Anjou could be a blend of the historical Anjous, Francois and Henry III.
Season 3 ofThe Serpent Queencould dramatize one ofhistorys most fascinating royal relationships.
Anjous potential connection to Elizabeth I introduces a new dimension.
This suggests a complex and intriguing character, known for his cross-dressing and tumultuous reign.
Before the massacre, he receives a note from Catherine confirming the time for this ruthless act.
This happens again in the final shot after Catherine refers to him as aspareheir to the throne.
Custom image by Yeider Chacon
Elizabeths presence in the story suggestshe could be a blend of the two Anjous.
One was Hercule, later renamed Francois / Francis, Duke of Anjou.
In the show, a child named Hercule died young, killed by the protestant cult.
In reality, he would live until the age of 29 and court Elizabeth I.
At the time, Anjou was 23 and Elizabeth was 45.
Catherine de Medici had already floated the possibility previously, but he was too young, only a teenager.
This time around, the pair seemed compatible, having a similar wit and charm.
Her doctors told her she was still able to bear a child, though certainly it was risky.
It is possible shegenuinely wanted to find a husbandto spend the rest of her days with.
Catherine undoubtedly would have wanted to forge a strong alliance with England during religiously tumultuous times.
She also deeply mourned his death, carrying a miniature of Anjou in memoriam.
He was sent to make an attractive impression verbally.
This piqued Elizabeths interest more than mere letters.
He pursued her hand in marriage following the death of his wife, Catherine Parr.
Robert Dudley
Elizabeth was rumored to have been in love with Robert Dudley.
He had a high rank in her court.
However, marrying within her own court would eliminate European opportunities.
However, Elizabeth did not reciprocate Eric’s feelings.
Archduke Charles of Austria
Charles was another example of Catholicism complicating matters.
Religion stood in the way of their alliance.
Francois, Duc dAnjou
Francois was one of Elizabeth’s most persistent suitors.
Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex
Robert Dudley’s step-son and one of Elizabeth’s favorites.
He was also a member of her Privy Council.
He was executed for treason in 1601.
Thereligious conflict is rightly prominentinThe Serpent Queenseries, and this is a key factor that doomed their romance.
We want to give them more.
This would give viewers the best of both worlds.
Anjou as a LGBTQ+ character would dramatize a fascinating part of royal history with known facts about Henry III.
