Top 10 Emotional Moments in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

“Gardens in Bloom”

The Lady Danbury we first meet in Bridgerton is so regal and self-assured that she could be mistaken for a royal herself. “Queen Charlotte” takes us back to when she was just Agatha, a young woman unhappily married to a much older man. And yet when he suddenly passes away, Agatha is surprised to find herself feeling adrift. She details how she was molded to be his perfect bride, never allowed to develop her own tastes or interests. As much as she resents this fact, Agatha struggles with her sudden independence. Though her true nature is apparent, she was raised to exist in a very narrow lane. With the guide rails gone, even the brilliant Agatha is uncertain how to move on.

“Honeymoon Bliss”

Like most brides of her era, Charlotte didn’t know exactly what was supposed to happen on a wedding night. But she did suspect that hers was unusual. Charlotte proves difficult to deny, though. And once the couple are back in each others’ presence the attraction between them is too strong to resist. Their first real night as husband and wife is sweet, and tender, but also crackling with physical chemistry. It seems like the start of a beautiful Happily Ever After. Unfortunately, all that magic goes right out the window in the cold light of day. Tough as Charlotte is, these revelations hurt her deeply, and it is heartbreaking watching her first intimate experience ruined for her.

“Even Days” & “Crown Jewels”

When Charlotte’s only legitimate grandchild dies suddenly, she turns her matchmaking attentions on her children to ensure a new heir. Unfortunately, what she learns in the process is that she may have neglected them up until that point. In giving her life so fully to George, it seems she was unable to give her children the attention they needed from her. The strained relationships that have resulted from that are difficult enough. However, it is even harder learning how her own troubles have impacted her children, especially her daughters, who have put off finding partners of their own. Charlotte’s marriage to George always came with a price. Though she may have gladly paid it, she did not anticipate the deficits it would create in her family.

“Holding the King”

Of course we will soon come to realize how deeply George is suffering as well. Prone to recurrent episodes of manic disorientation, he lives in terror of his condition being discovered, especially by his new wife. Determined to become a worthy husband and king, George submits himself to the experimental treatments of Dr. Munro. Munro’s methods are brutal, but George persists, certain it is the only way he can ever be with Charlotte. However, as the couple’s relationship blooms in spite of his difficulties, George quickly discontinues the regimen. While his health does seem improved, it’s only a matter of time before another episode is triggered. And in his desperation he goes straight back to Munro, ready to suffer anything.

“Gardens in Bloom” & “Crown Jewels”

As she attempts to navigate her mourning, Agatha takes to walking her estate. What she finds is a friend in her neighbor, Lord Ledger. These rambles soon become more than just a pleasant daily diversion. What starts as companionship quickly evolves into an intense emotional connection. However, the affair proves to be short lived, as Lord Ledger realizes that it would compromise his family life, as well as Agatha’s fragile position in society. A few fleeting moments afterwards reveal how deeply these two care about each other. But both have others who depend on them. Neither is free to follow their own desires, and we feel the pangs of this missed connection keenly.

“Crown Jewels”

While we get swept away by the tragic love of George and Charlotte, another parallel love story unfolds more quietly. Brimsely and Reynolds, who are head of Charlotte and George’s households respectively, are already involved when we meet them. They share a number of sweet moments across the series, and dream of a future together. Yet We eventually learn that Brimsely lives his life alone. In a flashback we see Brimsely and Reynolds stealing a dance together, but their happiness is undercut by the fact that the song playing is the famous ballad of lost love, ‘I Will Always Love You.’ And, indeed, when we return to the present, it seems likely that however this love story resolved, it was not happily.

“Crown Jewels”

From the start, Charlotte’s marriage to George was a rollercoaster ride as she tried to navigate his extreme pivots from hot to cold. Never one to beat around the bush, though, finally she lays all her cards on the table and demands straight answers in return. George, who has tried to protect Charlotte by pushing her away, is overwhelmed almost to desperation. But in her refusal to back down it is clear that Charlotte is desperate too. And the passion of her feelings finally pulls the truth out of George. These two have different styles of managing their emotions, certainly. But the feelings they have for each other outweigh everything else, and it is beautiful to see how they find courage in each other.

“Crown Jewels”

In spite of his progress, the pressure of George’s kingly duties comes crashing down on him and triggers a mental health episode. And when Charlotte manages to find him he is deep in a shame spiral. Despite her efforts to bolster him, George accepts that his condition is chronic, and that the rest of his life will be a struggle to manage it. Mired in a sense of defeat, he urges Charlotte to leave him. As young as Charlotte is, this could come off as romantic idealism. But she has already seen the worst, and has clarity about what her future will likely entail. As lovely as fairytales are, there is something so much more impactful about a love built on such total acceptance.

“Crown Jewels”

After George’s failure to address Parliament, the stakes are higher than usual for a ball in the Bridgerton universe. And things don’t seem to get off to a promising start when he appears. Charlotte is his pillar of strength, steadying and reassuring him every step of the way. Her vows of love have all been moving, but here she becomes both George’s public protector and his true partner. As we watch the couple dance, we understand that the future will be difficult for them, and yet it feels like a triumphant moment. This is love in action. And the commitment on display is proof that they have what it takes to weather whatever lies ahead.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Charlotte Gets Her First Glimpse of George’s Mental Health Struggles

We See the Love and Heartbreak of the Bridgerton Marriage When Violet Takes Us Down Memory Lane

Charlotte Shares a Rare Moment of Vulnerability With Her Son Before His Marriage

Princess Augusta Isn’t Exactly Sympathetic, But With Her Motivational Words We See How Agatha Becomes Lady Danbury

The Love George Feels For His Family Reaches Him When Nothing Else Can

“Crown Jewels”

George and Charlotte’s relationship begins in rom-com fashion when he convinces her not to flee from their wedding. And yet, on the lonely first night of their marriage, Charlotte regrets being persuaded. But many years, and many more trials, she is still by his side. Though George does not seem to know her at first, his memory returns as they revisit old moments from their past and share happy family news. Despite knowing how difficult this relationship has been for Charlotte especially, we see that the enormous love between the royal couple has never wavered. And with a final bookend it is clear that neither one regrets one minute together. For better or worse, in sickness and in health.