The Real Queen Charlotte, Inside the real Bridgerton Court

The Real Queen Charlotte, Inside the real Bridgerton Court written by

Catherine Curzon and published by Pen & Sword Books - £20 - Hardback - Pages 224

Known to millions as the imperious matriarch of Bridgerton’s court, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz was still a teenager when she was chosen to be the bride of King George III. Shy, innocent, and sheltered, the orphaned princess and her youthful groom carried the hopes of a nation on their shoulders.

The placid and unassuming young couple symbolised a new beginning, but soon those hopes began to sour. Charlotte and George’s marriage lasted for nearly 60 years and produced more than a dozen children, but it was beset by unrest at home, war in the colonies, and the king’s encroaching madness.

As the royal couple battled against their critics, their political opponents, and sometimes even their own family, Charlotte learned what it really meant to be queen. Locked in a bitter struggle with her eldest son for the king’s future and with her daughters for their freedom, the timid young girl grew into an insular and domineering woman that few dared to cross.

Shouldering the burden of family disputes, ambitious courtiers, and the care of the man she adored, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz presided over one of the most tumultuous eras that the monarchy has ever seen. As tragic as it was glittering, this is the story of her extraordinary life.

I should say that I have never seen Bridgerton and only know little about Queen Charlotte, I offered to review this book purely because I like the writings of the author Catherine Curzon. I have read a number of her books and they are always comprehensive and very well-detailed, and yet an easy read. Queen Charlotte was unfortunately overshadowed by the life and health of her husband, and her sons. I actually think this was something she wanted or became used to as she actually came from a small family and she was dwarfed by marrying into a larger, much more prominent family. Plus she was more of a family woman and she cared more for her family than anything else, at a time when royals were seen as the stars of that period. I enjoyed reading this book and loved learning more about a woman who the world doesn’t get to know much about. Yet another excellent book from Catherine Curzon.