If you haven’t yet tuned into Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, I hope it’s on your watch list. The six-episode limited Netflix series came out on 4th May. It covers the backstory of Queen Charlotte, the beautiful yet intimidating monarch of the Bridgerton series. The show is filled with drama, romance, and elaborate historically-inspired costumes and hairstyles.
And yes, even though we all tuned in for the steamy romance Bridgerton is known for, Queen Charlottes’s story came with a lot of important life lessons. Mild spoilers ahead.
Here are our 4 lessons to Learn from Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte:
1. Never Take Your Freedom for Granted
The series is a fictional period piece set between 1761 and 1817. Although many artistic liberties were taken for the sake of the story, the limited rights of women were pretty accurate. This show reminds us how far we have come as a society as far as women’s rights are concerned.
Although this is a love story, it did not begin like that. Charlotte was married off against her will to the future King George III at the age of 17. Even though she eventually fell in love with him, she had to constantly fight sexist traditions. Many other women of her time were less lucky, like Lady Danbury who spent years of her life bound to a husband she hated. Queen Charlotte reminds us to always advocate for ourselves, and be thankful to the women who came before us for fighting for our freedoms.
2. It’s Okay to Doubt Yourself
For half the show, Queen Charlotte had no idea what she was doing. She tried to abandon her marriage and kingdom several times. And given the circumstances, who can blame her? Before her betrothal, she was a carefree princess of a minor German territory. Without warning, she was torn from her family and thrust into a complex political role that she had not been trained for.
Despite this, she slowly matured into the powerful and confident queen we see in the other seasons of Bridgerton. Queen Charlotte shows us that growth is not a straight line. You can be unsure of yourself, stumble, and still come out strong once you gain determination.
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3. Create Your Own Reality
Queen Charlotte didn’t have many options. She was stuck in a marriage she didn’t ask for in a family with too many secrets. Despite this, she fought hard to create the future she wanted. I especially love how she gained the courage to disobey both her husband and mother-in-law to take her husband’s health into her own hands.
Many of us are stuck in situations we have no control over. That doesn’t mean you can’t do the best you can within your means. Even when life deals you a bad hand, keep playing.
4. Don’t Mistake Leadership for Motherhood
As awesome as Queen Charlotte was, she had her flaws. She was so focused on her husband and her role as queen that she neglected her children and didn’t realise it until it was too late. It never really clicked for her until her eldest son told her, “You have been our queen, but you have never really been our mother.” She was emotionally closed off to all her kids, who grew up to be very maladjusted adults.
Just like having a career or any other calling, being a mother needs constant work and attention. Giving your children money and status isn’t enough if you don’t give them attention and affection as well. In your journey to becoming a #BossMom, don’t forget that being a boss and being a mom are different things. Give each role its due time.
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Let us know in the comments what you thought of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story!
Guest Blogger
Cynthia Kinyera is a freelance writer specialising in women’s wellness. She uses her easy-flowing prose and digital marketing skills to craft engaging high-converting content. Find out more about her work at cynthiawrites.com.