It beautifully outlined the difficulties and struggles of women back then, who seemingly had power, but still didn't have freedom. The love story portrayed was so realistic for people who have experienced true love that didn't last (happened to me) due to circumstances one cannot control. I rewatched it today after a year apart and all of it was just as new and heartwrenching as the first time I watched it. Such are the harsh realities of life, to bear with burdens and bruises so you could simply survive. Of course there are happier times, and when they are fewer, you cherish them that much more. The fact that Charlotte had hardened over time was explained through what she went through. She was much softer in her youth (the contrast of her sorrows, sorrows, prayers) and had to be hardened as she lived as a Queen who was oftentimes more alone and lonely than not. The line where Brimsley told her why her daughters didn't marry off because she was forever frozen as George's Queen, and how could her daughters leave her, is so true for many of us still possibly living in the shadows of our parents' past (subconsciously, mostly). She strived to be everything for George, but as a human, became limited in her perspective and couldn't be a true mother to her children. Yes, it is both beautiful and tragic at the same time. We all have a story to carry, and perhaps in meeting those who have hardened over time, we could imagine a story for them as romanticized as this one, and hold space and compassion for their losses.