The Contested Legacy: Elizabeth I or Mary, Queen of Scots?

The question of legitimacy between Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, revolves around their respective claims to the English throne, which were rooted in their family lineage and the political context of the time. Both women possessed compelling claims, yet their fates and legacies were dramatically different.

Elizabeth I: The Protestant Queen

Elizabeth I was the daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Her lineage to the English throne was clear, as her father was the reigning monarch at the time of her birth. However, the validity of her claim was challenged due to the contentious nature of her mother's marriage to Henry VIII. Anne Boleyn was married to the king before the annulment of Henry's marriage to Catherine of Aragon, an act that the Catholic Church did not recognize. Despite these challenges, Elizabeth was eventually recognized as the legitimate queen of England after her half-sister Mary I died in 1558.

Mary, Queen of Scots: The Catholic Heir

Further complicating the matter was Mary, Queen of Scots, who was the great-niece of Henry VIII through her grandmother, Margaret Tudor. Mary's claim to the English throne was based on her descent from Henry VII, making her a legitimate contender in right of her bloodline. Both Elizabeth and Mary were granddaughters of Henry VII, which gave Mary a robust case for the English throne.

The Power Struggle and Religious Tensions

The rivalry between these two women was exacerbated by deeply ingrained religious tensions. Elizabeth was a Protestant, and Mary was a Catholic. This divide created a tense and often hostile political environment. Additionally, there were abundant political intrigues that fueled the conflict. Elizabeth saw Mary as a potential threat to her throne and accused her of plotting to overthrow the Protestant queen. This ultimately led to Mary's imprisonment and, in 1587, her execution.

Parallel Claims: Philip of Spain and Joint Monarchs

While the focus primarily lies on Elizabeth and Mary, it is worth noting that there were other legitimate claimants to the English throne. Philip of Spain, mary's husband, was actually crowned King of England alongside Mary I. He represented a joint claim to the throne through his descent from John of Gaunt, a patriarch of the House of Lancaster. Philip was a foreigner, and his rule was never popular in England.

The question of legitimacy during the late 16th century was further complicated by the inclusion of Protestant and Catholic monarchs. Mary II, who reigned alongside her husband William III, was another example of a joint monarch. William was a foreigner with some ties to the English royal family through his mother, though his rule was solidified after his wife's death. This pattern of joint rule continued with Elizabeth's sister Anne succeeding William III.

The Arguable Claims and Manipulation of Legitimacy

The concept of 'legitimacy' was not an absolute one. Strong leaders could manipulate political structures to proclaim their legitimacy. During Henry VIII's reign, his will was overtaken after his death, a testament to how political maneuvering could redefine what was considered 'legitimate.'

Even Philip of Spain, who had a more arguable claim to the throne, might have regretted his decision to step aside in favor of Elizabeth. By the time of his later conflicts with England, he may have wished to reclaim the throne he had lost. The long-standing wars between France and Spain further complicated the landscape of succession.

In conclusion, while both Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, had legitimate claims to the throne, Elizabeth's manipulation of the political system and her eventual ascension to the throne solidified her legacy as the legitimate monarch of England. Mary, despite her strong claim, was never able to assert her rule due to a combination of political and personal circumstances.