In 1721, Philippe d’Orléans (Olivier Gourmet), Regent of France, develops a brilliant but unorthodox idea – to propose to Spain’s Philippe V, (Lambert Wilson) a marriage between the 11-year old Louis XV and 4-year old child princess, Anna Maria Victoria. The Spanish bride would not even be able to conceive for another decade! D’Orléans also proposes that his own daughter, Mlle de Montpensier, marry the young Prince des Asturies, future heir to the Spanish throne. All this to reduce tensions after years of war between the two neighbouring countries.
Madrid’s response is enthusiastic and “an exchange of princesses” ensues in 1722 amid
a lavish ceremony. But things don’t unfold according to plan...