This post comes from the highlights of Carol Ann Lloyd’s talk on the French Connection at Tudorcon 2024.
The French Connection: Elizabeth I’s Romantic and Political Struggles
At Tudorcon 2024, historian Carol Ann Lloyd captivated the audience with a lively and insightful discussion on one of the most complex aspects of Elizabeth I’s life: her romantic entanglements with French suitors. In her talk, Carol Ann dived deep into Elizabeth’s political maneuvering, the influence of her French suitors, and the unique challenges she faced as England’s “Virgin Queen.”
The Unexpected First Suitor: A French Prince
Elizabeth I’s journey through the world of marriage politics began before she was even a year old. As Carol Ann highlighted, her first potential suitor was a French prince, a younger son of Francis I. This proposal was encouraged by Elizabeth’s mother, Anne Boleyn, who had deep ties to France. Anne’s experience in the French court played a crucial role in shaping this early offer. However, despite the promise it held, the union never materialized.
The proposal was particularly significant because, at the time, Elizabeth was Henry VIII’s only legitimate heir. As Carol Ann explained, this was the only period in Elizabeth’s life where she was considered legally legitimate, making the match even more important in solidifying England’s political ties with France.
Illegitimacy and Marriage Pressure
By the time Elizabeth reached adulthood, her illegitimacy had been officially declared following her mother’s downfall. Despite this, suitors continued to approach, and Carol Ann explored the various proposals from powerful foreign figures like Philip of Spain and Archduke Charles of the Holy Roman Empire. The political stakes of her marriage were high—her choice could determine the religious and political direction of England.
Yet, Elizabeth remained firm. Her famous line, “everything depends upon the husband this woman may take,” reflects how much the world believed her decision would shape the future. However, Elizabeth wasn’t prepared to let anyone else determine her fate, and as Carol Ann noted, she deftly kept suitors waiting while ensuring England’s stability.
The Persistent French Connection: Catherine de Medici’s Sons
The most persistent offers came from France, through the ambitious Catherine de Medici. Carol Ann painted a vivid picture of the rivalry and determination of Catherine, who was eager to marry one of her three sons to Elizabeth. The back-and-forth negotiations spanned decades, with Catherine’s proposals shifting from one son to the next—first Charles IX, then Henry, and finally, the young Hercule François, Duke of Anjou.
Carol Ann emphasized how politically important these offers were. At various points, France posed a significant military and religious threat to England, and a French marriage could have secured peace and stability. Catherine’s relentless attempts also signaled France’s desperation for an alliance with Protestant England, a surprising twist given the religious climate of the time.
A Courtship Gone Wrong: The “Frog” Prince
One of the most humorous yet telling parts of Carol Ann’s talk was her recounting of Elizabeth’s courtship with Hercule François, who Elizabeth affectionately referred to as her “frog.” While the idea of a marriage between Elizabeth and the much younger French duke seemed far-fetched to many, it reflected Elizabeth’s careful balancing act between personal affection and political strategy.
Carol Ann detailed how the Duke of Anjou even traveled to England twice, something no other foreign suitor had done. Despite the potential benefits of a French alliance, Elizabeth ultimately turned him down, marking the end of her serious courtship efforts.
The End of Marriage Talks: Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen
The culmination of Elizabeth’s marriage discussions came with the departure of the Duke of Anjou in 1582. Carol Ann described this poignant moment, noting that after years of political and personal negotiations, Elizabeth finally seemed to accept her destiny as the Virgin Queen. A poem written by Elizabeth upon his departure—filled with longing and loss—marks the last chapter in her romantic life.
From that moment, Elizabeth embraced her singular role as ruler of England, independent of any foreign power. She would go on to strengthen her legacy as one of the most successful monarchs in British history, unmarried and unconquered.
The Lasting Legacy of the French Connection
Carol Ann’s talk shed new light on the influence of French suitors in shaping Elizabeth’s political decisions and public image. Her refusal to marry, despite immense pressure from her counselors and parliament, remains one of the defining features of her reign. Yet, as Carol Ann pointed out, the French connection persisted, from Elizabeth’s early suitor as a baby to the Duke of Anjou’s persistent pursuit.
In the end, Elizabeth’s choice to remain single helped secure her power and transformed her into the iconic figure of the Virgin Queen. The political calculations behind this decision, and the fascinating roles played by France, give us a deeper understanding of Elizabeth’s reign and the extraordinary challenges she faced as a woman in power.
To explore these fascinating stories and more, you can gain full access to the Tudorcon 2024 video collection. Learn directly from expert historians about the intricacies of Tudor life, politics, and power—right from the comfort of your home.
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Heather Teysko is the creator, writer, and producer of The Renaissance English History Podcast, the original Tudor history podcast, started in 2009. She's been writing about history online for over 25 years, since her first site on Colonial American history became number one in history on Yahoo in 1998. In 2019 she created Tudorcon, which is now a yearly event, in addition to writing books, and running TudorFair.com - a whimsical Tudor Merch shop. She has been passionate about Tudor England since she first read Alison Weir's The Six Wives of Henry VIII 20 years ago, and subsequently moved to London after college to spend her time immersed in Tudor history.