En Angleterre, l'année 1660 voit la fin de l'austère dictature de Cromwell et le retour au pouvoir de la famille royale en la personne de Charles II, souverain spirituel, éclaire et libertin. C'est dans ce contexte que nous allons suivre les aventures de Robert Merivel, jeune médecin obscur, appelé à la cour pour soigner la chienne favorite du roi. An aspiring young physician, Robert Merivel found himself in the service of King Charles II and saves the life of someone close to the King. Merivel joins the King's court and lives the high life provided to someone of his position. Merivel is ordered to marry his King's mistress in order to divert the queens suspicions. He is given one order by the king and that is not to fall in love. The situation worsens when Merivel finds himself in love with his new wife. Eventually, the King finds out and relieves Merivel of his position and wealth. His fall from grace leaves Merivel where he first started. And through his travels and reunions with an old friend, he rediscovers his love for true medicine and what it really means to be a physician.