A Recap of Where Each "Downton Abbey" Character Left Off

Although Carson has gone into retirement and settled into a quiet life with Mrs. Hughes, he can't help saying yes when Mary asks him to help with the royal visit. At first, he's not entirely on board with the staff's plot to sideline the royal household. After one snub too many, however, he generally approves of the situation. Mrs. Hughes, likewise, is frustrated by the royal staff and pitches in. When the royal visit is over, they head back home — leaving through the front door at Downton, just for kicks.