In All Their Glory

Over the years, Elizabeth downsized her Privy Council, her closest advisers, in order to run her government more efficiently. She also made it clear that while she listened to them, the final decision was always hers. She exercised power as firmly as any man, but used her femininity to reinforce her popularity. In her most celebrated speech, just before the defeat of the Armada, she addressed the matter directly. "I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman," she said, "but I have the heart and stomach of a king." Her particular blend of strength and compassion would play just as well in 2008.

© 2007