Young Bess

After the execution of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII declares Elizabeth illegitimate and removes her from the line of succession. He exiles her to Hatfield House, where she must wait while court politics determine her fate. Her status remains fragile, swinging with her father's moods.

Elizabeth travels with her loyal servants, Mistress Ashley and Mr. Parry, to Hatfield. They endure years of fluctuating favor as Henry's moods and marriages change the princess's standing. She learns to survive in a perilous courtly environment.

Throughout these years, Elizabeth is periodically summoned to London to become acquainted with Henry's latest spouse. Her presence at court is brief and strategic, shaping her future role in the realm. Between summons, she returns to Hatfield and awaits further orders.

Henry marries Katherine Parr; Elizabeth rebels against another summons but is persuaded by Lord Admiral Thomas Seymour. The two form a friendship with Katherine, and Henry is amused and impressed by Elizabeth's resolute defiance.

In a turn of favor, Henry proclaims Elizabeth a legitimate heiress once more, elevating her standing at court. The news reshapes her relationship with Katherine and Thomas as political alliances shift under Henry's changing affections. Elizabeth's status suddenly positions her closer to royal power.

Henry VIII dies, leaving Edward VI as heir and a tumultuous court behind. Ned Seymour's brother Ned assumes the role of Lord Protector, overriding Henry's dying wish that Thomas Seymour raise the boy. Ned fears Thomas's ambition grows as naval victories raise his profile.

Elizabeth realizes she is in love with Thomas Seymour, while Edward issues a royal decree sanctioning the marriage of Thomas and Katherine Parr. The arrangement complicates loyalties at court as bonds between Elizabeth and Katherine begin to form.

Thomas grows close to Elizabeth without realizing it until he witnesses her being kissed by Barnaby, a courtier. Jealousy prompts him to kiss Elizabeth, and she confesses her love for him. Katherine notices their closeness and confronts Elizabeth about her feelings.

Following Katherine's request for clarity about Elizabeth's loyalties, the princess moves back to Hatfield. The move signals a withdrawal from the central court as power plays unfold. Hatfield becomes a refuge amid the palace intrigues.

Katherine Parr becomes ill and dies shortly thereafter, removing one of Elizabeth's key allies at court. Her death reshapes the dynamics among Elizabeth, Thomas Seymour, and Ned. The loss leaves Elizabeth more exposed to political currents.

Thomas Seymour returns after months at sea, only to be arrested by Ned Seymour on charges of treason. Ned also accuses Elizabeth of conspiring with Thomas to overthrow her brother. The couple's fate seems sealed as the political nets close in.

Elizabeth pleads with Edward to save Thomas, but it is too late: Thomas Seymour is executed for treason. The miscalculation of loyalties splits the court and marks a brutal end to the romance that defined Elizabeth's early life. The regime becomes dominated by the looming possibility that Elizabeth will ascend to the throne.

A long arc of survival has brought Elizabeth to the threshold of the throne, with Edward dead and Mary nearing the end of her life. The film leaps forward to 1558, where Elizabeth stands ready to become Queen of England. Her early trials have hardened her into a monarch-in-waiting.