Historical drama starring Patrick Stewart and Glenn Close. In 1183, after the death of his eldest son, King Henry II (Stewart) must decide which of his three remaining sons will succeed him. As the time for him to announce his successor approaches, Henry frees his imprisoned wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine (Close), who he held captive after she plotted to overthrow him. It soon becomes clear, however, that Eleanor favours first child Richard (Andrew Howard), while Henry sees his youngest, John (Rafe Spall), as the next in line but, in the weeks ahead, the King begins to have serious doubts if any of his sons are capable of becoming the new ruler.