Queen Elizabeth I faces threats at home and abroad, as Mary, Queen of Scots plots against her while the King of Spain builds a vast armada to undertake an invasion of England. Unable to reconcile her feelings for the dashing Sir Walter Raleigh with her duty to her country, the monarch engineers a romance between the courtier and one of her ladies-in-waiting. Historical drama sequel, with Cate Blanchett, Clive Owen, Geoffrey Rush and Samantha Morton.

When Queen Elizabeth's reign is threatened by ruthless familial betrayal and Spain's invading army, she and her shrewd adviser must act to safeguard the lives of her people.