How was Mary Queen of Scots a threat
Children
Childless monarch is dangerous
It was better to be a queen with a child then be a childless queen
This was a threat as it could offer stability
However people had not given up that Elizabeth may have children one day
She had a child James I in 1556
Husband
His Great Grandfather was Henry VII
Lord Bothwell was a powerful Scottish noble
Lord Danley was dangerous as he had a claim to the throne
Also had the potential to attack England
King Francis II, was a powerful Catholic ruler
Mary had 3 husbands which created more threats
Ancestry
She was the obvious heir to Elizabeth's crown
Mary attracted alot of support since her claim was legit
She was the great granddaughter of Henry VII
Religion
Catholics were prepared to fight back
Many Catholics saw Mary was a legit queen
This means she got a lot of support from Catholic nobles
Gained support from other European countries as they were Catholic
She was a committed Catholic