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On May 4, 2023, Bridgerton fans were thrilled when the series’ prequel Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story premiered on Netflix. The six-episode regency drama focused primarily on Queen Charlotte and King George’s love story, as well as the former’s rise to power. Following the series premiere, viewers wondered if there was a book on Queen Charlotte, like the Bridgerton Series. Well, on May 9, 2023, Julia Quinn and Shonda Rhimes gave fans the answer by publishing the Queen Charlotte novel. After reading the book, it is quite clear that there are differences between the novel and the TV versions of Queen Charlotte. Here are some of them.
The Need for a Royal Heir
A part of the first episode of the Queen Charlotte TV series, set in the present day, after the events of Bridgerton season 2, came with tragic news for the royal family. Viewers watched as the Queen and her family mourned the death of Princess Charlotte, the only legitimate grandchild of the royal family. Following her demise, the plot shows how a worried Queen Charlotte’s desire for a legitimate heir forces her to get her children to settle down.
However, in the Queen Charlotte novel, the storyline is quite different. The writer narrates Princess Charlotte’s demise in childbirth but leaves out the drama involving the Queen and her children that follows. Instead, just like the TV series’ final episode, the book’s epilogue narrates how a thrilled Queen Charlotte informs King George that they have a grandchild on the way.
Violet’s Garden in Bloom
In Bridgerton season 2, episode 5, viewers finally find out how Violet Bridgerton’s husband, Edmund, passes away in a series of flashbacks. Following his demise, Violet goes through the darkest period of her life and eventually gives up on needing romance. However, in the Queen Charlotte TV series, Violet’s garden begins to bloom again. She slowly realizes she longs for love and intimacy and confides in her friend, Lady Danbury.
Unfortunately for fans who love seeing that side of Violet in the series, they can’t read it in the Queen Charlotte novel, as the plotline is totally left out. The only present-day scenes in the story feature Queen Charlotte and her husband. Also, while young Violet appears in the past timeline in some episodes, there is no role for her in the novel.
Lady Danbury’s Relationship
A significant part of the Queen Charlotte TV series details young Lady Danbury’s marriage to her much older husband. Sadly, Lady Danbury’s union is anything but pleasant, as she has to put up with dreadful sexual intercourse with her husband. However, she finally has a glimmer of hope when Lord Danbury passes away. Following his demise, Lady Danbury indulges in an affair with Violet’s father, Lord Ledger. She also courts briefly with Queen Charlotte’s brother, Prince Adolphus. However, in the Queen Charlotte novel, Lady Danbury’s romantic involvements are secondary. The book focuses on her quest to secure her family’s fortune. There is no mention of her involvement with Lord Ledger, as the book only hints at a brief courtship with Prince Adolphus.
Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury’s Friendship
Queen Charlotte TV series viewers watched as Lady Danbury went from the Queen lady-in-waiting to her closest friend. Throughout the series, Queen Charlotte confides in Lady Danbury about various issues, including the consummation of her marriage. In one of the episodes, the Queen even runs away from the palace and hides in Lady Danbury’s house. During her stay, there is little or no knowledge about the duo’s conversation before Queen Charlotte is escorted back to the palace by Prince Adolphus and her right-hand man, Brimsley.
However, the book does throw more light on what the women discussed. In fact, Queen Charlotte confides in Lady Danbury about her husband’s illness, a condition only a few people in the Royal Household know about. Overall, the Queen Charlotte novel highlights Lady Danbury’s budding loyalty to her friend.
Brimsley and Reynolds’ Romance
While Queen Charlotte and King George’s love story takes center stage, there are a few other romances in the series. One such romance is between the Queen and King’s right-hand men, Brimsley and Reynolds. While the series only shows a few intimate moments between the duo, the novel goes deeper into their love story.
Readers find out how Reynolds becomes King George’s trusted aide as he opens up to Brimsley about their story. Also, Queen Charlotte and King George find out about Reynolds and Brimsley’s romance and give their support. Overall, while the TV series and novel possess striking differences, they are worth watching and reading.