Shonda Rhimes knows love. She’s the woman behind Grey’s Anatomy’s Meredith and McDreamy and was instrumental in bringing Bridgerton’s #Kanthony to life. Now she’s taking a step even further back in Bridgerton’s heart-eyed history with Queen Charlotte, a prequel about the fictionalized royal romance of Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) and her mysterious king, George (James Fleet). India Amarteifio and Corey Mylchreest portray younger versions of the queen and king in their first blush of passion. 

Rhimes promises “power” and “real love” will rule when Queen Charlotte premieres this year. 

“I loved delving into the romance between Charlotte and King George,” showrunner and executive producer Rhimes tells Netflix in the video above. While Bridgerton fans may have already gotten a peek into how the royal couple’s love story “ends up” — rewatch Season 2’s Episode 6 for a reminder — digging into their past was part of the “challenge” for Rhimes. 

“I want people to feel like this is what happens with real love. Love is hard. Love is difficult. Love has many layers,” says Rhimes. “The idea that the happy ending that we always talk about for characters doesn’t have to be the obvious one.” 

But that ending may also be the empowering one. Rhimes explains that Queen Charlotte asks, “How do you survive a world in which you have no power?” As Bridgerton has shown us, Queen Charlotte is destined to solve that puzzle with high-wigged flair.  

And fans of the flagship series know Queen Charlotte isn’t the only grand dame of the Bridgerton ton. Watch the video above to learn exactly what excited Rhimes so much about exploring Queen Charlotte’s take on young Lady Danbury, played by ​​Arsema Thomas. 

You’re going to want to listen — lest Lady Danbury corners you at the next Smythe-Smith musicale.