The Winter Queen

Elizabeth Stuart, aka Queen of Bohemia, The Winter Queen.

Born 19th August 1596 to James I of England (James VI of Scotland), Elizabeth is a queen that history has forgotten.

Growing up in Scotland, Elizabeth was destined to be a powerful force for the Protestant cause in Europe in her later life.

Elizabeth had a pretty standard upbringing, for a princess. Her father being the target of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Elizabeth was just 9 years old. Her education consisted of geography, natural history, languages, theology, writing, music and dancing. The only thing missing was Latin, as her father believed that “Latin had the unfortunate effect of making women more cunning”. Her father, James I, was responsible for the Witchcraft Act of 1604. Just saying.

Elizabeth became fluent in many languages, including French, which would become useful in later life, as this is how she would talk to her future husband.

As a young princess, Elizabeth was quite a catch in Europe. The lucky winner of Elizabeth’s hand was Frederick V, Count Palatine of the Rhine. The couple got married on Valentines Day 1613 in the Royal Chapel at Whitehall Palace in London. The lovebirds were both 16 years old when they got married, pretty standard for the time. In November 1619 Elizabeth became Queen of Bohemia when her husband accepted the throne. Their reign was short, ending in November 1620. Elizabeth became known as The Winter Queen because her reign only lasted one winter. No prizes for guessing that Freddie was known as the Winter King.

Both were exiled in 1620, retreating to Germany from Prague. Elizabeth and Frederick were not idle whilst in Berlin, producing 8 children, which made the grand total of 13 children during their marriage. No TV back then. 

Frederick died in 1632, Elizabeth living on for another 30 years, in mourning. Her rooms were draped in back until the day she died. During the Thirty Years War, Elizabeth was a staunch supporter for the Protestant cause in Europe, inspiring both poets and statesmen as well as becoming a patron of the arts. Elizabeth also managed to secure her son, Charles Louis, as The Electorate of the Palatinate, as was his right as Frederick's heir.

In 1660, things had calmed down in England and Scotland (long story) and Elizabeth returned to England in 1661. She set up house in Westminster, where she would spend her final days. Elizabeth died 13th February 1662 aged 66.

Elizabeth’s youngest daughter, Sophia, later Sophia of Hanover, gave birth to a son who would become George I, King of Great Britain and Ireland. Our reigning Queen Elizabeth II can be traced back to Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia.