Golda Rosheuvel showcases her versatility and depth on the Netflix juggernaut, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story and her red carpet fashion!
Fans of the hit Netflix series Bridgerton have anxiously awaited the next iteration of the award-winning series and the wait is finally over. With Golda Rosheuvel back in the titular role, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story serves as a prequel following the early days of the royal figure from the beginning of her marriage to King George and all the trials and tribulations which come along with being one of the most important women in the world during her reign.
Before the release of Bridgerton, Golda Rosheuvel was best known for her extensive resume on the stage and in film. But since her dynamic portrayal of Queen Charlotte debuted more than three years ago, the actress has received enormous fame and name recognition. The Guyanese-British actress was cast by none other than Shonda Rimes, who is arguably one of the most acclaimed commercial showrunners in modern television. Since helming Grey’s Anatomy in 2005, Rimes has been credited with a number of hits across television and streaming services, including How To Get Away With Murder, Scandal, Private Practice, and more. Formerly relegated only to major television networks, Shonda Rimes signed a multi-year deal with Netflix in 2017, a $100 million dollar deal that has led to the creation of some of the top shows on the streamer the last few years. With her penchant for writing complex and charismatic characters, viewers were elated to get more background on Queen Charlotte, and in the new series, she does not disappoint.
Dissecting the Queen from Different Perspective
Much like Queen Cleopatra before her, Queen Charlotte is another royal figure in history who has – in the eyes of many – been whitewashed and seen through a distinct lens. As the queen consort to King George III by marriage in 1761, she remained Queen of Great Britain and Ireland until her death in 1818. Born and raised in Germany, there have been debates for centuries regarding Queen Charlotte’s ancestry, which many have tied to African ancestry. Described as the descendant of Black Portuguese royals in some historical texts, her life has remained an intriguing case study on class and race, which Shonda Rimes and Golda Rosheuvel have presented in a well-received fictional re-telling that is captivating audiences all over the world.
In Rimes’ production, 18th century Britain is re-imagined as racially diverse and uses the birth of a ‘brown’ Queen Charlotte to push forth ‘The Great Experiment’ – a working title for what royals in the show label the effort to place residents of color in prominent positions in the country. Through this narrative, the show dissects the intersectionality of race, class, and gender dynamics during a different era and under different codes.
Enter Young Queen Charlotte…
The six-episode show also stars a younger version of Queen Charlotte, played by India Amarteifio, who shines as a young queen learning her way in a strange land surrounded by a power players, political schemes, and the battle for control over her court as well as her growing family. Assisting her early on in her reign is Lady Danbury, who also has her origin story dissected to explain her rise in the ranks and growing relationship with the queen.
Georgian Fashion vs. Red Carpet Fashion
Befitting a show that delves into the history of 18th-century Britain, the fashion of Queen Charlotte barrages viewers with an extensive presentation of wide skirts, intricate corsets, impossibly cinched waists, and lots of color. From the gowns to the tailored pants worn by esteemed male members of the court, vibrant hues are the preferred state of dress for the era, with grandiose wigs heavily featured on Golda Rosheuvel, who noted during a press junket that every wig tells a story about Queen Charlotte’s life at a certain place and time.
With her recent red carpet appearances, Golda Rosheuvel has quickly ascended to the top of best-dressed lists by style watchers and is now regarded as one to watch for the latest looks and trends. For the premiere of ‘Queen Charlotte’ at Leicester Square Odeon in London, Rosheuvel dressed in line with her royal counterpart, sporting a regal ensemble fit for a queen. The actress chose a light blue statement blazer dress featuring a floral appliqué and paired it with a floor-length black gown. With her hair in intricate plaits upswept into a bun, Golda accessorized with silver eye makeup and nude lipstick – a stunning look seen around the world at the Olivier Awards in head-to-toe Valentino.
What’s Next for the World of Bridgerton?
Since premiering on May 4th, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story has dominated on Netflix as the most-watched English language show for its debut week, garnering nearly 150 million viewers hours within the first two weeks and reigning on the Top 10 chart since releasing. Critically praised for its production values, character development, and acting, the series has outperformed both seasons of Bridgerton and fans are already demanding another season. Currently, there are no plans for a second season of the prequel, but according to Rimes, no definitive plans have yet been made.