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The Virgin Queen

The Virgin Queen explores the full sweep of Elizabeth's life: from her days of fear as a potential victim of her sister's terror; through her great love affair with Robert Dudley; into her years of triumph over the Armada; and finally her old age and her last, enigmatic relationship with her young protégé, the Earl of Essex.

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Cast & Crew See All

Anne-Marie Duff
Queen Elizabeth I
Sienna Guillory
Lettice Knollys
Ian Hart
William Cecil - Lord Burghley

Season 1 Episode Guide See All

Episode 1

Episode #1.1

116 mins

Elizabeth remains a threat in her childless Catholic sister's eyes. Queen Mary is still on the throne and with her harsh politics, she excessively pursues the persecution of Protestants, even of her sister. Queen Mary knows that her sister has a large number of supporters in England, and therefore, she imprisons Elizabeth in the tower and later puts her under house arrest. When Queen Mary surprisingly dies from a tumor, Elizabeth becomes Queen of England. William Cecil, her advisor, warns Elizabeth of the dangers that the married Robert Dudley may, due to their inappropriate relation, cause as a member of the Privy Council.

Where to Watch

Awards

  • 2007 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Drama Serial - nominated
  • 2007 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Actress - nominated
  • 2007 - BAFTA TV Award - Best Costume Design - winner
  • 2007 - IFTA Award - Best Actress in a Lead Role in Television - nominated

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