One of Elizabeth's tutors wrote, .
"Her perseverance is equal to that of a man, and her memory long keeps what it quickly picks up. She talks French and Italian as well as she does English. When she writes Greek and Latin, nothing is more beautiful than her handwriting. She delights as much in music as she is skillful in it." .
As the years progressed, however, King Henry seemed to forget his daughter Elizabeth. Her clothing had become too small for her and in a desperate plea her governess wrote to the King, stating that the princess "hath neither gown, nor kirtle, nor petticoat." When she was 12 years old, she somehow upset King Henry, who, in turn, forbids her to be in his presence. Elizabeth is known for being headstrong and stubborn, and this incident only made her more loyal to her father. .
After Edward's mother, Jane Seymour, died, Elizabeth and the "Crown Prince," developed a close relationship. Elizabeth's friendship with Edward made her important in the court and Elizabeth, previously neglected as only a second daughter, now became something almost special in the eyes of most.
King Henry died in his bed at Whitehall palace January 28, 1547 at fifty-five years of age. Edward ascended to the throne at age nine soon after his father's death. Because he was at such a young age, he was appointed an advisor, Duke of Northumberland, until he came to an age when he was declared fit to rule. Edward was a sickly child and he died in 1553 at age 16, leaving no heir. .
After Edward's death, Mary met many problems on her accession to the throne, however, she was crowned Queen on July 19, 1553. Mary, naturally, because she was raised catholic, changed the religion of England back to Catholicism. Mary had gained the title of "Bloody Mary" for the amount of people she had executed. Mary even imprisoned Elizabeth in the tower of London, then under house arrest as she feared she would be overthrown.
