There is nothing more that I like seeing than the Southern Charm cast hanging out amid filming for their upcoming season. But perhaps what I gravitate more towards is the lavish life of Patricia Altschul. Even though she is quite a bit older than the rest of the ladies of the Bravo show, Ms. Pat has won over fans and the cast by simply being herself. We could all learn a thing or two from the socialite as she often proves you can find friends in the most unlikely of places.
Patricia Altschul has an art for Southern Charm
Ms. Patricia has been with the series since its inception back in 2013. Introduced by her son, Whitney Sudler-Smith, the mother hen was an instant hit. She wanted her son to find a wife, yet he preferred to date models and sip cocktails with her. Patricia lives in a perfectly quaffed 19th-century mansion in Charleston, has a butler who serves her martinis, and showcases a wardrobe of caftans and Birkins. The Dowager Countess of Charleston (which I like to call her) enjoys a good McDonalds drive-through and often offers lessons to teach the younger “kids” of Southern Charm how to carry themselves in life.
A Bravo camera has never caught a hair out of place on the widow. She is always perfectly made up, even when she is just traveling to and from her bedroom to her parlor, where she hopes Craig Conover doesn’t spill red wine on her $45,000 couch. There is something about Ms. Patricia that just feels so welcoming. Even though there have been multiple times that she has been called out for questionable beliefs, many have gravitated toward her and made her the matriarch of the show. So, while Whitney might have once needed a place to throw cheap parties for the show, Ms. Pat and her mansion have become quite the staple.
Patricia Altschul gives good advice
Over the seasons, Patricia has really nurtured her relationship with the women of Southern Charm. She has formed quite a bond with Madison LeCroy and Naomie Olindo, though. Recently, the trio documented their jaunt to a gala on Instagram. All three were dressed to the nines, and Pat captioned her videos, writing, “Out and about with Madison.”
But the friendship goes deeper than snapping selfies together. There has been more than one occasion when Patricia has been super sweet to Madison. It probably helps that Ms. Pat always wanted her as a daughter-in-law, too. The most recent Southern Charm season showed the matriarch advising Madison when it came to table settings. This act shows why the girls look up to Pat. Honestly, there could be a spinoff. She is well-established and genuinely cares for Madison, Naomie, and the others.
Patricia Altschul doesn’t leave out the boys
While she has true friendships with the ladies of Charleston, she also makes sure never to leave out the men. Every season, Pat hosts a stag dinner where the group’s men come over for a hearty meal. This first started with Thomas Ravenel and has since grown. When it comes to the guy’s dinner, she has had an alligator theme, an Indian theme, and even a royal night complete with a genuine replicated menu from her time at Buckingham Palace.
Every time Ms. Pat hosts a stag night, it instantly reminds me of the old days of Southern Charm. The conversation shows that men gossip too, and Craig constantly screwing up every night is classic. Even though Patricia is in her 80s, she proves to viewers that you can have friends of all ages. The cast genuinely seems to enjoy her company. And if all else fails, everyone knows they will at least be given a glass of champagne as soon as they walk into her home. It will be interesting to see what this next season of Southern Charm brings. The network has hinted they are bringing in younger faces. But for now, it is nice to see that she still remains close to some of the most beloved cast members of all time.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK PATRICIA HAS A GENUINE FRIENDSHIP WITH THE CAST?
