Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) is never shy about taking center stage in Bridgerton. Supporting character or not, she recognizes that’s exactly where she and her enviable outfits belong. But the beloved royal is about to enjoy the limelight like never before in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, her prequel series premiering May 4 and created by steamy drama master Shonda Rhimes.

As young Queen Charlotte says in the just-released teaser trailer, “This [palace] is my home. I am the queen.” Prepare to see the monarch ascend the throne and start a romance that will forever change the Bridgerton world.

In Bridgerton Season 2, fans got a glimpse of the mysterious love story of Charlotte and her often-unseen husband King George III (James Fleet). Queen Charlotte whisks us back to the very start of their relationship to reveal the romance and secrets of the past. So what can you expect from this new Bridgerton tale? Keep reading for a story that would make Julia Quinn proud — plus a full set of never-before-seen Queen Charlotte photos.

When is Queen Charlotte’s release date?

Queen Charlotte hits the metaphorical ballroom on May 4, when all six episodes of the prequel’s season will premiere. The series announced its premiere date during a Valentine’s Day panel, as the cast and Rhimes celebrated the upcoming royal love story.

What happens in Queen Charlotte?

The series introduces a young Charlotte (India Amarteifio), who is only starting to understand her power — and the meaning of love. We meet young Charlotte as she embarks on her life-changing marriage with young King George (Corey Mylchreest) and enters a ton very different from the one seen in Bridgerton. Naturally, a fearless leader like Charlotte is the one spearheading a societal shift that will lead to generations of change in the Bridgerton world.

Although Queen Charlotte is dedicated to unraveling the past, it will also give fans a peek into the present-day lives of the Bridgerton coterie. (Well, their 19th-century lives, anyway.) So the series is also a can’t-miss for those thirsty to out-gossip Lady Whistledown come Bridgerton Season 3.

Who is in the cast of Queen Charlotte?

Prepare to check back in with some of your Bridgerton faves — while meeting an entirely new cast of swoon-worthy faces. Amarteifio leads Queen Charlotte as a younger version of the titular brilliantly bewigged royal highness. Mylchreest and Arsema Thomas round out the prequel’s main cast as young King George and young Lady Agatha Danbury. You’ll also see Game of Thrones mom Michelle Fairley, Sam Clemmett, Freddie Dennis, Richard Cunningham, Tunji Kasim, Cyril Nri and Rob Maloney waltzing through the palaces and parties of Queen Charlotte’s pre-Bridgerton timeline.

Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh and Ruth Gemmell also appear in Queen Charlotte as their respective (and very familiar) Bridgerton characters: Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury and Bridgerton family matriarch Lady Violet Bridgerton.

Can I watch the Queen Charlotte trailer?

Yes, but only if you’re ready to fall in love. The trailer, seen above, gives us a taste of the drama and palace intrigue ahead, as young Charlotte settles into her life as the Queen of England. There’s a royal husband to acquaint herself with, a country to lead and garments to rip off.

Young Lady Danbury also reminds Queen Charlotte of the gravity of her position, adding even more stakes to this romance. Speaking of Lady Danbury, you’ll also spy the aged-up versions of Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury and Violet Bridgerton in the footage.

Where are the Queen Charlotte photos?

Right here! The glamorous first photos of Queen Charlotte offer a sumptuous look at the series’ main trio: the young versions of Queen Charlotte, King George and Lady Danbury. You can see Queen Charlotte and King George make eyes at each other while Lady Danbury spies something very intriguing in the distance.

Other exciting photos introduce us to Princess Augusta (Fairley), young Brimsley (Clemmett) and Reynolds (Dennis). And, for fans looking for a peek into Bridgerton, you’ll find photos of Regency-era Lady Danbury, Violet Bridgerton and, of course, Queen Charlotte.

But you’ll still have to wait until Queen Charlotte debuts to learn more about exactly what’s transpiring in the lives of England’s dashing royals.

Do you need to watch Bridgerton to understand Queen Charlotte?

While you’ll certainly get the most out of Queen Charlotte’s present-day glimpses as a Bridgerton fan, you can enjoy Queen Charlotte and King George’s love story without any prior knowledge. Their Queen Charlotte connection — and the obstacles they encounter — are universal. But that doesn’t mean you might not be due for a Bridgerton (re)watch session for your own Regency romance pleasure.

Where is Queen Charlotte filmed?

As with Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte is ready to usher you away to England’s poshest locations. You’ll glimpse luxurious theaters, various country estates, and familiar Bridgerton stomping grounds like Syon House. Only the best for Queen Charlotte.