Is the Duke in season 3 of Bridgerton?

Duke of Hastings is a main character in the Netflix series Bridgerton. He is portrayed by Regé-Jean Page. The Duke, Simon Basset, is the wealthy and handsome Duke of Hastings who is known for his aversion to marriage and society. He becomes embroiled in a fake courtship with Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor, as part of a plan to deter matchmaking mothers from pairing their daughters with him.

Throughout the first season, the Duke and Daphne's fake courtship turns into a real romance, leading to their eventual marriage. However, in season 3, it is revealed that the Duke has died, leaving Daphne a widow. The third season focuses on Daphne's mourning and her journey to find love once again, leading to speculation that the Duke may not return for future seasons of the show.

Despite the Duke's absence from the series, he remains a popular and beloved character among fans of Bridgerton. Page's portrayal of the Duke was widely praised and his departure from the show was met with disappointment by many viewers. It is unclear if Page will return to the series in any capacity, but the show's creator, Chris Van Dusen, has hinted that the Duke's story may not be over yet.