode Number | Title | IMDB Score |
| S3.E4 | Old Friends | 8.6 |
| S2.E8 | The Viscount Who Loved Me | 8.4 |
| S2.E3 | A Bee in Your Bonnet | 8.2 |
| S3.E5 | Tick Tock | 8.2 |
| S2.E7 | Harmony | 8.2 |
Lady Whistledown’s voice-over in Bridgerton does imply that Penelope doesn’t want to do this, but she does so for the sake of Colin’s reputation and happiness. This is also clear when Pen breaks down in Eloise’s arms. While it is a cruel and even cowardly way to reveal such a shocking thing, Pen genuinely believes that Colin deserves to know the truth, but she doesn’t want to be the one to tell him.
18Oceans Apart
Season 1, Episode 7
Lady Whistledown Comments On The Fallout Of Marina’s Disgrace
As Whistledown continues to report on Marina in “Oceans Apart,” she recognizes the impact that the news has on her family. The Featheringtons are at the center of a huge scandal, and their reliability is called into question. However, Penelope doesn’t hesitate to slander both Colin and Marina for their choices.
Other than Colin and Marina, the only thing worth mentioning is Simon and Daphne’s lack of guests, although this is put down to the pair enjoying wedded bliss. Later in the episode, Whistledown herself remarks that there is nothing of note to report, but she knows that the Ton, especially the Queen, is anticipating her next issue.
17After The Rain
Season 1, Episode 8
Bridgerton’s season 1 ending sees Whistledown wrap up the season’s events and share some of the lesser expected pairings of the year. She mentions that the Hastings’ ball, the last occasion of the season, could bring “anticipation or dread,” although she later congratulates the new couple on their hosting. At the end of “After the Rain,” audiences finally learn that Lady Whistledown is Penelope.
16Capital R Rake
Season 2, Episode 1
Lady Whistledown Changes Her Attitude On Naming A Diamond
After the dramatics of Bridgerton season 1, Penelope carefully times Whistledown’s first letter of season 2. However, she reemerges in “Capital R Rake” with a bang by challenging Queen Charlotte to name a Diamond of the season. Pen is incredibly confident in doing this, knowing that the Queen is keen to figure out Whistledown’s identity, yet she doesn’t hesitate to call out the monarch.
To add insult to injury, Whistledown suggests that it is her place to name the Diamond rather than the Queen. However, by the end of the episode, Whistledown decides that the idea of a Diamond is ludicrous and that women should be celebrated for their achievements. This is mainly because of the new Lord Featherington’s arrival, as Pen realizes that titles aren’t earned and don’t really hold any true meaning, although it is also a way of her supporting Eloise’s outlook on life.
15Off To The Races
Season 2
While Whistledown does publish letters in “Off to the Races,” the contents of them aren’t directly discussed by the characters. In her voice-over, she generally comments on the new season, but it’s possible that Eloise’s determination to find out who Whistledown is deters Penelope from writing anything too scandalous. However, Penelope’s secret is at risk of becoming public when Genevive sees her buying supplies for Whistledown’s publications.
14A Bee In Your Bonnet
Season 2, Episode 3
Lady Whistledown Voices Her Support To Genevive
It isn’t until episode 3, “A Bee in Your Bonnet,” that Whistledown reports anything new. The most important part of her narrative is her support of seamstress Genevive. Although the Ton doesn’t question why that may be, behind closed doors, it’s so that Penelope can keep herself hidden.
Despite recognizing Pen near the printers, Bridgerton’s Madame Delacroix keeps her Whistledown secret. In a clever and subtle way, Pen thanks her for not revealing she is Whistledown, even though she isn’t initially sure whether Genevive realized it was her or not. Of course, this is also insurance for Penelope, who fears that her name will be passed along to the Queen.
13Victory
Season 2, Episode 4
In “Victory,” many of the Ton’s residents head off to the countryside, and so they believe that Whistledown won’t have much to discuss. While this is true, Penelope does gather new information for her next publication, including news of Prudence’s engagement, although Whistledown does admit in her voice-over that she “ feels not all [of it] is fit to print. ”
12An Unthinkable Fate
Season 2, Episode 5
The direct content of Whistledown’s letters is once again unclear in “An Unthinkable Fate,” although she does make statements that are relevant to the episode’s events. She starts the episode by teasing her readers over the “high stakes” of marriage, but Whistledown later talks about the importance of duty as Kate and Anthony’s Bridgerton love story progresses, with the eldest Bridgerton conflicted by his desires.
11The Choice
Season 2, Episode 6
Whistledown’s remarks are minimal in “The Choice,” although her voice-over toward the end of the episode does hint at her identity. Penelope references the issues surrounding Prudence’s dowry, mentioning that animals do not require such a thing, and that marriage is such a distinctively “human act.” Surprisingly, this small detail isn’t picked up by anyone who could then suspect one of the Featheringtons to be Whistledown.
10Harmony
Season 2, Episode 7
Lady Whistledown Discusses Anthony’s Canceled Wedding
Whistledown begins “Harmony” by immediately reporting on Anthony and Edwina’s canceled wedding, although she ensures to use it as a reason to call out the Queen once again. Whistledown even admits that some of her writings are considered “chatter and speculation” but that everything she shares is absolutely factual.
Interestingly, Penelope is in attendance at the wedding. However, Penelope is unaware of what actually happens at the altar, which Whistledown without an answer for once. Despite this, it doesn’t stop her from fueling the fire and encouraging the Ton to form their own theories.
Lady Whistledown Writes About Eloise
Penelope’s actions come back to haunt her when Eloise becomes the Queen’s prime suspect. However, Eloise’s own hunt for Whistledown doesn’t help her case, either. Fearing for her friend, Whistledown writes about Eloise associating with Theo in Bridgerton, calling him a political radicalist.
While Pen doesn’t want to ruin Eloise’s reputation, she knows that being blamed for Whistledown’s words is far worse, and she hopes that this will deter the Queen.
The scene in which Pen writes this makes it immediately clear how difficult she finds it to betray her friend. While Pen doesn’t want to ruin Eloise’s reputation, she knows that being blamed for Whistledown’s words is far worse, and she hopes that this will deter the Queen. Pen even throws her quill into the fire from guilt after finishing, knowing that there is a chance Eloise will figure out that she is Whistledown
9The Viscount Who Loved Me
Season 2, Episode 8
After Whistledown writes about Eloise, she takes a step back and keeps quiet, something that the Ton takes note of in “The Viscount Who Loved Me.” Penelope spends the majority of the episode in a panic as Eloise grows closer to discovering the truth, but after Kate and Anthony’s off-screen Bridgerton wedding, Whistledown returns at the very end in a voice-over to warn her readers that “ this author cannot keep quiet for long. ”
8Out Of The Shadows
Season 3, Episode 1
Lady Whistledown Calls Out The Queen For Not Naming A Diamond & Colin For Changing
After Francesca’s debut, Lady Whistledown changes her attitude about the season’s Diamond and once again returns to the idea of the Queen picking a candidate. However, she is more interested in talking about Colin’s return from Europe. Penelope immediately feels bad about her comments because she tells her sisters that Whistledown is wrong about Colin, although she is clearly hurt by his failure to recognize her potential again.
Of course, Pen’s words are fresh from hearing Colin’s harsh response to the two of them possibly courting. The sharp statements about his sudden change of personality, implying that he is a fake, are layered with Pen’s pain.
7How Bright The Moon
Season 3, Episode 2
Lady Whistledown Talks About Older Brides
Still sore from Colin’s rejection, Whistledown’s first letter in “How Bright the Moon” is very reflective of Penelope’s situation. Her discussion of the women who marry after they believe they are past their prime is interesting, and she considers them to have avoided spinsterhood by managing to find a Bridgerton spouse at the last moment, using Kate as one of her examples.
As this is Penelope’s third season, she is no longer as intriguing or compelling as the girls making their debut, and it’s apparent from Whistledown’s writing that she is more aware of this than ever. Although Pen would actually be considered the epitome of beauty in this time period, in Bridgerton, she is fading into the background. However, she does seem to have a glimmer of optimism for her own future.
Lady Whistledown Reveals Penelope & Colin’s Arrangement
After partygoers overhear Penelope’s arrangement with Colin, she is forced to make a Whistledown report on the events to cover her own back. This is an unbelievably hard moment for Pen, and it’s heartbreaking to see her watch from her window as the latest edition of Whistledown is delivered to her neighbors.
Bridgerton has a Rotten Tomatoes critics’ score of 84%.
However, it does prove just how brave Pen is, and how committed she is to hiding Whistledown’s identity. Knowing that Eloise is aware of the truth, Pen also can’t allow herself to be a hypocrite after the Theo debacle. She sacrifices herself in order to keep her profession afloat, even though it impacts her chances of finding a suitor considerably.
6Forces Of Nature
Season 3, Episode 3
Lady Whistledown Admires Francesca’s Pairing
Penelope works hard to keep the attention off herself and Colin in “Forces of Nature” by resuming with her normal content and discussing Francesca’s pairing with Lord Samadani. However, she also takes the opportunity to praise the Queen for favoring one of the debutants finally.
While Whistledown’s letter is generally positive, Pen’s true feelings are still subtly layered in. Her statement about the remaining women chasing Francesca’s “leftovers” also warns them that their ambitions for a worthy suitor can also be their downfall. This is clearly an indirect nod to her own feelings for Colin, and how her years pining after him make his lack of reciprocation that much more soul-destroying.
5Old Friends
Season 3, Episode 4
Whistledown is far too distracted to publish anything notable in “Old Friends,” and not just because there is little gossip to share. Penelope is intrigued by Lord Debling’s interest in her, but she is still conflicted over her feelings for Colin, so there simply isn’t enough time for Whistledown to write anything too convoluted. However, she still ensures to provide an enigmatic voice-over on matters of the heart.
4Tick Tock
Season 3, Episode 5
Lady Whistledown Reveals Colin & Penelope’s Engagement
Whistledown’s riskiest publication is easily the announcement of Penelope and Colin’s underlying romance blossoming into an engagement in “Tick Tock.” While it is nerve-wracking enough for Pen to report on herself again, it’s even more worrying for her to share news that very few know about, which puts her in the spotlight and could easily make her readers question how Whistledown knows.
Pen knows that she is immediately in danger of being exposed by Eloise, too, but she also knows that Whistledown has to keep up with recent gossip to avoid any suspicion. What’s rather sad, although not surprising, is that Pen allows her mother to find out through Whistledown rather than telling her directly, which highlights the strained relationship between her and Portia.
Lady Whistledown Attacks Portia Featherington
After Portia accepts the engagement and is keen to push forward, Penelope is furious that this is what finally gets her mother to pay proper attention to her. Whistledown’s letter criticizes Portia for trying to “ attach herself to the Bridgertons ,” and while she also mentions the Queen’s latest attempt to find out who she is, her focus is on Lady Featherington.
Penelope’s comments are both fair and unfair. Portia absolutely should be more considerate of her daughter , and she should have taken more interest in her prospects from her debut instead of when Colin and Penelope’s marriage is finally on the cards. However, because of her husband’s death and the financial strain she faces, Portia’s change of heart isn’t the worst thing. She realizes what is important now and wants the best for her children, even if it means setting her sights on the Bridgertons’ wealth.
3Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Season 3, Episode 6
Bridgerton season 3, episode 6 , “Romancing Mister Bridgerton,” begins with the Ton’s confusion over Whistledown failing to publish on schedule, with many speculating that the Queen had finally caught up with the writer. However, it makes sense that Penelope has gone quiet, seeing as Cressida randomly claims that she is Whistledown at the end of “Tick Tock.” While trying to write the next edition while also planning her wedding, Penelope’s Lady Whistledown secret is eventually discovered by Colin at the end of the episode.
2Joining Of Hands
Season 3, Episode 7
Lady Whistledown Denies That She Is Cressida Cowper
The last letter under Whistledown’s name comes in “Joining of Hands,” although it serves a purpose other than providing gossip. Following Cressida’s false admission that she is Lady Whistledown, Penelope writes another issue that is distributed shortly after the Cowpers’ version.
Cressida’s glory doesn’t last long, as Whistledown confirms that it is a lie, but she doesn’t reveal her true identity either. This shows Penelope at her bravest, especially as Colin knows the truth. Pen is unable to allow Cressida to take responsibility for Whistledown, the good and the bad, but her secret isn’t hidden for much longer.
1Into The Light
Season 3, Episode 8
Lady Whistledown’s First Letter As Penelope Featherington
The very last letter from Lady Whistledown in Bridgerton , for now at least, is signed with Penelope’s name. After the Queen publicly exposes her in “Into the Light,” Pen admits to her misdeeds. However, much to her surprise, the partygoers accept her confession, as does the Queen. With an extreme amount of love behind her, especially from the Bridgerton siblings , Pen writes her first piece as herself.
Penelope is finally free from her anguish and the fear of the Bridgerton world’s hate, and her preparedness for “ what the future may hold ” is apparent in her final letter.
Penelope’s speech to the Ton about what she has done is powerful and profound. Knowing that she has been as honest as possible and not relied on excuses, Penelope knows that she can share her thoughts with the world without judging herself. Penelope is finally free from her anguish and the fear of the Bridgerton world’s hate, and her preparedness for “ what the future may hold ” is apparent in her final letter.
