A new book details the Russian ruler’s failed courtship of the Tudor queen, who famously remained unmarried during her nearly 45-year reign

Sophie Shorland |

October 23, 2026 7:45 a.m.

In a 1574 letter to Elizabeth I, Ivan the Terrible wrote, “If you wish for more amity and friendship from us, ponder upon that subject and do that business by which you may increase our amity toward you.” Illustration by Meilan Solly / Images via Wikimedia Commons under public domain

In October 1570, Ivan the Terrible ended a letter to Elizabeth I with the explosive line “I spit on you and your palace.” Unfortunately, the Russian czar had just murdered his most capable foreign ministers in a purge, meaning there was no one left who might have been able to restrain his language somewhat.

Although badly rendered from the Russian and perhaps more equivalent to “awesome,” as in inspiring awe, Ivan’s epithet of “Terrible” was justly earned: He was mercurial, fond of torture and ever ready to scapegoat someone else for his own…