A month after giving birth, Victoria is frustrated at being cosseted and angry that Albert and the government are excluding her from their business. She is particularly annoyed to learn that they have kept from her the slaughter of British troops in the unwinnable war in Afghanistan and rebuffs Leopold's view that her baby girl is betrothed to a foreign power for political purposes. In the wake of public outrage at the Afghani defeat she rallies the country with a personal appearance whilst Albert's brother Ernest advises him on healing the marital rift. Below stairs the departure of Mrs Jenkins means promotion for Miss Skerrett whilst chef Francatelli is 'persuaded' to return and the formidable Duchess of Buccleuch becomes the new Mistress of the Robes. Written by don @ minifie-1

Victoria discovers she is pregnant with a second child and suspects her husband is attracted to another woman. Below stairs, Cleary thinks the palace is haunted but Brodie thinks there is a natural explanation for events.

Moved by the plight of a silk weaver in Spitalfields, Victoria throws a lavish medieval ball at the palace with all attendees wearing outfits made in the impoverished area. Though a success the event outrages the public.

The royal court celebrates the birth of the queen's second child but Victoria struggles to bond with her newborn son. A crisis compels Albert to return to Coburg and upon arrival learns a terrible family secret.

Concerned that the upcoming marriage between the French King's son and the Queen of Spain will create a dangerous alliance, Victoria sets sail on her first voyage to the continent to try to deter the wily monarch.

Horrified by news of the famine sweeping Ireland, Victoria tries to persuade the government to take action. Peel is reluctant to send aid fearing it may destabilise his own party.

Following another attempt on her life Victoria and Albert travel incognito to the Scottish Highlands to get away from it all, but the trip does not prove to be the romantic retreat she imagined.

The early life of Queen Victoria, from her ascension to the throne at the tender age of 18 to her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert.

The early life of Queen Victoria, from her ascension to the throne at the tender age of 18 to her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert.