Victoria the Great

In June 1837, 18-year-old Victoria becomes Queen of the United Kingdom after the death of her uncle, William IV. She immediately begins shaping her rule, asserting her independence from the influence of her mother and other counselors who surrounded her accession.

She asserts her independence from her German mother, the Duchess of Kent, and her Belgian adviser, Baron Stockmar. This early assertion frames her approach to power and signals that she will not be swayed by older guardians.

Lord Melbourne senses the need for a trusted adviser and suggests Victoria marry her German cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Victoria is wary, seeing him as straitlaced and serious compared to her lively court.

Victoria postpones inviting Albert and his older brother Ernest, but Melbourne's note that Albert does not want to come prompts a rapid reversal. She insists they travel to Britain, hoping an alliance will stabilize her reign.

Albert and Ernest cross the English Channel in rough, rain-drenched waters. The difficult voyage foreshadows the turbulent path their alliance will take.

When Albert is first presented to Victoria, he is not very friendly, signaling early tension between the pair. The scene hints at the challenges ahead in blending their personal and political ambitions.

At a royal ball, Albert delays plans to return home after a waltz with Victoria. The joyous moment deepens their connection and persuades Victoria that marriage could work.

Victoria resolves she wants to marry Albert and takes the unusual step of initiating the arrangement. Albert accepts, beginning their long partnership in governance.

After their wedding, Victoria dives into governing, often rebuffing Albert's attempts to help. He chafes at a life devoted to reading and music, longing for a more active role.

During a party, Prime Minister Peel talks about the merits of an income tax, but Victoria refuses to let Albert join the debate. This moment marks the start of a gradual shift toward shared governance.

In the Hungry Forties, an assassin targets Victoria; Albert spots the threat and shields his wife during an open-carriage ride. The would-be killer only manages to strike her hat before being overpowered. The incident underscores Albert's protective role.

In November 1841, Victoria and Albert welcome their first son, Prince Albert Edward. The birth adds a personal milestone to their growing political partnership.

A mob gathers outside the palace demanding bread, and Victoria supports Peel's repeal of the Corn Laws. The policy shift helps quell the Hungry Forties and signals pragmatic leadership under pressure.

In 1861, the Trent Affair threatens to pull Britain into the American Civil War. Victoria resists a hard line, while Albert rewrites the message to avoid hostilities.

That same year, Albert dies, plunging Victoria into seclusion and prompting public dissatisfaction with the monarchy. Prime Minister Gladstone pleads with her to resume public duties, and the film ends as she heeds the advice, with a switch from black-and-white to color signaling a new beginning.