The Complex Childhood of Mary I and Elizabeth I

The relationship between Mary I and Elizabeth I during their childhood was complex and often strained, shaped by the political and personal turmoil within their family. This period set the stage for their later lives and roles as queens.

Background Context

Both Mary I and Elizabeth I were born to Henry VIII, but into very different circumstances. Mary was born in 1516 to Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, while Elizabeth was born in 1533 to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. The marriage of Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn and the subsequent birth of Elizabeth led to a significant shift in the royal family dynamics, particularly affecting Mary.

Childhood Separation

After Anne Boleyn's execution in 1536, Elizabeth was declared illegitimate and was treated less favorably by their father. Mary, on the other hand, was initially more favored. This led to a separation in their upbringing. Mary was raised in a more traditional Catholic environment, while Elizabeth was influenced by the Protestant reformation that was gaining momentum in England.

Political Rivalry and Limited Interaction

As they grew older, the political implications of their births and their claims to the throne created a competitive atmosphere. Mary, as the elder and legitimate daughter of Henry VIII, was the first in line for the throne, while Elizabeth's status was more precarious. Their limited interaction during their formative years, especially after their mothers' fall from grace, resulted in a tense relationship marked by the tension of their differing statuses and the changing political landscape.

Early Childhood Tensions and the Formative Years

Their relationship evolved dramatically after both ascended to the throne. Mary became queen in 1553, and Elizabeth followed her in 1558. The earlier childhood tensions were overshadowed by their roles as queens, with Mary seeking to restore Catholicism and Elizabeth establishing Protestantism. During their formative years, Mary and Elizabeth had limited interaction, although this was not entirely due to mutual dislike.

Formative Years

Henry VIII ordered Mary to work in Elizabeth's household. While Mary was provided with more comfortable conditions and superior treatment than the other attendants, she was still treated as just another maid. This was part of Henry's strategy to force Mary into unpleasant situations until she would finally submit and acknowledge the unlawfulness of her parents' marriage. Unfortunately, this tactic did not work. Despite the political separation, Mary loved Elizabeth deeply, viewing her in a maternal manner.

Mary's Affection and Support

Mary loved her little sister, Elizabeth, very much. Catherine of Aragon, Mary's mother, advised Mary to not marry as long as Henry was alive, and Mary had no reason to believe she would have children. Her attachment to Elizabeth was maternal, and she showered her with gifts, including jewelry, musical instruments, beautiful dresses, books, and substantial pocket money. Mary's care for Elizabeth was evident, and their relationship was marked by affection and mutual support, despite the political differences.

The End of Their Childhood Relationship

With King Henry's death, Elizabeth chose to live with Catherine Parr, and their contact became much more limited. Despite the lack of surviving letters, Mary and Elizabeth did correspond, and Mary may have been involved in Elizabeth's early schooling before being replaced by formal tutors. The main interaction between them came during their visits and holidays at Edward VI's court, where Mary taught Elizabeth valuable skills such as placating and stalling.

Wyatt's Rebellion and Later Incidents

Even after Wyatt's rebellion, their relationship was portrayed as tense, but recent scholarship suggests that Mary's feelings towards Elizabeth remained strong until the end. It is important to note that Mary did not know about the inappropriate behavior from Thomas Seymour and would have immediately intervened if she had known. Despite the political tensions and rebellion, Mary's love for Elizabeth remained unchanged.

Conclusion and Historical Significance

The childhood relationship between Mary I and Elizabeth I, though complex and often strained, was marked by love, affection, and mutual support. Their journey from young sisters to queens reflects the political and religious turmoil of the Tudor era and provides a fascinating glimpse into the personal relationships of the last two Tudor monarchs.