Queen Charlotte: Engagement Diary
Season 1, Episode 2
Like Lady Whistledown would put it “Dearest Gentle Reader”, welcome to the second review of the Bridgerton Tea series, where I spill some tea about the latest Netflix series, ‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’.
If you haven’t read the review of Season 1, Episode 1 yet, then click here.
And my gentle readers, I want you to be aware of the spoilers ahead. I know I am making this too corny by phrasing things like the characters from the show, but, “Be careful, Ma’am. There are spoilers ahead”.
First Days of Marriage
If you’ve already watched Episode 1 fully, you know what I am talking about. What’s up with you King George? What are you doing in Kew? We are all wondering the same thing as Queen Charlotte, who is left to indulge in luxury baths, dress up in big gowns, and eat meals all on her own. This is super unlikely for a newlywed couple, especially a royal couple, more specifically the rulers of the most powerful nation on Earth.
Well, as we all expected her majesty to, she invited Lady Danbury for some tea and discusses this matter with her in privacy, because why the hell did she ask Charlotte to be careful and why the hell is she spending her honeymoon in solitude that was not asked for?
Thanks to Agatha Danbury (and drawing paper and charcoals), Charlotte realizes that she must consummate the marriage, otherwise, the Great Experiment formulated by the King’s mother to create a mirage that Black people and White people are treated equally in the country would be in danger, especially considering Queen Charlotte is the first of “her kind”.
It is
Well, King George is a character written by a woman, and that’s why when Queen Charlotte looks into the telescope at the Royal Observatory and tells George it is beautiful, he stares at Charlotte and says “It is”. Augusta was wrong to think that George wouldn’t be smitten by anyone. Who would’ve known that Astronomy would have led to the consummation of the royal marriage?
The Royal Costumes
The costumes in this show are like none other. Costume designers Lyn Elizabeth and Laura Frecon have done great justice to the job of representing each character in an intricately beautiful way. It was clearly visible in the show, every time there was a scene where the maidens helped the queen get dressed, that the foundation for every single costume, especially that of the character of Queen Charlotte, was built upon keeping in mind the snippets taken from the real history of Great Britain and the evolution of fashion.
As a fashion writer, I was simply in awe, looking at all the amazing custom-made corsets and all the needed undergarments that should’ve gone in to make India Amarteifio absorb and get absorb by the 18th Century feminine fashion. The silk that was used to make each gown was just perfect.
Looking back into 18th Century English Fashion, Queen Charlotte wearing a corset made with shark bones to give the kind of sharp posture makes total sense. Parisian and English fashion was very similar back in those days, especially with women’s garments. They believed in defining women’s curves, hence the corsets. The designers did an equally perfect job with all of the men’s garments, especially all of King George’s costumes, whether it be the silk stockings or the skirted knee coat.
British Men’s Fashion definitely has a touch of modern femininity, especially with exposing the legs and wearing silk stockings. The beautiful references made back to fashion history throughout the scenes, are simply spectacular to watch.
The New Danbury Palace
With the “success” (definitely in quotes) of the Great Experiment, Lady and Lord Danbury get their own sweet palace, leaving them, especially Lord Danbury in great ecstasy. We all know why ;)
Business of the country
I am going to say nothing more than King George broke Queen Charlotte’s heart. I am going to say nothing more.
We’ll part ways now. See you again in a day or two!
