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Elizabeth I's forbidden love
Episode 108

Elizabeth I's forbidden love

Elizabeth Tunstall shines a spotlight on the French suitor who came closest to marrying the last Tudor queen

HistoryExtra Long Reads

August 24, 202518m 21s

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Show Notes

In 1579, Queen Elizabeth I embarked on a romance with a French duke she affectionately dubbed her “frog”. The pair seemed destined for marriage. Yet, writes historian Elizabeth Tunstall in this Long Read, the people of England had other ideas…


HistoryExtra Long Reads brings you the best articles from BBC History Magazine, direct to your ears. Today’s feature originally appeared in the July 2025 issue, and has been voiced in partnership with the RNIB.

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