Elizabeth’s foreign suitors
1)Phillip ii of Spain wanted to maintain alliance with England, he was devout Catholic, she couldnt accept a papal dispensation
2) Archduke Charles, member of the Habsburg family, catholic
3) prince Eric of Sweden, Protestant, brother started courting Elizabeth so recalled him
4) 1564 Cecil revived the idea of archduke Charles, partly to undermine position of Robert Dudley, Cecil urged the marriage since England lacked European allies, marriage backed by Norfolk, events in Scotland made her feel more secure so ended the match
5) Duke of Anjou, as spanish relations declined, french alliance attractive, ended on religious grounds
6) Duke of Alencon, wasn’t deeply religious, serious opposition to the marriage from the public, privy council worried she would die in child birth
after 1584 pressure on Elizabeth to marry declines as she was too old