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Queen-zine Home Queen Elizabeth Mary Stuart
 

How did you become the Queen of England?

I became Queen by the will of God, upon the death of my sister, Mary, in 1558, for I was then the only surviving child of Good King Henry. Thus, though a mere woman, I was divinely called upon to rule. I have done this most ably, for I have the heart and stomach of a king.

Why have you not yet married?

Man and wife should have one heart, one will, and one mind, and keep no secrets from each other. Any man I married would have become the king of England. Such happened with my sister, Mary Tudor, when she married King Philip of Spain, and likewise with my cousin Mary Stuart, whose husband caused much trouble in her realm. If I had married, I would not have been able to govern my country with the freedom and security I have enjoyed.

What do you see as the greatest accomplishment of your reign so far?

When I ascended the throne, my country was weak and torn by division among its peoples. Enemies from without threatened to overcome our poor land. Using what tools a weak woman could, I discouraged England’s foes from acting in concert against her and kept her shores at peace until she was ready to fight. Under my rule, reaping the benefits that peace brings, my country has flourished and is rich now in learning and literature.