How did Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale end?
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is the latest installment in the beloved British drama
WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
The much-anticipated Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale has finally hit the big screen, reports the Express.
Creator Julian Fellowes has confirmed this will be the final chapter for the current cast of Downton Abbey, though he hasn't dismissed the possibility of future spin-offs.
The film introduces new characters and stunning locations to the Downton Abbey universe, marking a significant turning point as the next generation prepares to take over the estate.
Fans are eager to discover how the epic period drama concludes
Here's a rundown on the ending, including the main highlights.
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Lady Mary regains her standing
As the film begins, Lady Mary (portrayed by Michelle Dockery) is in a precarious position following her divorce from Henry Talbot (Matthew Goode).
She was ostracised from the Petersfield Ball, with Lady Petersfield (Joely Richardson) requesting her to depart the party to avoid further scandal in the press, but the damage had already been inflicted.
The heiress endeavoured to salvage her reputation through the County Fair, which united the community and fostered a strong connection between her and the locals.
A dinner party attended by renowned playwright and composer Noël Coward (Arty Froushan) also boosted her prestige.
Lady Mary assumes control of Downton Abbey
After facing societal scandal as a divorcée, Mary takes the reins at Downton Abbey.
Her parents, Lord Robert Crawley (Hugh Bonneville) and Lady Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), have relocated to Dower House, formerly the residence of Lady Violet, the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith).
Robert's move cements Mary's authority to manage the grand house as she wishes, with her father effectively stepping back from his role.
Mr Carson and Miss Patmore retire
Downton's longest-serving staff members, Mr Carson (Jim Carter) and Miss Patmore (Lesley Nicol), retire, passing the baton to Andy Parker (Michael Fox) and Daisy (Sophie McShera) respectively.
Mr Bates and Anna's move
Another pair leaving the grand house are Mr Bates (Brendan Coyle) and his wife Anna (Joanne Froggatt), who are moving to Dower House to serve Robert and Cora.
Mary and Edith's fond farewell
After years of rivalry, it seems that Mary and Edith (Laura Carmichael) finally make peace with a tender farewell.
Edith and her husband Bertie Pelham (Harry Hadden-Paton) reside with their children elsewhere, leaving Mary as the sole Crawley in Downton.
Mary is left alone next to Violet's portrait in the great hall, gazing up at her dearly loved, sharp-tongued grandmother.
The final scenes
The film concludes with a series of flashbacks, as Mary reflects on memories of her late husband Matthew (Dan Stevens), her grandmother and also her sister Lady Sybil (Jessica Brown-Findlay), who tragically passed away during childbirth in the third series.
There are also fleeting glimpses into the lives of former Downton residents in their new circumstances during mid-credits scenes.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is currently showing in cinemas