A Royal Affair

Europe at the close

of the 18th century.

The nobility rules by oppression,

supported by strong religious forces.

But the winds of change

are blowing

Across the continent

intellectuals and freethinkers -

demand reforms and freedom

for the people.

It is the age of the Enlightenment.

I'm trying to remember him.

Johann.

I have to tell you about him.

About us.

Why we did the things we did.

A Royal Affair

My beloved children,

you do not know me.

But I am your mother.

Perhaps you have

never forgiven me.

Perhaps you hate me.

I hope not.

I now know

that! will never see you again.

I am writing to tell you the truth,

before it is too fate.

ENGLAND 1766

Nine years earlier

I was officially wed to your father,

King Christian VII -

- before even meeting him.

Even though I had never left England,

I was now the Queen of Denmark.

A new life

and an entirely new language.

'Good afternoon'.

'Shall we go for a stroll in the

park?'

I had prepared and longed for this

day ever since I was a little girl.

To be Queen of an exotic country -

- and honor and love

my husband unconditionally.

Christian was said to be charming,

interested in art and literature -

- and even fond of acting. I could

not imagine a more perfect husband.

Denmark

Your Majesty. Louise von Plessen,

your lady-in-waiting.

This is Reventlow,

his Majesty's private tutor.

Welcome, Your Majesty.

Would you like

to meet the King?

Your Majesty.

Gourmand!

There you are, old boy!

There you are!

Did you miss, daddy?

Did you miss, daddy?

Your Royal Highness,

please concentrate.

Why?

I will never have any use for it.

When will I see Christian again?

- His Majesty will attend the banquet.

Do you know where my books are?

The court is reviewing them. Some

will be shipped back to England.

Why?

Many of your books

are under Danish censorship.

I apologize.

I didn't know.

- That's quite alright.

We will find something else

for you to read.

Minister Bernstorff.

He's the most powerful man here.

Minister Warberg.

Stay away from him, if you can.

He has a very distinct odor.

That must be the King's stepmother.

- Queen Dowager Juliane Marie.

And the Majesty's half-brother,

the heir presumptive.

Neither she nor her son

are popular with the people.

Why not?

His Majesty doesn't regard them

as part of the family.

The Danish people have always had

a sixth sense about these things.

You were so far away.

You have a flair for drama,

my dear Queen.

Will you come to my chambers

after tonight's program?

"Come, let's away to prison. We two

alone will sing like birds in a cage."

She's enchanting.

And so talented.

Yes.

Thank you.

The nobility is captivated by her.

They seem to think she's needed.

- Really? Why?

Many of them are saying

she is just what Denmark needs.

A true artistic soul

on the throne.

Thank you,

that is quite enough!

What?

What?

That insufferable noise

is giving me a headache!

Come on.

Move your fat little thighs

and have a seat.

Go on!

The King is here to visit the Queen

as per agreement.

It'll be fine.

Yes

Yes

Yes.

I'm sorry.

Don't steal my light.

What do you mean?

Take off your clothes and lie down.

"Oh, how I have

sweated and slaved

and yet nothing accomplished."

I wish I'd had the strength

to forgive Christian's behavior.

"Someone to spare Man

the fear of God.

Such a

But I was too young to understand

how sick and tormented he was.

All I could think about was -

- that I had to spend

the rest of my life with him.

I began hating him for it.

In the eyes of the Court,

I was soon blessed.

You were on your way, Frederik.

His Majesty wishes to visit

the Queen's chambers.

I'm sorry, we've just begun

another game of chess.

This has been going on for weeks.

What is she thinking?

Having fulfilled

my main obligation as queen -

- I saw no reason

to maintain the facade.

I would pay dearly for that.

Christian, stop!

I never want to see

your ugly face again!

You're fired, cow!

There, there.

Relax.

A true queen delivers

in silence and with dignity.

He has stomach pains.

I'm going on a tour of Europe.

I'll be gone for at least a year.

Do you think it matters to me

whether you're here or not?

This was my life.

My fate.

I had resigned myself to it.

Or rather it could

have been my life.

Altona, a Danish colony in Germany

Do you know

where I can find the hospital?

Thanks a lot.

Excuse me,

is Doctor Struensee here?

Johann Struensee?

- Who's asking?

Count Rantzau requests

that you attend to him immediately.

Count Rantzau? Are you sure

you have the right Struensee?

I am not to return without you.

- A count is calling. Better get going.

What do you think? Should I abandon

my bleeding patient for some count?

Maybe he will pay you.

That would be nice for a change.

What the hell is wrong with it?

- Could you hold it for a second?

You're a bit of a mystery, Struensee.

Your father is one of Germany's

most conservative priests -

and yet you insist on publishing

praises to the French freethinkers.

If you hadn't written them

anonymously, you'd be in prison.

Well written.

Quite Voltaire-inspired.

Don't worry.

You're among friends.

You've been using it too much.

But I'm sure your many lady friends

are quite content.

Yeah, right.

- I like him.

Am I done?

Struensee, how would you like

a new position?

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