The apprehension of a palace thief alerts Albert to household inefficiency, leading to pay increases for the staff, whilst Victoria receives a deputation from the weavers of Spitalfields protesting against foreign imports. Against the advice of Sir Robert Peel, who cites national unrest, Victoria decides to throw a ball where the costumes are only made by the Spitalfields craftsmen but Peel is proved right as the ball is seen as a costly extravagance whilst thousands are starving and there is a demonstration at the palace gates. The guests number Lord Melbourne, who masks his terminal illness from the queen, but Albert learns the truth and Victoria pays her former mentor an emotional visit.
—don @ minifie-1