Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester

About

English nobleman and the favourite and close friend of Queen Elizabeth I (1532-1588)

Quick Facts

Name: Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester
Born: 1532-06-24
Died: 1588-09-04
Occupation: politician / soldier
Citizenship: Kingdom of England
Birthplace: Kenilworth

Relationships

Spouses & partners

SpouseAmy RobsartFrom 1550
SpouseDouglas Sheffield, Baroness SheffieldFrom 1573
SpouseLettice KnollysFrom 1578-09-21
PartnerDouglas Sheffield, Baroness Sheffield
PartnerElizabeth I of England

Family

FatherJohn Dudley, 1st Duke of Northumberland
MotherJane Dudley, Duchess of Northumberland
SiblingKatherine Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon
SiblingMary Dudley, Lady Sidney
SiblingAmbrose Dudley, 3rd Earl of Warwick

Dates reflect listed records; an unspecified end date does not establish current status.

Awards & Nominations

1 received · 0 nominations listed in Wikidata

Year	Award / category	Result
1559	Knight of the Garter	Received

Sources & Credits

Wikidata · Q318017 ↗
Biographical data from Wikidata (CC0). Fact links open the corresponding statements and references.
Portrait source & license ↗

Facts retrieved 30 Oct 2026, 02:19 UTC.