Growing keenly aware of the changing religious and political tides of late 16th century
Europe, Queen Elizabeth finds her rule openly challenged by the Spanish King Philip II --
with his powerful army and sea-dominating armada -- determined to restore England to
Catholicism. Preparing to go to war to defend her empire, Elizabeth struggles to balance
ancient royal duties with an unexpected vulnerability in her love for Sir Walter Raleigh. But
he remains forbidden for a queen who has sworn body and soul to her country. Unable and
unwilling to pursue her love, Elizabeth encourages her favorite lady-in-waiting, Bess, to
befriend Raleigh to keep him near. But this strategy forces Elizabeth to observe their
growing intimacy. As she charts her course abroad, her trusted advisor, Sir Francis
Walsingham, continues his masterful puppetry of Elizabeth's court at home -- and her
campaign to solidify absolute power. Through an intricate spy network, Walsingham uncovers
an ...(more)
Growing keenly aware of the changing religious and political tides of late 16th century
Europe, Queen Elizabeth finds her rule openly challenged by the Spanish King Philip II --
with his powerful army and sea-dominating armada -- determined to restore England to
Catholicism. Preparing to go to war to defend her empire, Elizabeth struggles to balance
ancient royal duties with an unexpected vulnerability in her love for Sir Walter Raleigh. But
he remains forbidden for a queen who has sworn body and soul to her country. Unable and
unwilling to pursue her love, Elizabeth encourages her favorite lady-in-waiting, Bess, to
befriend Raleigh to keep him near. But this strategy forces Elizabeth to observe their
growing intimacy. As she charts her course abroad, her trusted advisor, Sir Francis
Walsingham, continues his masterful puppetry of Elizabeth's court at home -- and her
campaign to solidify absolute power. Through an intricate spy network, Walsingham uncovers
an assassination plot that could topple the throne. But as he unmasks traitors that may
include Elizabeth's own cousin Mary Stuart, he unknowingly sets England up for destruction. (less)
