Rosheuvel and Amarteifio discuss the character of Queen Charlotte in the popular Netflix show, Bridgerton. The show’s portrayal of the queen has generated renewed interest in her life, which has long been overshadowed by her husband, King George III. It is noted that Charlotte may have been the UK’s first queen of Black African heritage, as she descended from a certain branch of the Portuguese royal family. Also, highlights Charlotte’s accomplishments, including her involvement in the abolitionist movement, her patronage of the arts, and her work as a botanist. The show asks whether a Black person of lower status can become a successful Queen of Great Britain, and Charlotte’s story offers a compelling narrative of how she surmounts hurdles while retaining her sense of self. This article features interviews with two actresses who play Charlotte at different stages of her life, discussing how they have approached the character and what Charlotte means to them.
Golda Rosheuvel and India Amarteifio are both actors who have played the role of Queen Charlotte in the Netflix series “Bridgerton”. Queen Charlotte was the wife of King George III and the first Black Queen of England. In an interview, Rosheuvel and Amarteifio discussed their experiences portraying this historical figure.
Rosheuvel spoke about the research she did to prepare for the role, including reading books and watching documentaries about Queen Charlotte. She also spoke about the importance of representation in media and the significance of portraying a Black queen in a popular television series.
Amarteifio spoke about the challenges of portraying a historical figure who is not well-known and the responsibility that comes with that. She also discussed the importance of telling stories about Black people in history and showcasing their achievements.
Both actresses discussed the complexities of Queen Charlotte’s character, who was a patron of the arts and a supporter of anti-slavery movements, but also a product of her time and society, which was steeped in racism and colonialism. They also talked about the ways in which the character was written to subvert historical expectations and challenge viewers’ assumptions about the past.
Overall, Rosheuvel and Amarteifio emphasized the importance of diversity in media and the power of storytelling to shape our understanding of history.
Team:
@india_amarteifio wears @millia.london
@goldarosheuvel wears @simonerocha_
EIC: @lydiasmag
Photography: @lucbraquet
Styling: @mirandaalmond
Creative Director: @tom_houseofusher
Fashion Director: @avrilmair
Picture Director: @izzyparrylewis
Talent Director: @lottielumsden
Talent Editor: @olivia__blair
Golda make-up: @kennethsohmakeup
India make-up: @clairedegraft
Golda hair: @dionnesmithofficial
India hair: @nicola_harrowell
Interview: @charlotteabrook
Prop Stylist:@vicente_ben_design
Picture Researcher: @_abiihollister
Fashion Assistant: @crystallecox
Location: @historicroyalpalaces @kewgardens
Read full article and interview: Harper’s Bazaar
English