Now close to death, Queen Mary I (Kathy Burke) steps up her policy of Protestant repression. Even Princess Elizabeth (Cate Blanchett), her younger sister and her heir apparent is in grave danger, but Mary's last ditch to execute her for treason fails. Within days, Mary is dead and Elizabeth is crowned Queen of England, but with enemies and rebellion continuing in her own council she is advised to hit back. She retaliated in a counter-coup of immense ferocity, wiping out all opposition to her leadership. Her throne is finally secure.