King Henry VIII, the young monarch of England, prepares for war with France but is dissuaded by the manipulation of his Lord Chancellor.

Henry considers an alliance with Spain; Elizabeth gives birth to the king's illegitimate child.

Henry must conceal his feelings for Queen Katherine; Henry meets Anne Boleyn for the first time.

Henry schemes to replace Katherine with Anne Boleyn; court intrigues and plots intensify.

The king must look elsewhere for European support; Anne Boleyn refuses Henry's offer.

Henry grows dissatisfied with the Roman Catholic Church; Cardinal Wolsey becomes vulnerable.