As her love story with Colin unfolds in Bridgerton season 3, Penelope could, rather than retire Lady Whistledown, pass the title onto someone new. Lady Whistledown has been a mainstay of the series since the first episode of season 1, with her opinions of the ton driving the plot of Daphne and Simon’s love story and impacting the Bridgerton family throughout season 2. This particular author’s writings, however, have garnered Penelope many enemies and possible issues for season 3.

Discovering Lady Whistledown’s identity has been a huge motivation both within and outside the Bridgerton family, as Queen Charlotte’s vendetta against the author has only gotten stronger with each season. Penelope has been able to stay out of her reach due to her wallflower status, but her shedding that label could bring everything to a head in Bridgerton season 3. With all of these old and new factors, the possibility of Penelope continuing her work as Whistledown after season 3 seems to be less and less likely.

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With the upcoming Bridgerton season 3 due to air in May 2024, there are surely going to be some big changes as its characters settle into new roles.

Penelope Might Not Be Able To Continue As Whistledown

Penelope Continuing As Whistledown Could Endanger The Bridgertons Again

Penelope and Colin’s relationship in Bridgerton season 3 may make it so that she cannot safely continue her writing under the pseudonym due to the Bridgerton’s infamy. The Bridgerton family is one of the most talked about in the ton, as their often dramatic love stories garner attention, including from Queen Charlotte. The Queen’s attention may be drawn closer to the family as she has plans for Edwina and is noticing Penelope for the first time, as seen in a recently released clip. This could cause more tension if the Queen again suspects the Bridgertons of harboring information about Whistledown.

Penelope was barely able to protect the family, specifically Eloise, from the Queen’s crusade against Whistledown in past seasons. Penelope’s maneuvering in season 2 to get the Queen’s suspicion away from the Bridgertons only destroyed Penelope’s already changing friendship with Eloise. Further incidents may be as catastrophic for them, which could cause Penelope to reconsider continuing her writing under the pen name. Penelope could retire as Whistledown, but as she has become integral to the ton, she could pass the title down to someone the Queen is not as invested in who is also someone she can trust.

Who Penelope Could Pass Whistledown To

Penelope Could Pass Whistledown To Someone Attached To The Bridgertons

Penelope could pass the title of Whistledown onto someone attached to the Bridgertons, as she trusts the family’s discretion and judgment, but who may not attract the same amount of attention. One possibility is Francesca, who seems to be growing closer to Penelope in Bridgerton season 3, as seen in recently released photos. Francesca’s season 3 storyline may allow her to take on the Whistledown mantle as, due to her shyness, she may pass more easily through the shadows of the ton, avoiding the Queen’s attention as she gathers new information with Penelope’s help.

Another possibility is Lady Tilly Arnold, who will be connected to the Bridgertons due to her relationship with Benedict in season 3. Tilly is a widow who is already able to be largely independent, so Penelope could pass the title to her, as Tilly has the camouflage from scrutiny to be Whistledown. This would also allow Penelope to assist her as the two have a plausible reason to meet due to their connection with the Bridgertons. Either way, the role of Whistledown could give these women a much larger role in future Bridgerton storylines as Penelope’s comes to a close.

Bridgerton Season 3 Poster Showing Penelope Featherington Looking into a Mirror

Bridgerton

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From Shondaland and creator Chris Van Dusen, Netflix’s Bridgerton is based on the romance novels of the same name by author Julia Quinn. The series follows the eight Bridgerton siblings, Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth, as they search for love during the social season and navigate life in Regency-era England.

Cast

Will Tilston
, Rege-Jean Page
, Ruth Gemmell
, Luke Thompson
, Isabella Cortese
, Martins Imhangbe
, Julie Andrews
, Phoebe Dynevor
, Ruby Stokes
, Ruby Barker
, Claudia Jessie
, Adjoa Andoh
, Nicola Coughlan
, Golda Rosheuvel
, Charithra Chandran
, Ben Miller
, Jonathan Bailey
, Florence Hunt
, Polly Walker
, Shelley Conn
, Joanna Bobin
, Luke Newton
, Simone Ashley

Release Date

December 25, 2020

Seasons

3

Streaming Service(s)

Netflix

Writers

Julia Quinn
, Chris Van Dusen
, Jess Brownell
, Abby McDonald
, Joy C. Mitchell

Directors

Tom Verica
, Tricia Brock

Creator(s)

Chris Van Dusen