A Royal Affair

Princess Caroline Matilda begins her heartfelt letter to her children, expressing the tumult she experienced throughout her life. This letter serves as a reflective piece, revealing her innermost thoughts and the challenges she faced as she navigated her tumultuous existence.

Caroline prepares to leave England with excitement and expectation for her future. She hopes to bring her love for the arts and education to her new home as she embarks on a journey to marry Christian VII of Denmark.

Upon arriving in Denmark, Caroline is confronted with a stark reality; many of her beloved books and aspirations are now deemed forbidden. This moment marks the beginning of her disillusionment in her new life as queen.

As Christian's mental instability becomes apparent, Caroline's initial joy fades into profound unhappiness. The emotional divide in their marriage grows, leaving her isolated and yearning for companionship.

Despite the turmoil in her marriage, Caroline becomes pregnant with her son Frederick VI of Denmark. This event brings hope yet also complicates her already strained relationship with Christian.

The court welcomes Johann Friedrich Struensee as Christian's personal physician. Struensee, influenced by Enlightenment ideals, begins to form a close friendship with the king, hoping to implement progressive reforms.

Struensee successfully inoculates Prince Frederick against smallpox, gaining admiration and respect from the court. This pivotal achievement enhances his position and influence within the royal household.

With Christian's support, Struensee begins to advise the king on key decisions, effectively assuming power in the royal court. He uses this influence to draft speeches aligning with his progressive ideals, which reshape Danish governance.

Caroline and Struensee's relationship deepens, and they become lovers as they discover their shared vision for reform. Their affair faces complications as they strategize to maintain Caroline's reputation amid her pregnancy.

Struensee's rise to power allows him to implement significant reforms including the abolition of censorship and torture. These measures challenge the established aristocracy and create tension with those resistant to change.

Queen Dowager Juliana Maria and statesman Ove Høegh-Guldberg lead the opposition against Struensee's ambitious reforms. They rally public sentiment against him, framing him as an immoral foreigner with excessive influence.

Conflict escalates as Høegh-Guldberg orchestrates a coup, accusing Caroline and Struensee of plotting to murder Christian. Torn between loyalty and duty, Christian reluctantly supports Caroline's exile.

Struensee is arrested and ultimately beheaded, despite Christian's attempt to issue a pardon. The political landscape shifts dramatically as Høegh-Guldberg assumes control, swiftly undoing Struensee's reforms.

The film returns to Caroline in her later years, as she reflects on her life and completes her poignant letter. Her declining health symbolizes the weight of her past struggles and unfulfilled dreams.

A decade later, Caroline's children, including Prince Frederick, discover her letter. Frederick eventually ascends to the throne, embracing the spirit of reform they have inherited, reminiscent of Struensee's vision.