1846:- Potato blight brings widespread famine to largely Catholic Ireland and compassionate vicar Robert Traill, faced with apathy by a bigoted Protestant clergy, writes to Victoria for assistance. Deeply moved by his letter she is anxious to help and is shocked when Peel refuses, claiming that to show favouritism to the Irish would cause resentment at home, undermining his government. She invites Dr Traill to visit her to explain how the Irish church has contributed to his parishioners' plight, prompting her to again ask Peel to send relief - but it is too late for the typhus-stricken Dr Traill and a million of his countrymen. Ernest has his own health problems whilst Albert busies himself improving sanitation for London and Francatelli shows an act of great kindness to assistant dresser Miss Cleary to aid her family in Ireland.
—don @ minifie-1