Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte vs her real life counterpart - how similar are they?

Bridgerton's Queen Charlotte has captured the imaginations of viewers across the world since the show premiered on Christmas Day. Netflix’s latest hit has got viewers across the world hooked, with some even claiming that the projected viewing figure for it’s first 28 days is 63 million households. The costumes, intrigue and romance keep us coming back for more. But of course it’s the characters that make this show so compelling. With a glittering cast that includes stars such as Julie Andrews, Adjoa Andoh and Derry Girls’ Nicola Coughlan, there’s so much to love about all the performances. 

But it’s Golda Rosheuvel’s brilliant portrayal of glamorous matriarch Queen Charlotte that often steals the show. Presiding over London society, viewers may think Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte is a little flamboyant, but she’s actually based upon a real-life queen. 

And some have suggested that the real life Queen Charlotte was just as intriguing... 

Who was Queen Charlotte?

Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte may reportedly never have appeared in Julia Quinn’s bestselling Bridgerton books, but we couldn’t imagine the Bridgerton show without her. In reality, Queen Charlotte was Queen Victoria’s grandmother and the great-great-great-great grandmother of Britain’s current queen, Queen Elizabeth II.

She was born Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in Germany. According to Vogue.co.uk, historian Mario de Valdes y Cocom believes her to be descended from a 13th-century Portuguese monarch and his north African lover, Madragana. 

Other academics have reportedly questioned the validity of his suggestion. However Netflix’s Bridgerton has been praised for its diverse casting and the character of Queen Charlotte is no exception. 

Who was Queen Charlotte married to?

At just 17-years-old Queen Charlotte arrived in London to marry King George III and is thought to have not been able to speak English at this time. She married the king in September 1761 at St James’s Palace, just hours after meeting him for the first time. 

The couple went on to have 15 children, 13 of which survived into adulthood. This included Prince Edward, Duke of Kent - Queen Victoria’s father.

Is Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte accurate?

Netflix’s Bridgerton depicts Queen Charlotte as being very involved in the matchmaking season - where families attempt to find their children suitable marriage matches. 

This seems to have been factually accurate as Queen Charlotte’s husband King George III is believed to have established the first debutante ball in 1780 in honour of her birthday. 

There was even a Queen Charlotte’s Ball held at Buckingham Palace annually. This was later cancelled as an event by Queen Elizabeth II. Vogue.co.uk reports that even after King George descended into madness, she continued to recount gossip in letters, many of which can be read in the Royal Archives.

Did Queen Charlotte meet Mozart?

In Bridgerton episode 2, Queen Charlotte reportedly declares: "I became acquainted with Mr. Mozart when he was not 10 years old. The boy accompanied me as I sang an aria, and I declared then and there that he should become one of the finest composers in Europe".

Whilst this may sound a little fanciful, at least some of this might actually be true. According to reports, The Royal Collection trust says in 1764, 8-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart did perform for the royals on a visit to England.

Queen Charlotte really did love dogs 

Netflix’s Bridgerton shows Queen Charlotte as being fond of Pomeranian dogs and this was certainly the case for the real Queen Charlotte. Pomeranian.org reports that Queen Charlotte brought her beloved Pomeranians with her from Germany when she came to marry King George III. They state that: ‘Pomeranian dogs lived in the Royal palaces and several of the Queen’s peers received a Pomeranian for themselves’. 

It sounds like the real Queen was just as fabulous as Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte!