The Netflix series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story depicts King George III as suffering from a recurring and progressively worsening mental illness. The specific nature of his ailment is intentionally left ambiguous within the series, but the portrayal strongly suggests a condition characterized by periods of intense mania, delusions, and disorientation, interspersed with periods of relative lucidity.
The series’ depiction, while fictionalized, draws inspiration from historical accounts of King George III’s reign. Historians have debated the exact diagnosis for centuries, with theories ranging from bipolar disorder and porphyria to dementia. The historical context surrounding the King’s illness significantly impacted the British monarchy and political landscape, leading to periods of regency when his son, the Prince of Wales (later George IV), ruled in his stead. The show explores the profound personal impact of the King’s condition on his marriage to Queen Charlotte and the challenges they faced navigating his episodes.
