The series is a prequel spin-off of Bridgerton, loosely based on an alternate history take on the rise of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz to power in the late 18th century.

Showrunner Tom Verica explained that the show reimagines a 'Great Experiment' society where people of color were elevated to prominent ranks, since many historians believe the real Queen Charlotte was of mixed cultural heritage, a fact largely ignored by history books.

The series was produced under the working title 'Jewels' and its official screenplay was released under the title 'Crown Jewels'.

Filming began on February 6, 2022 and wrapped on August 30, 2022, taking place at locations including Blenheim Palace, Belton House, Merton College, Hatfield House, Waddesdon Manor and Hampton Court Palace.

In April 2022, production designer Dave Arrowsmith was fired from the show due to bullying allegations on set.

Several actors reprised their Bridgerton roles, including Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh, Ruth Gemmell and Hugh Sachs, alongside newcomers like India Amarteifio and Corey Mylchreest playing younger versions of the same characters.

Julie Andrews returned to voice Lady Whistledown, receiving a Primetime Creative Arts Emmy nomination for her voice-over performance.

Composer Kris Bowers, who also scored the first two seasons of Bridgerton, created a companion covers album reinterpreting pop songs by Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, SZA, Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston in a classical music style.

Alicia Keys re-recorded her song 'If I Ain't Got You' with Queen Charlotte's Global Orchestra, a 70-piece orchestra composed entirely of women of color, and the track was nominated at the MTV Video Music Awards for Best Video for Good.

The show won a Primetime Creative Arts Emmy for make-up and hairstyle, and Shonda Rhimes won the Black Reel Award for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series.

Historian S. I. Martin criticized the series as 'an absurd take on Black history,' arguing it risks minimizing Britain's historical role in the slave trade, while author Gretchen Gerzina warned the show's race-twisting could give people a false impression that Black people of that era did not suffer.