Beau Brummell

Brummell is inspected during a military parade when he clashes with the Prince of Wales over the impracticality of the uniform. The Prince personally designed the uniform, and their argument ends with Brummell dismissed from the Army in disgrace. This opening scene sets Brummell's dramatic fall from grace.

News of Brummell's sharp criticisms of the Prince leaks to the public through newspapers. He is summoned to the Prince's presence for admonishment, but after a tense exchange they unexpectedly forge a new, uneasy friendship. Brummell begins to maneuver his way into court circles and influence.

Brummell becomes London's most fashionable man, famed for his refined taste and trendsetting style. He dominates social salons and sets fashion among the elite. Yet his mounting debts grow as he sustains the appearance of wealth and influence.

The Prince promises to make Brummell an earl, feeding his ambition with the lure of wealth and status. Brummell believes the title will secure his future and cement his place at Court. The promise deepens his dependence on the Prince.

Lady Patricia Belham falls secretly in love with Brummell, though she is betrothed to Lord Edwin Mercer. Brummell's ascent complicates their forbidden attachment. The relationship swims in a sea of love and obligation within high society.

Brummell convinces the Prince to visit his father, King George III, at Windsor Castle in an effort to weaken Pitt's political grip. This bold move shows Brummell's influence over royal decisions. It also signals a turning point in the Prince's political stance.

Patricia decides to marry Lord Edwin Mercer, cutting ties with Brummell. Mrs Fitzherbert also leaves England, removing one of Brummell's closest allies from the Prince's circle. The risks of Brummell's relationship with the Prince become clearer.

Parliament offers a Regency that would empower the Prince to govern royal marriages but deny him the power to grant peerages. Brummell advises the Prince to decline, arguing that accepting would trap him in a weak, compromised position. Lord Edwin publicly speaks against Brummell, further souring Brummell's standing.

Public fallout follows Brummell's feud with the Prince; at a prestigious society ball, Brummell publicly insults the Prince. His actions threaten his standing at Court and earn him furious creditors' pursuit. Brummell flees to France to escape his mounting debts.

George IV ascends to the throne and begins planning a State Visit to France. Brummell, now penniless, lives in very modest lodgings in France, surviving on scraps of past influence. The once-mighty confidant to the Prince now faces oblivion.

Brummell begins drafting memoirs, hoping to cash in on his storied life. He soon realizes that publishing could deeply embarrass the new King and the Crown. Faced with that risk, he destroys the manuscript to protect the King and their fragile reconciliation.

On his deathbed, Brummell is visited by the newly crowned King George IV. They share a heartfelt reconciliation, acknowledging their rift and the value of their friendship. Brummell dies with a sense of closure and mutual respect restored in his final moments.