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Primary sourceLetter20 September 1552

Princess Elizabeth's Autograph Letter to Edward VI

Elizabeth I of England · 20 September 1552

A handwritten letter in Latin from the young Princess Elizabeth to her half-brother King Edward VI, written in 1552.

Written by Elizabeth as a young princess, this letter shows her early education and her relationship with her brother King Edward VI.

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Handwritten letter in iron-gall ink on yellowed paper, in a cursive secretary-style hand with decorative flourishes at the opening and signature. The text is in Latin and ends with the date Ashridge, 20 September, and a signature reading Elizabeth.
Princess Elizabeth, letter to Edward VI, 20 September 1552. British Library, Harley 6986, fol. 23r.

About this source

What it is

This is an autograph letter written by Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth I, to her brother King Edward VI. It is dated from Ashridge, 20 September 1552, and is held today in the British Library.

Why it matters

Written years before she became queen, this letter shows Elizabeth's education and relationship with her brother the king. Her careful Latin and elegant handwriting reflect the training given to a royal child of the Tudor court.

Look closer

  • What does the handwriting style tell you about how people were taught to write in the 1500s?
  • Why might a young princess write to her brother in Latin rather than English?
  • What might this letter suggest about Elizabeth's relationship with Edward VI?

This letter is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Elizabeth I on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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