Set in the 18th century, a young Caroline Mathilde, a British princess, marries King Christian VII of Denmark. She immediately discovers that her husband is mentally ill and disinterested in governing, contributing to a court rife with corruption and intrigue. Struggling with her new life and disillusioned by the pervasive backwardness and oppression, Caroline finds solace and intellectual companionship in Johann Friedrich Struensee, the king's German physician. Struensee, a man of Enlightenment ideals, quickly gains influence over the erratic king and implements progressive reforms aimed at modernization and social welfare, garnering the favor of the queen and progressive factions within the court.

As Struensee and Caroline's relationship deepens and their bond strengthens, they join forces to push for even more reforms, aiming to make Denmark a beacon of Enlightenment thought. However, their increasingly radical changes face fierce opposition from traditionalist factions who are determined to maintain their power and control over the king. The growing scandal of their intimate relationship and the resultant power shifts in the court set off a series of events that lead to dramatic changes in the kingdom's political landscape, altering the course of history.