Netflix enthusiasts have been treated to an enticing update on the eagerly awaited fourth season of Bridgerton, hinting at a surprising shift for series regular Queen Charlotte (portrayed by Golda Rosheuvel).

The popular period romance series will be released in two parts over the coming two months, with the first four episodes premiering on Thursday, 29th January.

This time around, the spotlight falls on the second eldest son, Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), as he becomes smitten with a mysterious Lady in Silver at a grand masquerade ball hosted by his mother, Lady Violet (Ruth Gemmell).

However, Benedict's newfound infatuation is not with a woman of society, but rather the young maid of a newly arrived family to the ton, Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha).

As the series wrestles with themes of cross-class romance, the monarchy also faces its own dilemmas, as unveiled in a brand new still released ahead of the new episodes, reports the Mirror.

In the image, Queen Charlotte appears troubled after receiving some intriguing post, while her right-hand man Brimsley (Hugh Sachs) observes with heightened curiosity.

Fans eager to discover the contents of the message will have to wait until the fourth season premiere at the end of the month. Nevertheless, the latest news from Netflix seems to hint at some significant revelations for the Queen this season.

The most plausible theory suggests that the letter contains the latest scandal from Lady Whistledown, otherwise known as Nicola Coughlan's character, Penelope Bridgerton.

Speaking to Tudum, Coughlan suggests her storyline will become increasingly intertwined with the Queen's in season four following Mayfair's infamous columnist being revealed at the conclusion of season three.

"[Penelope] realizes how difficult it is to be Whistledown and [to deal] with the fame that comes with it," she said.

"With Queen Charlotte becoming very involved in what she's doing, these are things she's never had to contend with before, since she was such a solitary person. It's really turning her world upside down."

Hinting at Benedict and Sophie's inevitably passionate romance, showrunner Jess Brownell reveals: "Benedict's free-spiritedness is both natural and genuine, but he uses it as a crutch.

"He's really open-minded, and he cares about seeing past what people present on the outside.

"That's meaningful, but the part that he never lets anyone see is the crutch. This season, we're interested in watching what happens when he finally starts to let people in."

Prepare for another captivating romance for the ages when Bridgerton returns in mere weeks.

Bridgerton season 4, part 1 premieres Thursday, 29th January on Netflix. Part 2 arrives on Thursday, 26th February.

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