Elizabeth, as portrayed by Cate Blanchett
Top 5 Reasons to Think like the Queen
1. Humility
To her parent's dismay, Elizabeth was born a girl. After her mother's execution, Henry VIII did not acknowledge Elizabeth as daughter or heiress. He abandoned and sent her away to live with her brother and fourth stepmother. Besides this mistreatment, she was also repeatedly molested by Thomas Seymour (stepmother's new husband after king's death). She was often teased by others for her orphaned state and mother's misfortunates. However, being poor shaped her modesty and appreciation for the little things in life.
2. Intellect
The one thing Elizabeth was not deprived of was an education. She received the best from a famous scholar named Roger Ascham. Elizabeth excelled in literature, philosophy and history; also spoke Greek, French, Latin, and Italian fluently. As a clever woman, she outsmarted men by her wit and knowledge. When Elizabeth became Queen, she encouraged education for people of all class. Her love for literature and arts cultivated the rest of England. She embraced festivities such as theatre, music, and dance. The Queen often partook events by playing the lute or dancing with courtiers. Moreover, she loved sports and enjoyed horseback riding, hunting, dog and cock fights.
3. Faith
Elizabeth took over throne when Mary I died in 1558. Despite Mary's attempt for Catholic dominance, Elizabeth kept faith to her belief and supported the English Protestant Church. This was a drastic change to the fate of England's people, as Mary had persecuted Protestants while in reign. Elizabeth's commitment to religion proved her endurance during the time of hardship. Her priorities as Queen were to maintain peace and stability in the country. Being a Protestant in the public's eye gave Elizabeth the responsibility to lead righteously. Her beliefs taught her to become a strong and mindful woman who saw things at its innate value.
4. Etiquette
As expected, the Queen's fashion represented her social status. Her wardrobe was extremely impressive and was always changing. Elizabeth's favorite colors were white and black, as it symbolized purity and virginity. She found admiration in international fashion and had foreign tailors personally sent abroad. This not only quenched her taste, but it influenced political affairs. The appreciation for foreign arts reflected her friendliness and appreciation in culture. Her own trends made a significant impact to English fashion as women gave great effort to dress like their queen.
5. Frugality
What separates Queen Elizabeth and Marie Antoinette as fashion icons were their economic sense. Elizabeth was aware of all surroundings, so it was no surprise she kept a detailed log of all expenses. It recorded Date, Merchant, Material, Purpose, and Price. Used garments were recycled for later use. They were altered, trimmed, and embroidered for the coming style. Some gowns were passed down to nobles. Gift bearers struggled to obtain the richest and rarest garments for the Queen to win her favor. Although no other woman came close to her wardrobe, dresses were altered in simpler and affordable styles for all people.
I believe that the blend of these top 5 traits were what rounded Elizabeth's overall beauty. Her strength as a woman shone right through the courage to take throne and rule the country. Her devotion to matters from simple leisures to complicated political issues proved her wide understanding and knowledge. Protestant or not, she was a great leader who reached out and showed the public what it is to "be golden." Off track note: If I was a royal artist on commission, it would be a pleasure to paint Queen Elizabeth (stare at her for hours and drool at her impeccability) rather than anyone else (i.e. Charles IV of Spain).
