Elizabeth’s key ministers and advisers

Role of the Privy Council

Elizabeth’s first key task was to surround herself with trusted advisers, a group called the Privy Council .

The Privy Council consisted of 19 chosen noblemen to advise Elizabeth I on domestic and foreign issues. The council met everyday — Figure caption,
The functions of the Privy Council

The Privy Council were a group of powerful appointed by Elizabeth. They advised Elizabeth but did not control her.
Elizabeth chose a small group of 19 men to minimise conflict between them, but she also had to make sure no one member got too powerful or became disloyal.
The council initially met three times a week during her reign and as the influence of the council grew they met every day.
They advised on domestic and foreign issues such as how to handle challenges and threats, when to go to war, relations with foreign ambassadors, and supervising the enforcement of the .

Elizabeth’s main advisors

1. William Cecil - Elizabeth appointed Cecil as the in 1558. He was her most important and guided her wisely for 40 years. In 1571 he received the title Lord Burghley.

2. Robert Dudley - Earl of Leicester and a trusted adviser until he died in 1588. He and Elizabeth were very close and there were rumours that he and Elizabeth were lovers.

3. Sir Francis Walsingham - was in charge of Elizabeth’s secret service and advised on . In 1586, he uncovered the plot that led to Mary, Queen of Scots’ execution.