Describe Queen Elizabeth I's relationship with her cousin, Frances Howard.

Queen Elizabeth I's relationship with her cousin, Frances Howard, was a complex and tumultuous one. Frances Howard, also known as Lady Frances Devereux, was the daughter of Lettice Knollys, who was Queen Elizabeth's first cousin and a close confidante.

Initially, Queen Elizabeth had a warm and affectionate relationship with Frances Howard. As a child, Frances was often present at court and was even considered a potential heir to the throne due to her close blood ties with the Queen. Elizabeth took a keen interest in Frances' upbringing and education, ensuring that she received a high-quality education befitting her royal lineage.

However, their relationship took a turn for the worse when Frances secretly married Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex, without the Queen's permission. This marriage was seen as a direct challenge to Elizabeth's authority, as she had not granted her consent for the union. The Queen was deeply hurt and angered by this betrayal, and she banished Frances from court as a result.

Despite this rift, Queen Elizabeth's feelings towards Frances seemed to soften over time. After the death of her husband, Robert Devereux, in 1601, Frances found herself in a vulnerable position. Elizabeth, displaying a sense of compassion, allowed Frances to return to court and even granted her a pension to support herself. This gesture suggests that the Queen may have still cared for her cousin, despite the past transgressions.

Overall, Queen Elizabeth I's relationship with her cousin, Frances Howard, was marked by a mixture of affection, betrayal, and eventual reconciliation. It serves as a testament to the complexities of Elizabeth's personal relationships and her ability to forgive, albeit with certain conditions.