Who were Elizabeth’s suitors?

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Created by
Sumaya Farah

Cards (8)

  • Individuals:
    Phillip II
    > Philip II had been married to Elizabeth’s half-sister, Mary I, but the marriage proved deeply unpopular and led to domestic instability as a rebellion against Mary (the Wyatt Rebellion) took place because of
    the marriage
  • Individuals:

    Phillip II
    > Phillip II was strongly Catholic, while Elizabeth’s religious policy showed she was a clear Protestant.
  • Individuals:
    Robert Dudley
    > Dudley was Elizabeth’s childhood friend and there was an obvious attraction between them. Rumours about them were rife in court.
  • Individuals:
    Robert Dudley
    > However, long before Elizabeth’s accession, in 1550, Robert Dudley had already married Amy Robsart.
  • Individuals:
    Robert Dudley
    > In 1560, Dudley’s wide was found at the bottom of a flight of stairs with her neck broken. Marrying Dudley was now impossible as it would cause a scandal.
  • Individuals:
    Duke of Anjou
    > He was brother to the French King. His proposal did not gain serious consideration until the 1570s as he was 20 years younger than Elizabeth. The marriage negotiations were based on the need for England and France to become allies against Spain.
  • Individuals:
    Duke of Anjou
    > William Cecil was in favour of the marriage. However, France was a Catholic country and Walsingham and Dudley were firmly against the idea.
  • Individuals:
    Duke of Anjou
    > In the end the domestic opposition due to the historic rivalry with France and its Catholic nature meant Elizabeth did not marry him.