What is India Amarteifio’s ethnicity? The actor’s racial identity struggles

India Amarteifio’s role as Queen Charlotte in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is her biggest so far. The Brit wanted to become a dancer; her ambitions changed after earning a scholarship to attend the Sylvia Young Theatre School. Following four years as a theater actor, she booked her first on-screen acting role in the TV film Gangsta Granny. Several minor and guest roles followed, preparing her for her star turn in Queen Charlotte. 

India was born to a white mother of German descent and a black father of Ghanaian origin

India Amarteifio was born on 17th September 2001 in England. She was born to a black father from Ghana and a white mother of German descent. India is mixed-race. 

The actor told Vogue that she grew up struggling to fit in, like her character in Queen Charlotte: “I know what it’s like to walk into a room and have everyone look at you because you’re the only person of color,” India said. 

“There are so many scenes, especially early on in the series, where Charlotte does exactly that. In those moments, you feel alone and awkward, and it can be uncomfortable to talk about,” India added. 

India praised the show’s creator Shonda Rhimes for casting people of color in genres previously inaccessible to them. She told the outlet that she appreciates how the show portrays a powerful black queen and addresses race issues. India stated:

“And this isn’t a story about misfortune—it’s about a Black woman who, against all odds, became part of one of the most powerful monarchies in the world. We don’t brush the subject of race under the carpet, either—we explore it. She is different but that’s not the issue—it’s society that needs to change.”

India pointed out that the show also addresses gender, sexuality, mental health, and class. “It’s about shining a light on so many things that people have been feeling but maybe haven’t been able to voice,” she concluded.