* Different personalities and styles: Mary was a devout Catholic and a strong-willed ruler, while Elizabeth was a pragmatic Protestant and more cautious in her actions.
* Power struggles: Mary saw Elizabeth as a potential threat to her claim to the throne, while Elizabeth was aware of Mary's claim and the potential danger it posed to her own rule.
* Religious differences: Their differing religious beliefs created a significant tension, and this was exacerbated by the political climate of the time.
* Political rivalry: Mary was Queen for only five years, and during her reign, Elizabeth was considered a potential threat to her power. Although Elizabeth had a strong claim to the throne, Mary had the current power, which created a tense situation between the two.
Evidence of their relationship:
* Mary's initial kindness: While Elizabeth was initially imprisoned under Mary's rule, Mary was initially kind to her. However, this kindness later changed as Mary perceived Elizabeth as a growing threat.
* Elizabeth's cautious approach: Elizabeth remained careful in her public pronouncements, never openly challenging Mary's authority. This may be seen as a sign of respect, but also of fear.
* Limited interactions: The two queens had limited direct interactions, which makes it difficult to gauge their personal feelings for each other.
Overall, it's unlikely they were close or had a particularly warm relationship. Their relationship was primarily dictated by political and religious realities. While they may have had moments of civility, it's likely they were cautious and wary of each other due to the potential threats they posed to one another's power and survival.