Elizabeth and marriage

• Elizabeth remained the focus of all power since there was no apparent successor
• Elizabeth kept her thoughts on marriage private
• Expected outcomes of Elizabeth marrying

  • Secure the succession, many foreign princes and English noblemen wanted to marry her
• Staying single allowed Elizabeth to keep sole control of English affairs, government, and religion
• Ongoing uncertainty over the throne's inheritance could lead to plots and attacks to overthrow Elizabeth
• Elizabeth chose not to marry in order to protect England’s security and remain independent of foreign influence
• Elizabeth's refusal to choose between suitors from different countries allowed her to keep her options open in foreign affairs and be a strong negotiator
• Plots from foreign Catholic powers, such as Mary, Queen of Scots, were a risk due to the uncertainty of the throne's inheritance
• In 1567 Elizabeth considered marrying Archduke Charles of Austria but his Catholic faith meant there were the same religious differences as with King Philip of Spain, and in the end there was no match
• Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, was an ambitious, good looking courtier. Elizabeth spent a lot of time with him and people thought they were in love, but there was a big problem: he was already married. When his wife was found dead there was a scandal and rumours circulated. This led Elizabeth to withdraw from Dudley as her reputation and position as queen were threatened
• Marriage negotiations went on for nearly a decade with Francis, who was heir to the French throne. There were many political advantages to be gained from this alliance, for example influence over French policy in the Netherlands, and Elizabeth used this to her advantage. However, Francis died in 1584 and after that Elizabeth was destined to be alone
• Privy Councillors and MPs were frustrated because the succession wasn’t settled and they felt this made the country vulnerable
• Elizabeth emphasised her “Virgin Queen” image portraying herself as a monarch who put the stability and security of England before her personal happiness. She would not marry anyone who might jeopardise England’s position
• In 1559, King Philip proposed to Elizabeth. He was a Catholic who had been married to Mary, Elizabeth’s sister. MPs were not in favour of this alliance for fear of causing religious unsettlement and creating a foreign influence in government. Elizabeth cautiously rejected this offer