Of Honour and Innocence: Royal Correspondence and the Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots

Abstract

This article considers the diplomatic tension caused by the discovery of
Mary Queen of Scots’ involvement in the Babington Plot and how it was
negotiated in the correspondence of Queen Elizabeth of England and King
James VI of Scotland. Rhetorical strategies of honour and innocence were
utilised within these letters to create narratives that sought to balance the
needs of both monarchs and their kingdoms. While the correspondence did not
prevent the suspension of relations between the kingdoms following Mary’s
execution, they did play a vital role in restoring it shortly before the coming of
the Spanish Armada in 1588.