New mother Victoria is impatient to return to the business of ruling a nation, while Albert attempts to protect her from bad news in Afghanistan.

Victoria realises that she is pregnant again, and her equilibrium is threatened by Albert's burgeoning friendship with female mathematician Ada Lovelace.

Discontent is growing in the country, and upon hearing the pleas of a silk weaver of Spitalfields, Victoria decides she must help. Against Peel and Albert's advice, she hatches a plan: a fantastic medieval ball at the Palace, where the attendees have to wear costumes made from Spitalfields silk.

The royal court celebrates the birth of the Queen's second child, but Victoria alone is unhappy as she struggles to bond with her newborn son. A crisis compels Albert to return to Coburg, separating the couple for the first time since their wedding. Skerrett makes a disastrous mistake, while Drummond's relationship with Lord Alfred comes under threat.

The queen is horrified by news of famine sweeping Ireland, and tries to persuade the government to take action. However, Peel is reluctant to get involved, fearing that sending aid will destabilise his own party. The crisis soon strikes at the heart of the royal household, while a determined Reverend turns up on Victoria's doorstep, demanding help for his parish.

After a series of assassination attempts, the queen is forced to seek sanctuary far from the palace. She and Albert travel to the Scottish Highlands. Travelling incognito gives both the royal couple and their servants a freedom they do not often experience.

Albert resents Lehzen's influence over the queen, and fears she is putting the health of their child at risk. The prince also unwittingly creates problems for Peel, who is facing the most important battle of his political career as he takes a stand against the corn laws, only to find that Albert has played into their enemies' hands. When tragedy strikes, personal and political sacrifices must be made. Last in the series.