" The next eight years of her life saw a quick succession of stepmothers. There was Jane Seymour who died giving birth to the King's longed for son, Edward; Anne of Cleves who was divorced; Catherine Howard who was beheaded; and finally Catherine Parr. Historians have debated whether the constant bride changing of her father was responsible for Elizabeth's apparent refusal to marry. It is certainly possible that the tragic fates of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard impressed upon her a certain fear of marriage. She never married. That´s why she was called the Virgin Queen. There were many European noblemen who longed to control England, as Philip II. of Spain,and the prince of Austria and the prince of France. Elizabeth kept them in hoping and thus managed the peace with their countries.
As a child, Elizabeth was given a very good education. It had become popular amongst the nobility to educate daughters as well as sons and Elizabeth excelled at her studies. She was taught by famous scholars, and from an early age it was clear that she was remarkably gifted. She had an exceptional talent for languages, and by adulthood, she could speak five languages fluently."