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The Tudor Society

September 29 – An intimate moment between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley

On this day in Tudor history, 29th September 1564, Michaelmas, Queen Elizabeth I's favourite, Robert Dudley, was made Earl of Leicester and Baron Denbigh.

Dudley was made earl in a ceremony in front of the Scottish ambassador, Sir James Melville, as the queen was granting him the earldom to make him a suitable potential bridegroom for Mary, Queen of Scots.

There was a moment of intimacy during the proceedings - Elizabeth I tickled Robert Dudley's neck!

Let me explain why Elizabeth I was prepared to marry her favourite off to Mary, Queen of Scots, what happened on this day in 1564, and what happened next...

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September 29 – An intimate moment between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley