The early years of The Queen Mother’s life are revealed in forensic detail, as she is suddenly thrust onto the throne, somewhat reluctantly, after the scandalous abdication of her brother-in-law Edward VIII. Almost immediately, the country was thrown into turmoil as Hitler’s rise threatens the stability of Europe and she and King George VI steer the country through the darkness of World War II.

This episode looks into the difficult time faced by the Queen Mother following her husband George VI's death in February 1952. From this crisis year, which like 1936 had begun with death and disaster, she again emerged stronger and more determined to reclaim her position as a powerful matriarch in charge of the Windsor dynasty. She became queen-maker to her daughter Elizabeth, guardian of the traditional Windsor dynasty flame, and fiercely protective grandmother to the heir apparent, Prince Charles.