Elizabeth I

Series 1 Episode 1
First Broadcast:

Part One focuses on Elizabeth's relationship with The Earl of Leicester, her lover and trusted advisor. This relationship also forms the prism through which the two other major events of this part of Elizabeth I's reign are viewed: the execution of Mary Queen of Scots and the war with Spain.

Specifically, the story traces the evolution of their relationship as Leicester tries to balance his love for Elizabeth, his loyalty to her as her trusted advisor and his pursuit of his own self interests.

Elizabeth and Leicester have agreed that they cannot marry - this would be strategically unwise for Elizabeth - but they have nevertheless chosen to remain on intimate terms with one another in spite of Leicester's role as advisor to the Queen. When a French prince/suitor, Anjou, arrives on the scene, Leicester initially sees him as a political threat and slowly comes to see him as an emotional threat as well.

    1. Elizabeth Series 1 Episode 1 Part One

      Part One focuses on Elizabeth's relationship with The Earl of Leicester, her lover and trusted advisor. This…

      • Scenes of punishment and execution
      • This programme has episodes with subtitles available.
    2. Elizabeth Series 1 Episode 2 Part Two

      In the latter years of her reign, Elizabeth I must deal with the repercussions of her tumultuous relationship with the…

      • Scenes of punishment and execution
      • This programme has episodes with subtitles available.

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