Queen Charlotte: Beyond the Crown, A Story of Loyalty and Unraveling
If you’ve been captivated by the world of *Bridgerton*, you likely recognize Brimsley as the ever-observant figure at Queen Charlotte’s side. But those who’ve delved into *Queen Charlotte* know their connection runs far deeper than mere duty. Brimsley has been the Queen’s steadfast aide since her arrival in the royal court, a consistent source of support throughout decades of palace life. This season of *Bridgerton* offers a glimpse into Brimsley’s own struggles as he navigates the delicate balance of serving his queen.
A central storyline revolves around Lady Agatha Danbury’s desire for a quieter life, a retreat from her prominent role in society. However, Queen Charlotte refuses to contemplate a world without her closest confidante, leveraging her royal authority to persuade Danbury to remain. Caught between these two formidable women, each determined to assert her will, Brimsley finds himself a silent observer – until he makes a bold decision to intervene on the Queen’s behalf.
This pivotal moment showcases Hugh Sachs’ masterful portrayal of Brimsley, a character he’s brought to life with nuanced dedication since the beginning of *Bridgerton*. In a particularly striking scene from the new season, Brimsley confronts Lady Danbury, unannounced and at a vulnerable moment. He pleads for an apology to the Queen, his desperation culminating in a display of raw emotion that surprised even Sachs himself and the entire cast.
We spoke with Sachs, who was enjoying a visit to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., pursuing his passion for 17th-century painter Johannes Vermeer. He shared insights into this powerful scene, Brimsley’s emotional journey, his acting choices, and the remarkable sense of community among the cast.
A History Unveiled: Brimsley’s Devotion
Sachs highlighted the significance of the scene for fans of *Queen Charlotte*, noting its informal nature. “He just barges in! He’s not announced, and that’s because they have this history,” he explained. “It was so beautifully written, revealing a history between Danbury and Brimsley that hasn’t been fully explored in the *Bridgerton* world. I think it’s one of the big love stories of *Bridgerton* – Brimsley’s devotion to Charlotte, a love defined by unwavering loyalty, not romance.”
He emphasized that Brimsley’s role extends beyond mere service. He recognizes Lady Danbury’s equal sense of duty and understands the vital role she plays in the Queen’s emotional well-being. “He’s in charge of the hardware making her life run smoothly… But there’s this other side, her inner life, which Danbury takes care of. And the prospect of her leaving is making Charlotte unravel.”
An Emotional Breakthrough: The Scene That Moved Everyone
The scene’s emotional impact was unexpected. Sachs recalled rehearsing the scene beforehand, but in the moment, it took on a life of its own. “I remember thinking, ‘What’s happening?’ because I was beginning to tear up,” he shared. “It’s a classic moment of what we actors call ‘in the moment.’ And Adjoa [Andoh, who portrays Lady Danbury] said to me that she completely changed the way she reacted because of where it went.”
Sachs reflected on the rarity of such moments in his career, where a scene transcends the script and taps into genuine emotion. He described drawing on personal experiences, a technique he often shares with drama students. “Acting on film and television is using the stress of it… If there’s anything in your life which in any way chimes with what your character might be experiencing, use it.”
He revealed that the scene resonated so deeply that even Shonda Rhimes, the show’s creator, acknowledged its power, having written the scene as a direct reference to the *Queen Charlotte* series.
Class, Power, and the Unspoken Bond
The scene also highlights the rigid class dynamics of the era. Brimsley’s willingness to disregard proper etiquette underscores his devotion to the Queen. “There’s a very strict code. He will always be her servant, not her friend, but within that dynamic, there will be friendship,” Sachs explained. “They both know their roles, but it doesn’t mean that there can’t be a kind of compassion and friendship between them.”
Sachs and Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte) developed a deep understanding of their characters’ history, filling in the details of their long-standing relationship. “We were like, ‘How long have we been together?’ And we came up with little things.”
He described Brimsley’s role as the “CEO of servants,” a position he embraces with pride and dedication. “He and the queen are from a different class, but he absolutely loves his job. And he adores her. I mean, she must be a nightmare. But there’s that moment I deliberately slightly underlined when he goes, ‘She keeps asking me about Benedict Bridgerton!’”
A Love Story Beyond Romance
Sachs beautifully articulated the depth of Brimsley’s devotion, calling it “one of the most consistent love stories in the whole series.” He emphasized the importance of portraying love in its many forms, not just romantic love. “It’s such a wonderful cliff-hanger, what happened to Reynolds. I genuinely don’t know, but I know them as a group of writers.”
He concluded by reflecting on the joy of being part of a show that provides escapism and connection. “I’m part of a storytelling process which gives joy. It doesn’t get better than that.”
