Elizabeth I and the influence of Anne Boleyn

The relationship between Queen Elizabeth I of England and her mother is not an extremely well known topic. As most people might know, Elizabeth’s mother, Anne Boleyn, was executed when Elizabeth was very young (she was only  two years and 8 months old). However, many people believe that Anne had a quite important influence in her daughter.

Some people say that the Virgin Queen never mentioned her mother; some others believe that she talked about her mother twice. Whereas she did or she didn’t, it is well known that Elizabeth wore a locket ring with a miniature of Anne Boleyn along with one of Elizabeth herself until her death.

  As the common saying goes, “actions speak louder than words.” Although she didn’t talk about her mother as much as a proud daughter would (perhaps it was something dangerous to do, considering the circumstances in which her mother died), she did have the image of Anne with her, so she probably had some love for her mother –This is a speculation, though.

(Natalie Dormer playing Anne Boleyn for "The Tudors")

Some people claim that, although she wanted a son to please the king, Anne Boleyn loved her daughter Elizabeth. Some says that she visited her when she had the chance and that she enjoyed the little time.  Anne also made sure that her daughter was always treated well, was surrounded by trustful relatives of her and that she had got many gifts and the finest clothes.

Besides the love that Anne had for her, Elizabeth inherited many things from her mother. Not only her eyes and physical features, but her charisma and intelligence also.  Some people think that Anne Boleyn could have been a great queen, but she used her intelligence for her own ambitions. Elizabeth, in the other hand, used her intelligence and qualities to lead England to a golden age.

Anne Boleyn’s life and story also could have been an important part of Elizabeth’s life. Her bad choices and unfortunate decisions may have been crucial for Elizabeth choices and an important influence for the way she lived her life as the Virgin Queen.  Truth be told, Elizabeth was what she was for many reasons, but certainly, Anne Boleyn was an important part of it.