Royal Flash

An adaptation of the historical novel "Royal Flash" (1970) by George MacDonald Fraser. This is a fictionalized depiction of the 1840s political dispute known as the "Schleswig-Holstein question" and the events leading up to the First Schleswig War (1848-1852). Denmark and the Kingdom of Prussia are claiming control over the small German states of Schleswig and Holstein, whose dynastic control has been inherited by the monarchs of Denmark. A diplomatic marriage between a Danish prince and the German duchess Irma has been arranged to strengthen Denmark's alliances. The Prussian politician Otto von Bismarck wants to undermine this marriage. He arranges for the British military officer Harry Flashman to impersonate the prince on his behalf. Bischmarck is ruthlessly coercing Flashman, as a retaliation for the officer daring to sleep with Bismarck's mistress in their previous encounter.