Elizabeth (1998) ending / spoiler
Queen Elizabeth (Cate Blanchett) grows into a powerful ruler, gradually learning who she can and cannot trust. Pressured by her advisers to marry and produce an heir, she is courted by eligible aristocrats and royalty from across Europe. Elizabeth keeps all suitors at bay except for her favorite and most trusted adviser, Lord Robert Dudley (Joseph Fiennes). She determines she will never marry, refusing to share power or align England with another country. Conspirators plot her overthrow, but they are uncovered and executed (the Duke of Norfolk, the priest who carried letters from The Vatican, Mary of Guise, Monseñor Alvaro de la Quadra, etc.). In this film, and not in real life, Elizabeth discovers Robert Dudley is also a co-conspirator. Because of her love for him, Elizabeth spares his life, but keeps him under her close watch for the remainder of his life. She cuts her hair and says to one of her ladies-in-waiting that she has now become a virgin. The final scene is Elizabeth on the throne. Elizabeth rules for nearly 45 years and never married or had children. Under her rule, England became one of the most powerful nations and experienced a golden age. It is rumored that before dying, she whispered Lord Robert's name.
Submitted by Natti-Lou