Queen Elizabeth I facts and myths
Did Elizabeth I have red hair? Was she really a virgin? Sift the facts from the fiction surrounding Elizabeth I
Elizabeth had many lovers - MYTH
Famously, Elizabeth lived and died as the 'Virgin Queen', resistant to being married off and obviously childless.
However, Elizabeth had many favourites and close friends who were men, including Robert Dudley, Walter Raleigh, Francis Drake, and Robert Devereux, as well as many prominent suitors, including many of the crown rulers of Europe and their heirs.
A painting of Sir Francis Drake wearing black with a grey ruff and holding a sword
Sir Francis Drake (1540–96) BHC2662
We may never know if Elizabeth had non-platonic relationships with any of them, though no evidence has ever conclusively proved that she took lovers or companions before or after taking the crown.
Elizabeth loved a sweet - FACT
Elizabeth had a notoriously sweet tooth, and had a particular taste for candied violets. Eventually, the sugar cane caused many of her teeth to go black.
