Who said “I would rather be a beggar and single than a queen and married.”?

Verified

Elizabeth I. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceStatement to the envoy of Ulrich, Duke of Württemberg while discussing a proposal of marriage to the duke's son, Christoph. (26 January 1563), quoted by J. Horace Round in "A Visit to Queen Elizabeth," The Nineteenth Century magazine (October 1896)

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“I would rather be a beggar and single than a queen and married.”
— Elizabeth I
VerifiedStatement to the envoy of Ulrich, Duke of Württemberg while discussing a proposal of marriage to the duke's son, Christoph. (26 January 1563), quoted by J. Horace Round in "A Visit to Queen Elizabeth," The Nineteenth Century magazine (October 1896) · evidenceMarriage
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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Statement to the envoy of Ulrich, Duke of Württemberg while discussing a proposal of marriage to the duke's son, Christoph. (26 January 1563), quoted by J. Horace Round in "A Visit to Queen Elizabeth," The Nineteenth Century magazine (October 1896).

APA

I, E. (n.d.). I would rather be a beggar and single than a queen and married. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/27744-i-would-rather-be-a-beggar-and-single/

MLA

I, Elizabeth. “I would rather be a beggar and single than a queen and married.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/27744-i-would-rather-be-a-beggar-and-single/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

I, Elizabeth. “I would rather be a beggar and single than a queen and married.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/27744-i-would-rather-be-a-beggar-and-single/.

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