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.

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.