Does Francesca have kids in Bridgerton? Her book and Netflix change explained

Is Francesca infertile? Does Francesca have kids in Bridgerton? Here’s how the Netflix series may change her storyline from the books in season 5.

Bridgerton season 4 dives deeper into Francesca Bridgerton and John Stirling’s marriage and fertility struggles, but does she ever end up having children? And how will they address her infertility in season 5?

Yep, ICYMI, it’s now been confirmed that Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela (Masali Baduza) will be the leads in Bridgerton season 5, marking the Netflix series’ first same-sex love story at the centre of the show.

Of course, the gender-swap of Michael to Michaela will now obviously result in a handful of small changes to Julia Quinn’s original novel. Fans are also understandably confused about how (or even, if) the show will approach Francesca’s infertility storyline.

Showrunner Jess Brownell has now touched on that topic and hinted that it will still be included in the upcoming season. So, if you’re looking for spoilers on whether Francesca ends up having children, and whether she’ll have them in the show, here’s your answer.

WARNING: Spoilers ahead for Bridgerton season 4 part 2 and When He Was Wicked

Does Francesca have children in Bridgerton?

In Bridgerton season 4 episode 6, John Stirling sadly dies after going for a nap to try and quell his headache.

After his death, Francesca declares that she is pregnant with his child and is thrilled by the fact that John has left her with a “gift”. However, she’s later examined by a doctor and in a heartbreaking scene, we find out that she is not actually pregnant at all.

Later in the season she breaks down in Violet Bridgerton’s arms, heartbroken that she hasn’t been able to give John an heir to the Kilmartin estate.

In the book, it’s slightly different—Francesca sadly experiences a miscarriage after John’s death—but the show does end up remaining true to the fact that Fran and John tragically never have children together.

Is Francesca Bridgerton infertile?

In her book, Francesca does actually end up having children with Michael Stirling, John’s cousin, but she struggles for many years to conceive. Eventually, the couple welcome a son called John and a daughter called Janet.

However, it’s unclear how the series will address this part of Francesca’s storyline following the Michael/Michaela gender-swap.

Thankfully though, it will still be included in the next season. “It’s something we took a lot of care with in Season 4, Francesca’s fears about infertility,” Jess told Tudum. “Questions about how to conceive are a major part of queer women’s stories.

“A fertility story lends itself really well to a sapphic love story. It’s absolutely going to be a part of Francesca and Michaela’s story.”