June 10 - Elizabeth I's Frog

Elizabeth I and Her "Frog" – The Duke Who Could Have Become King 🐸👑

On this day in Tudor history, 10th June 1584, Francis, Duke of Anjou and Alençon, passed away, leaving Queen Elizabeth I deeply saddened. Why did Elizabeth affectionately call him her “frog”? 🐸 Discover the intriguing story of their courtship, political manoeuvring, and the deep affection between the English queen and the French duke. Dive into the Tudor court’s romantic and dramatic moments, including love letters, secret visits, and a public declaration of affection. Was it true love or strategic procrastination? Watch to find out! 📜👑

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“On Monsieur’s Departure”

I grieve and dare not show my discontent,
I love and yet am forced to seem to hate,
I do, yet dare not say I ever meant,
I seem stark mute but inwardly to prate.
I am and not, I freeze and yet am burned.
Since from myself another self I turned.

My care is like my shadow in the sun,
Follows me flying, flies when I pursue it,
Stands and lies by me, doth what I have done.
His too familiar care doth make me rue it.
No means I find to rid him from my breast,
Till by the end of things it be supprest.

Some gentler passion slide into my mind,
For I am soft and made of melting snow;
Or be more cruel, love, and so be kind.
Let me or float or sink, be high or low.
Or let me live with some more sweet content,
Or die and so forget what love ere meant.

(Elizabeth I)

Book recommendation: Anna Whitelock’s “Elizabeth’s Bedfellows: An Intimate History of the Queen’s Court”.

Also on this day in Tudor history, 10th June 1540, King Henry VIII's right-hand man and 'fixer', Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex, was arrested. Find out more in last year’s video -    • June 10 - Thomas Cromwell is arrested