I like this theory!

Even if she weren't hoping her little girl would be groomed to be queen, Anne certainly did a good job of ensuring Elizabeth would share her beliefs, even if she didn't realize reform wouldn't be possible and that schism would result, instead. She had to know that, as intelligent as her little girl was, she would be a formidable proponent for her beliefs, given half a chance. So even if she weren't queen, she might still be important and influential. Which, being who she was, would put her in danger as well. So, if she was thinking that far ahead, she was also taking a calculated risk that Elizabeth would be canny enough to avoid those dangers.

It's not exactly fair to compare this to Jane and Edward, because Jane died so soon after his birth, but you can't help but see the different outcomes. Jane's little boy, who she hoped would bring his father and England back to Rome, was instead raised as a rabidly intolerant Protestant. He ultimately had little impact on history, as did his rabidly intolerant, but Catholic, sister Mary. Interesting how things worked out. There were a lot of things that could have prevented the Elizabethan Era, but Anne's intelligence and choices even during the most stressful time of her life, paid off in spades. Hail, Queen Anne! You were far more important than anyone at the time would have believed.

I believe she had the foresight to make sure her daughter wasn't raised as a child of the catholic church. She wanted her daughter to promote the “true religion” as it was then. it was smart of her to have her surrounded by those she trusted. I'm sure she knew deep down that Elizabeth would be queen. no matter what anyone believed, as a daughter of Henry VIII she did have a place in the line of his heirs.. and she proved herself to be the best of them all.. 😉

I think Impish and  Sharon make good points – about even if Anne did not imagine that her daughter would be Queen (it must have looked pretty unlikely at the time) she would surel have seen her as a special child who deserved the best education that could be provided. Maybe it is nice to think of some Grand Destiny and all that, but even if not, it is still a powerful idea, as presented in Robert's article. I think he did something a little while ago on mythology, yes? That there is a kind of Tudor mythology that is taking hold. So when you look at it in that way, it does not matter whether it is factual or not. Like he says at the end, it is an entertaining thought.

For anyone wanting to learn more about Robert's novel (highly recommended):

http://virginandthecrab.ash.com

All very thought-provoking. Great stuff! Thankyou Claire for bringing it to us. Really enjoy this kind of thing.

Hi everyone!
Just to say how glad I am that you enjoyed the article. I am a regular ‘lurker’ here, so if you have any questions, I will be glad to respond sometime.
Yes, Lexi – even if she didn’t speak them, perhaps she would have thought those lines in her head, and then acted on them!
Impish – yes, it does indicates Anne’s intelligence, which is something often overlooked, I think.
Wreckmaster –  I agree, he would certainly have had a shock once he got up to heaven (or the other place) and looked out at what was happening in the world. 1603 and Elizabeth still Queen!
Sabrina – she would have wanted to make sure that Elizabeth carried on what she had begun, for sure. Perhaps she had a vision of how it would work out. I believe these things do happen to people, especially at times of crisis.
Sharon and Rochie – thanks for your comments and links. That was a great film, Sharon, wasn’t it! Anne certainly had vision – I am sure of it.
Claire – thanks again for hosting the article. You have a fabulous site here.