S2E1 · Misadventure

In February 1957, Elizabeth and Philip discuss the state of their marriage aboard the HMY Britannia in Lisbon, Portugal; both acknowledge that divorce is not an option. Five months earlier, as Philip prepares for his royal tour, Elizabeth becomes convinced he is having an affair after finding a photograph of ballerina Galina Ulanova in his briefcase. At 10 Downing Street, Chancellor of the Exchequer Harold Macmillan challenges Eden's solution to Egypt's takeover of the Suez Canal but ultimately agrees to military intervention. Mountbatten informs Elizabeth about the plan, and she confronts Eden after learning that Israel has invaded Sinai. Eden reveals that the invasion was not only planned but part of a secret agreement between the Israeli, French, and British governments to reclaim the Suez Canal without approval from Parliament or the United Nations. Elizabeth reluctantly agrees, and Eden authorises British forces to enter Egypt.