KING'S LANDING — House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 3 premiered on HBO and HBO Max on July 5, 2026. The episode featured Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen hosting a dinner in King's Landing while addressing military developments and internal political matters.

During the dinner for nobles supporting her claim, Queen Rhaenyra served grilled rat. Ser Torrhen Manderly attended this dinner. Rhaenyra Targaryen accepted Alicent Hightower's advice to declare Aegon II Targaryen dead, after visiting Alicent Hightower and Helaena Targaryen, who are her prisoners in the Red Keep.

Rhaenyra Targaryen also learned that the royal treasury had been removed from King's Landing by Tyland Lannister, and its current location is unknown. A dragonkeeper informed Rhaenyra Targaryen that the Hightower army attacked and occupied Tumbleton. The High Septon refused to crown Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Corlys Velaryon requested that Rhaenyra Targaryen recognize Alyn and Addam as his sons. Rhaenyra Targaryen refused to bestow the Velaryon name on Addam, instead knighting him as Addam of Hull. She also knighted Ulf the White and Hugh the Hammer. Queen Rhaenyra redistributed produce and bread to the people of King's Landing. Alicent Hightower stated to Rhaenyra, "You may not rule and remain yourself." Rhaenyra Targaryen stated, "What the crown demands of you is not plunder but a duty."

Why It Matters

These events detail challenges to Rhaenyra Targaryen's rule, including military setbacks and financial instability following the removal of the royal treasury. Her interactions with Alicent Hightower and the High Septon reflect ongoing political and religious opposition. The knighting of individuals like Addam of Hull, Ulf the White, and Hugh the Hammer, alongside her refusal to grant the Velaryon name to Addam as requested by Corlys Velaryon, indicates her efforts to secure loyalty and resources in a shifting power dynamic. The distribution of food to King's Landing residents and the dinner for her nobles could be interpreted as attempts to consolidate support among both the populace and the elite during a period of conflict.