Caroline Mathilde (Alicia Vikander), a 15-year-old English princess, leaves for Denmark in 1766 to meet her husband, the young King Christian VII (Mikkel Folsgaard), a simpleton who throws parties for his dog and seems to ignore her. The books she brings along, dangerous in their call for enlightenment, are immediately confiscated. Caroline Mathilde soon discovers that the doctor Johann Struensee (Mads Mikkelsen), hired to channel the king's madness, reads books by Rousseau and edits writings that demand more freedom and justice. Supported by the queen after he becomes her lover, Struensee encourages the king to implement reforms. But the nobles and the clergy have other plans...

Nikolaj Arcel, screenwriter of the first Millennium film, wanted to present an episode in the history of his country not known by many outside its borders. With an excellent cast, beautiful costumes, magnificent castles and a rousing love story. But not only: he applies great finesse in dealing with the changing politics which, although supported by the best of intentions, need time to become accepted.