In the turbulent 1930s, the Civil War ends with the assassination of the king. The victorious King Edward has three children by his American-born wife, Queen Elizabeth. The throne seems secure for generations to come. Enter King Edward's youngest brother, the charismatic commander-in-chief, Richard Gloucester. Richard is a hunch-back, with a useless left arm and a limp. As a fighting soldier, he has conquered his disabilities through determination and good humour. Now Richard turns his ambitions to civilian life, with disastrous results for his family and for the country.