Shonda Rhimes, the creator of the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, has recently clarified that there are no parallels between Meghan Markle and the character of Queen Charlotte in the show’s prequel series.
The Queen Charlotte series is a six-part prequel to Bridgerton that focuses on the rise of a young Queen Charlotte, played by Golda Rosheuvel, and her marriage to King George III. Charlotte is portrayed as a black mixed-race woman, which has been praised for its representation of diversity in historical dramas.
Despite the lack of any actual connection to the Duchess of Sussex, some fans have claimed to see similarities between Queen Charlotte and Meghan Markle, who is also a woman of mixed-race heritage.
In a recent interview with Vulture, Rhimes addressed these claims, stating that “Meghan Markle did not enter into it.” She went on to explain that her focus was on exploring what would happen if Charlotte were to travel to America and be married off, drawing on her experience of thinking in terms of American politics.
While the Queen Charlotte series was originally billed as a “limited series,” there has been speculation about the possibility of a second season. Rhimes has said that she could “live with Charlotte and George forever,” but also stated that the first series told a complete story of their complicated, imperfect love.
Despite the success of Bridgerton and the buzz surrounding the Queen Charlotte spin-off, Rhimes has remained tight-lipped about the possibility of a second season. As she stated to Entertainment Weekly, “I’m not ruling anything out because I never know.”
