ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the nuanced perspective on, and reaction to, female monarchy taken by two Elizabethan ambassadors, Nicholas Throckmorton, resident ambassador at the French court and Thomas Randolph, English agent at the Scottish court. During the first decade of Elizabeth's reign, active female rule was a feature of monarchies and governments throughout Europe: Scotland was governed first by Mary of Guise and then by her daughter, Queen Mary. As a result, Elizabeth's diplomatic personnel were in a unique position to observe, engage with and comment upon the practice of female rule throughout the courts of Europe. Their perception of the practice of female rule was not only based on their opinion of Elizabeth's conduct, but also by comparison with, and observations on, the behaviour of these other queen regnant. An analysis of Throckmorton's and Randolph's are individual perceptions of female monarchy in general. Throckmorton's pragmatic perception of Elizabeth's active role in government was not misguided.
