Although Phoebe Dynevor announced her exit from Bridgerton long before the third season premiered, Daphne’s absence was still shocking, especially considering everything she ended up missing. In 2020, British actress Phoebe Dynevor originated the role of the fourth-eldest Bridgerton, Daphne. Dynevor starred in Bridgerton season 1 and reprised her role in season 2, but ultimately left the series before season 3. However, Daphne’s absence from Bridgerton season 3 still felt strange in the grand scheme of things.

Every season of Bridgerton focuses on a new Bridgerton sibling, yet the show’s ensemble cast is still incredibly vital. While it is satisfying to see romance bloom between two main characters every season, it would not be nearly as thrilling without the input of the other Bridgerton family members. Their support and advice is imperative. Plus, their side plots provide a much-needed distraction from the romantic tension. This fact became particularly clear during season 3. As Colin and Penelope celebrated their marriage, the presence of the other Bridgertons, and the absence of some, became glaringly obvious.  

Daphne Missing Her Siblings’ Weddings Is Unforgivable

Daphne Was The Only Absent Bridgerton

While Phoebe Dynevor’s exit from Bridgerton is understandable, Daphne’s leave is unacceptable in the world of the show. Throughout Bridgerton season 3, there weretwo Bridgerton weddings and Daphne missed both of them. Their context makes the scenario even worse. Colin marries the Bridgertons’ next-door neighbor and his best friend of several years. Daphne knows Penelope, and while their union should be one of utter excitement from her perspective, she doesn’t even show up. Furthermore, Francesca’s wedding is somewhat rushed, but as her older sister, Daphne should have been there to support her.

Daphne’s absence is especially frustrating because she could have played a pivotal role in Bridgerton season 3. Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton books wrote her that way. In the text, Colin is not supposed to bring his questions of love and friendship to Violet, but to Daphne. Daphne could have helped Colin through his feelings as she did for Anthony in season 2. Plus, Daphne could have been the perfect foil for Francesca. Though the two are so similar, their love stories couldn’t be more different. Daphne sadly missed these major Bridgerton moments.

Bridgerton Offers No Excuse For Daphe Missing Her Family’s Weddings

Daphne Has No Reason For Being Missing

Bridgerton could have easily put a patch on Daphne’s absence by giving her a reason not to be present. Ultimately, they did not. Although Daphne is mentioned in passing over the course of the season, her reason for being away is never discussed. In fact, there is no word about what Daphne is even up to. Audiences can assume that she is happily living her life with Simon, but the show does nothing to confirm or deny this. Where Anthony and Kate get their own storyline and development, Daphne gets nothing but a few brief allusions.

(…) it would have been beneficial for Bridgerton to cook up a reason for Daphne’s omission.

It’s a shame that Bridgerton season 3 never explains where Daphne is because it could have saved her from seeming like a bad sister. Considering how tightly-knit the Bridgertons are, it is strange that Daphne would miss two weddings. She may be married with children, but that doesn’t stop women in London society. Therefore, it would have been beneficial for Bridgerton to cook up a reason for Daphne’s omission. Perhaps she is pregnant and too ill to leave the house. Like Anthony and Kate’s story, maybe she is traveling. Either way, a solid excuse could’ve saved Daphne’s character.

Where Daphne Is In Bridgerton Season 3

Daphne Is Likely At Home

Because Bridgerton provides no answers about her whereabouts, viewers can only guess where Daphne is during the third season. Most likely, she is at her home, caring for her children. Bridgerton season 2 sees Daphne with an infant son, and a year later in season 3, he could be a handful to care for. Daphne could also have increased duties as a Duchess. She could even simply be enjoying married life with Simon. Regardless, Bridgerton offers no reasoning and the books tell a different Daphne story entirely.Overall, Bridgerton season 3 has cast a shadow on Daphne’s character. Missing two of her siblings’ weddings without explanation is a hurtful decision that could carry into future seasons. Phoebe Dynevor could potentially return to Bridgerton, but it would be difficult to accept Daphne’s return without in-universe context about her time missing. Now that Daphne has missed such pivotal moments in her siblings’ lives, it may be better for her to remain out of the picture for the remainder of Bridgerton.