Landmark drama starring Jenna Coleman. Victoria depicts the ascension to the throne of Britain's former longest-reigning monarch in a time of resurgent republicanism and her marriage to Prince Albert, up to the birth of their first child in 1840.A month after giving birth, Victoria is frustrated at being cosseted and angry that Albert and the government are excluding her from their business. She is particularly annoyed to learn that they have kept from her the slaughter of British troops in the unwinnable war in Afghanistan and rebuffs Leopold's view that her baby girl is betrothed to a foreign power for political purposes. In the wake of public outrage at the Afghani defeat she rallies the country with a personal appearance whilst Albert's brother Ernest advises him on healing the marital rift. Below stairs the departure of Mrs Jenkins means promotion for Miss Skerrett whilst chef Francatelli is 'persuaded' to return and the formidable Duchess of Buccleuch becomes the new Mistress of the Robes.