Episode one begins in 1930 with the birth of Margaret Rose Windsor, a princess of the largest Empire the world had ever seen. The abdication of her uncle propelled the princess to being second in line to the throne. Margaret's life would be shaped by dramatic social change as Britain entered a more egalitarian era after the Second World War. The sister of the future Queen needed a role in this new world; it involved everything from opening council housing estates and visiting schools to opening flower shows. Privately Margaret preferred fashion, theatre and house parties. Aged 16, Margaret fell in love with Peter Townsend, a married man. Clergy and politicians were against the relationship but the public voiced support for Margaret's right to marry the man of her choice.