Victoria

After the death of her uncle, William IV, Victoria ascends to the throne and asserts her independence by defying both her mother and Sir John Conroy.

Victoria is devasted by Lord Melbourne's resignation, and reluctantly invites the leader of the Tory party, Sir Robert Peel, to form a new government.

Victoria's mother and Sir John want her to marry. Her uncle, King Leopold of Belgium, suggests her cousin Prince Albert, in whom Victoria has no interest. Meanwhile, her friendship with Lord Melbourne gains in complexity.

In the face of royal opposition and disdain, Albert pays Victoria a visit. While relations between the pair are initially frosty, slowly an attraction grows.

Victoria's announcement of her engagement is met with hostility from the Tory parliament, who fear a German consort.

Albert lends his weight to a noble cause; Victoria uses her power and discretion to get her way at court; Francatelli helps out Miss Skerrett.