Beyond Death

I have always found the concept of a motto fascinating, a short phrase that encapsulates everything a person represents and wants to convey to others. In royal families, every member had a motto, and often more than one, as these would change depending on the role they held. It was not uncommon, for example, for a sovereign to change their motto upon coronation.

Richard III, as a young Duke of Gloucester, adopted the passionate “Tant le desiree,” which means “I desire it so much” or “I have desired it so much.” In these few words, we see the fervor that characterized young Richard, a passion that accompanied him throughout his life, even as king. When he ascended to the throne, he changed his motto to “Loyaulte me lie,” meaning “Loyalty binds me.”

This was also a strong and meaningful motto, reflecting the image of a loyal man, determined to act always in the name of justice. Richard demonstrated loyalty to the very end, personally fighting against the Tudor army in the hope of avoiding further bloodshed and ending the Wars of the Roses. Unfortunately, fate decided otherwise.

This brings me to my reflection.

Elizabeth of York, as a young princess, chose a motto that I find extraordinarily fascinating and full of character: “Sans remevyr,” inspired by Old French, which was very popular at the time. Its meaning, “Without ever changing,” reflected the resolve of a young woman loyal to her house, herself, and her convictions. It was a proud declaration, typical of youth, to proclaim to the world that she was steadfast and devoted to the white rose of York.

Photo by British Library

Elizabeth’s motto appears in a manuscript of one of the masterpieces of courtly literature, The Romance of Tristan, alongside another inscription: “This book belongs to Richard, Duke of Gloucester.” (It’s interesting to note that Richard signed all his books, but that’s a story for another post.)

With the death of Richard III and her marriage to Henry Tudor, Elizabeth’s life changed radically, as did her motto. From the proud “Sans remevyr,” she shifted to the rather questionable “Humble and Reverent.” This change has always raised many questions for me. How does one go from such a strong, commanding motto to one that exudes submission? It’s hard not to think of external influence… but I won’t dwell too much on this, or I’ll be accused of always picking on Margaret Beaufort. Oops, I mentioned her name!

However, my intention is not to criticize the change in Elizabeth of York’s motto, but rather to open a discussion on a topic I find curious and intriguing. Her granddaughter, Elizabeth I, chose the personal motto “Semper eadem,” which means “Always the same.”

And here is the crux of my reflection: Did Elizabeth I wish to pay homage to her grandmother?

“Semper eadem” and “Sans remevyr” have conceptually similar meanings: both convey the idea of constancy, of remaining true to oneself. Elizabeth I, who bore her grandmother’s name, might have sought to honor her by choosing a motto that echoed her youthful one, more authentic and fitting than the “Humble and Reverent” imposed later.

Perhaps we will never know. However, we do know that Elizabeth I was not unfamiliar with such tributes. Her famous mother-of-pearl ring (Chequers Ring) contains a portrait of herself alongside that of another woman, traditionally identified as Anne Boleyn. But could it really be her mother? Even this ring could spark debates and endless interpretations.

If Elizabeth I did indeed draw inspiration from her grandmother’s motto, it would not be surprising. The beauty of history lies precisely in its ability to leave doors open for new discoveries and discussions. And that is what makes historical debates so fascinating: the continuous dialogue between past and present.

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