News arrives of a rebellion in Ireland. Essex is desperate to go over there and fight. In his enthusiasm he angers Elizabeth by trying to rouse the English subjects to support him. She once again snubs him. But eventually he begs for forgiveness, and she finally gives him permission to fight. Meanwhile William Cecil's health falters. He has a stroke, and then dies. Elizabeth's health begins to fade and she eventually weakens and dies peacefully, leaving the country to be ruled by James I.

Elizabeth is determined to find a way of neutralising the threat from the Catholics, and is pursuing a match with the Duke of Anjou. Robert Dudley cannot hide his jealousy, but it comes to light that he has secretly married Lettice Knollys, Elizabeth's former Lady in Waiting. Elizabeth is furious and bans Lettice from court, vowing to withdraw all payments and privileges. However Dudley's health is not good, and she allows him to stay.

Elizabeth's advisors try to select the perfect suitor to secure England's stability. When she learns that her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, has been widowed and may now return to try and take the throne, Elizabeth starts to see the seriousness of the situation. However she is adamant that she can rule alone. She continues to flirt with Dudley, but his wife dies and rumours fly around that she was murdered so Dudley and the Queen can marry. Elizabeth sees that her connection with Dudley is dangerous, and refuses him when he proposes.

The Catholic Queen Mary is on the throne of England. Protestants are being persecuted and as long as the Queen remains childless Elizabeth will be a threat. Queen Mary knows Elizabeth has a lot of supporters in the country and tries to find an excuse to get her out of the way. First she is put in the Tower of London, and later moved out to the country and placed under house arrest.