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In the Spanish monastery of Saint-Just, a mysterious monk prays with his brethren for the rest of the soul of Charles V, the former formidable emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. At the tomb appears his grandson, Don Carlos.

 

The Infante is filled with feelings of love for the beautiful Elisabeth Valois, whom he met in France. For political reasons, she was forced to marry his father, the King of Spain Philip II.

 

A close friend of Carlos, Rodrigo the Marquis di Posa appears. He advises the Infante to forget his sinful passions for his stepmother and to ask the king to be appointed the governor of Flanders to alleviate the suffering of the oppressed Flemish people.

 

The friends swear to eternal friendship. At this time, Philip II and Elisabeth Valois appear, heading to the temple.

 

 

In the garden of the monastery of Saint-Just, ladies of the court along with Princess Eboli have fun and sing songs.

 

Elisabeth appears upset. Princess Eboli wants to unravel the cause of the queen's mental turmoil and is closely watching her.

 

Di Posa presents Elisabeth a message from her mother, the Queen of France, imperceptibly handing over a note from Don Carlos. Overcoming her hesitations, Elisabeth agrees to meet with the Infante. In love with Don Carlos, Eboli, judging from a conversation between the Marquis and the queen, concludes that the Infante is in love with her.

 

Having met Elisabeth, Don Carlos shares his thoughts. It is imperative for him to leave Spain - let the queen help convince his father to appoint him as the ruler of Flanders.

 

Elisabeth calls on Carlos for obedience, calling him a son. Unable to contain his feelings, Carlos falls to the queen's feet. Elisabeth reaffirms her loyalty to the king. Don Carlos leaves the court in despair.

 

Philip II appears. He is angry, for according to etiquette, Elisabeth is forbidden to be alone. He sends into exile the court lady Countess d'Aremberg, who dared to leave the queen. Elisabeth, offended by her husband’s crude suspicions, says goodbye to her friend in despair.

 

By the order of the king, all leave the monastery garden - only Rodrigo di Posa is ordered to stay. Hiding, Princess Eboli listens in on the conversation. The Marquis boldly tells the king of the situation of the Flemish people and demands to put an end to the plunder and ruin of Flanders. The king is angry, but he is attracted by the courage of di Posa. As a brave knight and honest man, Philip confides in him his concerns regarding the relationship of Don Carlos and Elisabeth.

 

Bidding farewell, the king asks the Marquis to be vigilant and cautious - the Grand Inquisitor does not forgive free-thinking.

 

 

Don Carlos, having received a letter without a signature, arrives at the royal garden at midnight. He is sure that he is meeting with Elisabeth. A lady appears whose face is hidden under a veil. The Infante passionately tells of his love. Demanding a kiss, the woman lifts her veil. Don Carlos is confused - before him is Eboli. Now it is obvious to the princess - the Infante loves the queen. Di Posa appears. Realizing what had happened, he threatens to kill Eboli, but even this could not extinguish her desire for revenge.

 

Remaining with the Infante, Rodrigo asks him to give him all his incriminating documents for safe keeping.

 

 

A square in front of the cathedral in Madrid. There is to be an auto-da-fe - a public execution of heretics. A crowd of people breaks at this sight. Past the crowd convicts are led to their execution. Count di Lerma announces the approach of the king.

 

Philip II appears. He is unexpectedly met by a group of deputies from Flanders lead by Don Carlos. The Infante begs his father to allow him to save the province destroyed by wars, but Philip rejects his request. Carlos grabs his sword and turns it against his father. The king orders the weapon be taken from him, but no one dares to approach the prince. From the crowd of courtiers comes Rodrigo di Posa. “Give me the weapon!” - he firmly orders Carlos. Struck by the betrayal of a friend, Carlos gives him his sword. The king gives Rodrigo the title of duke.

 

The execution of the heretics begins. Above the burning fire, the voice of an angel is heard, which promises eternal rest to the souls of those innocently executed.

 

Night. The quarters of the king. Philip is desperate. Elisabeth never loved him, he will forever be alone.

 

Count di Lerma announces the arrival of the Grand Inquisitor. The king, concerned about the actions of Don Carlos, asks the Inquisitor, can a Christian send his son to be executed?

 

The Grand Inquisitor endorses the death sentence of Don Carlos and requires another victim - Rodrigo di Posa, who threatens the Holy Church and the Spanish state with his free-thinking. The king tries to resist but under the threat of the Holy Tribunal gives up the duke to the hands of the Inquisition.

 

The Grand Inquisitor leaves the quarters.

 

Elisabeth appears. She pleads with the king for protection: someone has stolen her jewelry box. With horror, Elisabeth sees it in the hands of the king. Philip opens the box, among the jewels - a medallion with a portrait of Carlos. Accused of betrayal, Elisabeth faints.

 

Eboli runs in. Seeing the unfortunate queen, she realizes what she has done and confesses to her act: blinded by love and jealousy, she stole the box and handed it to Philip. But that is not all. The princess confesses that she has become the king's mistress. Elisabeth is astounded - let Eboli herself choose the punishment of either the monastery or her exile.

 

Left alone, Eboli vows to save Don Carlos.

 

 

Don Carlos is in prison. Di Posa enters and announces that Carlos will be released - he took the blame upon himself. Rodrigo reminds Carlos of their oath and asks him to give all of his might for the fight to liberate Flanders.

 

Suddenly a shot rings out. Fatally wounded by servants of the Inquisition, Rodrigo manages to tell his friend that Elisabeth will be waiting for Carlos tomorrow night at the Saint-Just monastery, at the tomb of Charles V.

 

The king appears. He came to return the sword to his son. But Carlos will not accept a second-hand weapon from Philip's blood-stained hands.

 

In Madrid, an uprising occurs. The people burst into the prison, demanding the release of the Infante. The angry mob is ready to destroy the king's guard. Philip is rescued by the sudden appearance of the Grand Inquisitor - with the cross and in the name of God, he orders everyone to fall to their knees before the king. The saved monarch also falls to his knees in front of the Inquisitor.

 

 

The last meeting between Elisabeth and Don Carlos before his secret departure to Flanders, where the prince, as promised to his deceased friend, must lead the struggle for the freedom of the country.

 

Suddenly, the king and the Grand Inquisitor appear. Philip demands the death of Carlos and Elisabeth. The Grand Inquisitor agrees. Defending Elisabeth, Carlos grabs his sword and instantly falls mortally wounded. Lightning strikes the tomb. Charles V arises from the crypt. "Whoever has not found peace on earth - will find it in heaven!" says the old emperor.