In the Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story finale, young Queen Charlotte (India Amarteifio) tells her friend, the young Lady Danbury (Arsema Thomas), that her metaphorical castle walls will remain sky-high — as “they must,” for her own protection. But, dearest reader, you now have the chance to take a peek past those gilded gates. We’re releasing 45 never-before-seen behind-the-scenes photos from the set of the Bridgerton prequel, which follows the passionate, turbulent first days of young King George (Corey Mylchreest) and young Queen Charlotte’s love story.  

Be thankful you’re good enough with buttons to click through these images, as the photos offer an in-depth look into the many gorgeous locales that served as Queen Charlotte filming locations. As Amarteifio told Netflix, she and Golda Rosheuvel, who portrays Regency-era Queen Charlotte, were in awe of the settings they inhabited in the series. 

“There’s a part of both of us that is quite used to being in these beautiful outdoor places,” Amarteifio said. “We understand that feeling of stepping into a place and gasping and going, ‘This is grandeur, this is really luxury.’” 

Mylchreest had a similar feeling during production. “You’d go around and you’d see these stately homes, the grounds, the architecture, the paintings and the art inside,” he tells Tudum. “I remember the first time we got [to one], my Lord did I feel nervous. I felt completely overpowered by this enormous building.” 

Yet, as these photos show, the Queen Charlotte cast appears entirely at home, even in the midst of all that luxury. When Amarteifio and Mylchreest aren’t commanding attention from atop their thrones or filming unforgettable scenes, they’re grinning with cast members including Thomas, who slips on some chic shades, Freddie Dennis (Reynolds) and Sam Clemmett (young Brimsley). Even Queen Charlotte’s children get to see their matriarch’s soft side, as she cracks a smile with her brood (and “bunnies”). 

Scroll through all the BTS photos below. Lady Whistledown would sell her quill to have them.