That Time Ivan the Terrible Wanted to Marry Queen Elizabeth I

25/10 23:30 - That Time Ivan the Terrible Wanted to Marry Queen Elizabeth I
Queen Elizabeth I, known as the Virgin Queen, ruled over England for nearly 45 years and never married. She didn't see the upside of having a husband, but that didn't stop her from using her single status for political purposes. Marriages between royalty meant alliances, and the possibility of marrying a sitting monarch was tempting to numerous other rulers. Elizabeth kept the option of beginning vague and discrete diplomatic negotiations with nations that were either threatening England or had something she wanted. Ivan the Terrible was the Russian tsar, and prized closer relations with England, but he was a terrible match for Elizabeth. He was a murderous despot who had already outlived several wives. The tsar didn't want to take no for an answer, no matter how vague Elizabeth's rejection by proxy was. His rage caused him to insult the queen and shatter a trade agreement with England. But there is evidence that Ivan tried to court Elizabeth long distance a second time. Even after that, he kept up a dream of marrying another English royal. Read how the queen broke the tsar's heart, or more likely his pride, at Smithsonian. (Image collage by Meilan Solly) ...