Historian A: A. G. Dickens – Political Threat Perspective

'Dickens argues that Mary Queen of Scots was the most serious threat to Elizabeth because of her legitimate claim to the English throne and her potential to rally Catholic opposition. He emphasizes her political importance and her potential to be a focal point for Catholic plots, which made her a direct challenge to Elizabeth’s authority. Dickens views her as a key figure in the Catholic opposition that threatened Elizabeth’s Protestant rule, thus portraying her as a significant political danger.'

Historian B: Alison Weir – Social and Personal Threat Perspective

'Weir contends that Mary Queen of Scots represented a more personal and social challenge to Elizabeth. She highlights the close familial ties and the personal rivalry between the two queens, which fueled political tensions. Weir suggests that Mary’s influence was as much rooted in her social position and personal relationships as in her political claims. She emphasizes the danger posed by Mary’s potential to undermine Elizabeth’s authority through her social and religious influence.'