ABSTRACT
In 1610, the heir to the throne, Henry, had been formally made Prince of Wales, a title he held for two years until his death in the autumn of 1612 from an undiagnosed illness. The playhouses were closed by order of the Privy Council to the Lord Mayor of London:
Whereas it hath pleased the Almightie God, to take awaie the most Noble and Worthie Prince of Wales, to the exceedinge great sorrowe and Greef as well of theire Maiesties, as of all theire deere and lovinge Subiects. And thatt these tymes doe not suite with such playes and idle shewes... wee doe hereby require your Lpp to take speedie and speciall order for the proliibitinge of all Playes, shewes Bearbaytinges, or any other such sighte, within that cittie and lib~ties thereof... (MSC Ii, 88–9)
Despite the recent death of the heir to the throne, and the sorrow and grief of their majesties, arrangements for the Princess Elizabeth's marriage to Frederick, the Elector Palatine, went forward. The formal betrothal took place on 27th December, and the king agreed to shorten the mourning period because the Elector was anxious to return to his country for an impending diet. While plays and idle shows may not have suited the nation's mood, matters were ordered differently at court, where the players were to be in great demand.