In 1887, during the era of British India, a young prison clerk named Abdul Karim is summoned to Britain to attend Queen Victoria's (Judi Dench) Golden Jubilee. He carries with him a unique gift—a Mohur, a gold coin minted in honor of the occasion, as a token of gratitude from India. Coming from a Muslim, Urdu-speaking background and a family known for supplying exquisite carpets to the Royal household, Abdul is accompanied by Mohammad Bakhsh on this significant journey.
At the luxurious ceremony, both men face the awkwardness of waiting hours until they can partake in the meal, only permitted to eat after the Queen has finished her course. To add to the peculiar experience, the Queen dozes off mid-meal! But when it’s time for Abdul and Mohammad to present the Mohur, despite being instructed to avoid eye contact, Abdul inadvertently meets the Queen's gaze as he retreats, sparking a curiosity in her.
Lonely and weary of her sycophantic courtiers, Queen Victoria becomes intrigued by Abdul, particularly his charm and good looks. Both men are invited to extend their stay in England, where at a subsequent event, Abdul finds himself serving jelly to the Queen, even going so far as to kiss her feet in a grand display that leaves everyone astonished. Recognizing his talents, Victoria appoints Abdul as her personal butler and learns he possesses a rich understanding of their shared culture, including stories of the Taj Mahal and the nuances of Indian cuisine.
As their friendship blossoms, Abdul becomes increasingly integral to Victoria's life, leading to tension with Henry Ponsonby, her official private secretary, who feels overshadowed by Abdul’s rising influence. In response to her son’s discontent regarding her relationship with Abdul, Victoria retreats to a smaller estate seeking personal solitude, where she freely shares her life with him. A profound bond forms, culminating in the Queen giving Abdul a special bejeweled locket containing her portrait, alongside promoting him to her esteemed Munshi, which elevates his status within the palace from mere servant to trusted confidant.
Victoria's newfound interest in Indian culture leads to the creation of the Durbar Room at Osborne House, reflecting her admiration for her friend’s heritage. With exquisite decorations, including Agra carpets and a replica of the famous Peacock Throne, the room symbolizes her affection for Abdul, who is seen more like a son than a subordinate.
However, their closeness draws ire from her household, especially from her son, Bertie, and members of the cabinet, who work to sever their connection. Tensions flare when the Queen recounts an embarrassing misrepresentation of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 at court, which compromises her trust in Abdul. Though she initially decides to send him back to India, her heart quickly sways back, insisting he remain.
Further complications arise when inquiries into Abdul’s background reveal his humble origin as merely a prison clerk and uneducated man, contrary to his claims of nobility. Despite the physician, Dr. Reid, uncovering Abdul’s unfortunate health condition, the Queen consistently defends him. Her loyalty shines through as she plans to award him with a knighthood.
As mounting pressures force the Queen to reconsider her relationship with Abdul, she confronts her entire household, ultimately deciding to honor him as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order instead of a knight. Nevertheless, as Victoria's health deteriorates, she urges Abdul to leave before her inevitable passing, warning him of the dangers that will follow.
In 1901, upon the Queen's death, her son, now King Edward VII, turns against Abdul, destroying all memorials, gifts, and ties to the late Queen, and sending Abdul and his family back to India. Despite this, Abdul's wife treasures the locket given to him by Victoria, a poignant reminder of their enduring bond.
The film closes with a moving scene of Abdul, kneeling before a prominent statue of Queen Victoria near the Taj Mahal, paying respects and sharing his heartfelt sentiments, capturing the profound and complex relationship between a monarch and her beloved aide.
