Plot

Concerned that the upcoming marriage between the French King's son and the Queen of Spain will create a dangerous alliance, Victoria sets sail on her first voyage to the continent to try to deter the wily monarch.

After Peel airs his misgivings over wily French king Louis Philippe betrothing his son to Isabel, the Spanish infanta, fearing a Franco-Spanish alliance against Britain Victoria travels with her entourage to the French court to dissuade the king. She is frustrated by his refusal to discuss the reason for her visit and puzzled by the reluctance of Albert, to support her, until he admits to her Leopold's revelation and is reassured by her view that it changes nothing between them. As a result the pair form an entente cordiale whilst closet gay lovers Lord Alfred Paget and government aide Drummond enjoy a nude dip with Albert. However, on return to England , Victoria learns of the French king's duplicity though she does have a pleasant surprise for Albert.—don @ minifie-1

Sir Robert Peel and confidant Albert worry about upstart French king Louis Philippe betrothing his adult crown prince son to the Spanish infanta Isabel, which could upset the European balance of power, while Leopold wants her to marry another Coburg prince. Against diplomatic advice, Victoria decides to attempt an 'agreement among monarchs'. While she is charmed by the French fashionable fringe, which Albert abhors, albeit it far less than the xenophobic Duchess of Buccleuch, he is pleasantly puzzled by the presence of his brother, now the Duke of Coburg. Albert flees the debauchery of the royal summer residence with Lord Alfred Paget and Peel's man Drummond to enjoy a British boys swim in the nude. Louis Philippe tries to avoid the matter of state but finally seems to agree with Albert's proposal to avoid conflict by keeping the Spanish dynasty neutral, yet breaks that promise by the time the delegation returns to London.—KGF Vissers