Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Henry and Francis meet at the Field of Cloth of Gold, where the promised peace competes with their desire to outdo each other. Clothes, gifts and sporting contests become tests of royal pride. When Francis defeats Henry in a wrestling match, Henry threatens to abandon the agreement. More persuades him that refusing to sign would damage his standing, and the treaty goes ahead despite the king's anger. Mary Boleyn also attracts Henry's attention at the gathering. Thomas Boleyn encourages the connection while quietly passing information about Buckingham's ambitions to Wolsey, turning one family's access to the king against another nobleman's plans.
Back in England, Henry turns towards an alliance with Emperor Charles and discusses how to deal with Buckingham. The duke continues to trust that his rank and fellow nobles will protect him. Henry instead sends Brandon to make the consequences of an acquittal clear to Norfolk, who presides over the trial. Buckingham is condemned and executed, ending his attempt to challenge the crown. Elizabeth Blount gives birth to Henry's son, bringing a very different response from the king. Henry celebrates having fathered a boy, although the child is outside his marriage to Catherine. The episode ends with Henry's power strengthened and his concern about the succession still unresolved.