The Real-Life Queen Charlotte vs. Netflix's Interpretation

The Real-Life Queen Charlotte vs. Netflix's Interpretation

Netflix's new show, Queen Charlotte, has been captivating viewers since its release. The show is based on the life of Queen Charlotte, a beloved British monarch who lived during the 18th century. But how much of the show is based on real history, and how much is fiction? Let's take a closer look at the real-life Queen Charlotte and how Netflix's interpretation of her story differs from the truth.

Differences in physical appearance
The new Netflix show "Queen Charlotte" depicts the queen as a dark-skinned woman with Afro-Caribbean features, while in real life, Queen Charlotte was of German descent and was portrayed as having fair skin. This has sparked some controversy, with many people questioning the decision to cast a black actress in the role. However, it's important to remember that the show is a work of fiction and not meant to be a historically accurate portrayal of the queen. In fact, there are very few existing portraits of Queen Charlotte, so her physical appearance is still somewhat of a mystery. While the show's interpretation of Queen Charlotte's appearance may not be accurate, it does allow for a more diverse representation of historical figures on screen.

Family life
In Netflix's new show Queen Charlotte, the titular character is portrayed as having a close and loving relationship with her husband, King George III. However, the real Queen Charlotte's family life was much more complex and less romanticized than the show makes it out to be.
Queen Charlotte and King George III had a total of 15 children, many of whom suffered from various physical and mental disabilities. Their son, the future King George IV, was particularly problematic and caused much strife within the family. Additionally, the real Queen Charlotte is said to have had a strained relationship with her mother-in-law, Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, which is not depicted in the show.
While the show may present a more idyllic view of Queen Charlotte's family life, the real-life complexities and struggles faced by the royal family are much more nuanced and realistic. It's important to remember that while Queen Charlotte may be a historical figure, the Netflix show is a work of fiction and should not be taken as a completely accurate representation of her life and experiences.

Mental illness
One of the most significant differences between the real-life Queen Charlotte and the version portrayed on Netflix's show is their mental health. While the Queen Charlotte in the show struggles with her mental health and is even sent away to a sanatorium, there is no evidence to suggest that the real Queen Charlotte ever suffered from a mental illness.
In fact, Queen Charlotte was known for her level-headedness and stability, even during times of political turmoil. On the other hand, her husband King George III did struggle with a mental illness, now believed to be bipolar disorder. This fact is often glossed over in the show, which focuses more on Queen Charlotte's supposed struggles with mental health.
While it may be dramatic to portray Queen Charlotte as struggling with her mental health, it is important to note that this deviation from historical accuracy can be harmful. Mental illness is already stigmatized enough, and creating a fictional portrayal of a real person's struggles can further perpetuate myths and misunderstandings. It is important for media outlets, including streaming services like Netflix, to be mindful of the way they depict mental illness and to make sure they are doing so accurately and responsibly.

Treatment of slaves
One of the most controversial aspects of Queen Charlotte's life was her relationship with slavery. In Netflix's show, she is portrayed as being vehemently opposed to the practice, going as far as secretly freeing slaves and even speaking out against it in public.
While there is evidence to suggest that Queen Charlotte was aware of the cruelty of the slave trade and did make some efforts to help enslaved individuals, it's important to note that she was still a part of the institution. In fact, she and King George III owned several plantations in the Caribbean and profited greatly from the labor of enslaved people.
Queen Charlotte's actions, therefore, must be viewed through this lens of being a slave owner herself. While she may have had some empathy for the plight of enslaved individuals, she also benefitted greatly from their labor and was likely complicit in the system of slavery.
It's important to recognize this complexity when considering Queen Charlotte's legacy, both in the context of the Netflix show and in history as a whole. While her actions may have been better than many of her contemporaries, she still contributed to and benefitted from a horrific system of oppression.

Relationships with other royals
Queen Charlotte and King George III's relationship with other royals is another area where Netflix's portrayal of the monarchs differs from the historical record.
In the show, Queen Charlotte is portrayed as a cunning strategist who knows how to manipulate the other royals to her advantage. She is shown as having a contentious relationship with her brother, the Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, and constantly vying for power with her husband's younger brothers, Prince William and Prince Edward.
However, in reality, Queen Charlotte had a much more amicable relationship with her family members. She had a close bond with her brother and often sent him gifts and letters. Additionally, her relationship with her husband's brothers was more supportive and collaborative than competitive. In fact, both Prince William and Prince Edward supported King George III during his bouts of mental illness.
Furthermore, the show portrays Queen Charlotte as having a tense relationship with King George IV, who would later become her son. In reality, however, their relationship was far more complex and nuanced. While King George IV was known to have had conflicts with his mother, he was also known to have had a deep respect and love for her. In fact, he was said to have been inconsolable after her death in 1818.
While there may have been some tension and drama between Queen Charlotte and other royals, the show's portrayal seems to be an exaggeration for the sake of entertainment. In reality, her relationships with other members of the royal family were likely far more cordial and complex than the show would suggest.

Political views
Queen Charlotte's political views were heavily influenced by her husband, King George III. Together, they supported conservative policies and were often at odds with the more liberal Whig party. Queen Charlotte was known for her support of the arts, but she also had a strong interest in science and technology. She was a patron of the Royal Society and was passionate about promoting education and innovation.
In contrast, the Netflix show portrays Queen Charlotte as a more progressive figure, pushing for reforms such as abolishing the slave trade and advocating for women's rights. While it is possible that Queen Charlotte held some progressive beliefs, there is little historical evidence to support this interpretation.
Overall, the show's portrayal of Queen Charlotte's political views should be taken with a grain of salt. While it is important to acknowledge the potential for historical inaccuracies, it is also worth appreciating the creative liberties taken by the show's writers in bringing Queen Charlotte to life.

Legacy
The real-life Queen Charlotte had a lasting impact on British society and culture. Her love for the arts and education inspired the creation of the Royal Academy of Arts and the establishment of Kew Gardens. She was also known for her philanthropy, supporting various charities and hospitals.
In contrast, the legacy of Netflix's Queen Charlotte has yet to be determined, as the show has just been released. However, the portrayal of a strong and influential Black queen could have a positive impact on representation and diversity in media. The show also sheds light on the experiences of Black people in Georgian England and the struggles they faced in a society built on slavery and inequality.
Overall, while there are clear differences between the real-life Queen Charlotte and the fictional portrayal, both have left their mark on history in their own unique ways. Whether through their charitable acts or their depiction in popular media, they continue to influence and inspire us today.